The Government of India has officially appointed Shashi Shekhar Vempati as the new Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), replacing Prasoon Joshi, who served in the position for nearly nine years. This change was announced through a notification from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on May 6, 2026.
Vempati will serve a term of three years starting from when he takes over. His appointment comes after Joshi stepped down to become the Chairman of Prasar Bharati.
Joshi, who assumed his role in August 2017, led the CBFC during a significant transitional period. He shifted the organization’s approach from strict censorship to a more structured system that focuses on film certification based on age appropriateness, rather than enforcing heavy cuts.
One of Joshi’s major contributions was his push for modernization within the CBFC. He sought to digitize the certification process, which made it more efficient and reduced delays for filmmakers. This move aimed to enhance transparency and accessibility within the certification system.
Additionally, Joshi was known for his approach to maintain open communication with industry stakeholders. Instead of being adversarial, he preferred to resolve issues through dialogue, balancing creative expression with societal values. This helped stabilize the board after years of public scrutiny.
With Vempati now at the helm, the CBFC is expected to enhance its institutional framework. His background in media, broadcasting, and public communication is anticipated to positively influence the board’s operations in the near future.
