The Government of India has appointed Shashi Shekhar Vempati as the new Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification, ending the tenure of Prasoon Joshi after almost nine years. The appointment was confirmed through a notification issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on May 6, 2026.
Shashi Shekhar Vempati appointed CBFC chairperson after Prasoon Joshi resigns after 9 years
Vempati will hold office for a period of three years from the date he assumes charge. His appointment comes after Joshi stepped down from the post following his elevation to the post of Chairman of Prasar Bharati.
Joshi, who took over as CBFC chairman in August 2017, has overseen a period of change within the board. His tenure was marked by a change in approach, moving away from a strict sensor-driven framework towards a more structured certification system. He consistently advocated for the CBFC to function as an institution that classified films based on age appropriateness rather than making blanket cuts.
A major aspect of his leadership was the promotion of modernization. During his tenure, efforts were made to digitalize the certification process, improve efficiency and reduce delays for film producers. The move was seen as a step towards making the system more transparent and accessible.
Joshi was also known for maintaining open lines of communication with industry stakeholders. Rather than adopting a confrontational stance, he focused on resolving issues through dialogue, aiming to balance creative freedom with social considerations. This approach helped bring some stability to the board after a period filled with public controversies.
With Vempati now taking charge, the CBFC is expected to continue its focus on institutional strengthening. He has experience in media, broadcasting and public communications, which is likely to shape the functioning of the Board in the years to come.
