World · India Bureau
Actors Pankaj Tripathi, Preity Zinta join reconstituted film board
India's central government has restructured the Central Board of Film Certification with a new 18-member panel. The reconstitution brings together prominent figures from cinema and other sectors to oversee film classifications.
LSN India ·
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has exercised its powers under the Cinematograph Act to reorganize the Central Board of Film Certification, establishing a fresh team of 18 members. The move reflects the government's effort to bring in fresh perspectives and diverse expertise to the board responsible for certifying films released in India.
Among those appointed to the reconstituted board are acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi, known for his performances in Hindi cinema and web series, Bollywood actress Preity Zinta, and veteran actor Sunil Shetty. Their inclusion signals the board's commitment to incorporating voices from the entertainment industry itself into its decision-making framework.
The Central Board of Film Certification, commonly known as the censor board, plays a crucial role in evaluating films and assigning age-appropriate ratings before their theatrical release. The board operates under categories such as U (Unrestricted Public Exhibition), UA (Restricted to children below 12 years unless accompanied by parents/guardians), A (Restricted to adults), and S (Specialized/Technical films).
The restructuring marks another instance of the government utilizing its administrative prerogatives to reshape key cultural institutions. The new composition is expected to bring varied professional backgrounds and contemporary sensibilities to the board's functioning, potentially influencing how Indian cinema is evaluated and certified for public viewing.