Government Appoints Shashi Shekhar Vempati as New CBFC Chairperson

According to the notification, Vempati will serve as CBFC Chairperson for a period of three years from the date he assumes office.

The Government of India has appointed media strategist and broadcasting expert Shri Shashi Shekhar Vempati as the new Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), marking a significant leadership transition at one of the country's most influential film regulatory bodies.

The appointment was officially announced through a notification issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on May 6, 2026.

According to the notification, Vempati will serve as CBFC Chairperson for a period of three years from the date he assumes office.

The appointment follows the elevation of noted lyricist and former CBFC Chairperson Shri Prasoon Joshi to the position of Chairman of Prasar Bharati, India's public service broadcaster. Joshi subsequently stepped down from his role at the CBFC, paving the way for the new leadership appointment.

Leadership Transition at India's Film Certification Authority

The Central Board of Film Certification plays a pivotal role in India's entertainment and media ecosystem, overseeing the certification of films for theatrical release under the Cinematograph Act.

The CBFC is responsible for evaluating films across multiple languages and genres while balancing creative freedom, public sensitivities, legal frameworks and evolving societal standards.

Industry analysts say the appointment of Vempati comes at a transformative moment for India's media and entertainment sector, which is rapidly evolving amid the rise of digital streaming platforms, changing audience consumption habits and increasing globalisation of Indian cinema.

Extensive Media and Broadcasting Experience

Shashi Shekhar Vempati is widely recognised for his extensive experience in media, digital transformation, broadcasting strategy and public communication.

He previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Prasar Bharati, where he played a key role in advancing the digital modernisation of India's public broadcasting infrastructure.

During his tenure, Prasar Bharati undertook several technology-driven initiatives aimed at expanding digital outreach, modernising content delivery systems and strengthening public broadcasting capabilities across television, radio and online platforms.

Vempati is also known for his expertise in:

• Digital media transformation

• Broadcasting policy

• Public communication systems

• Technology integration in media

• Strategic communication and governance

Government officials and media observers believe his background could help guide the CBFC through increasingly complex challenges involving content regulation in the digital era.

CBFC Faces New Challenges in Streaming Era

The appointment comes at a time when debates around film certification, creative freedom and content regulation are intensifying globally.

India's entertainment industry has undergone rapid expansion in recent years, driven by:

• Growth of OTT streaming platforms

• Rising international demand for Indian content

• Expansion of regional cinema

• Increased digital distribution

• Evolving audience expectations

These shifts have placed additional pressure on regulatory bodies such as the CBFC to adapt to changing content ecosystems while maintaining statutory responsibilities.

Experts say Vempati's experience in both traditional and digital broadcasting could prove valuable as the CBFC navigates emerging policy discussions surrounding:

• Digital content regulation

• Film certification reforms

• Freedom of expression

• Audience classification systems

• Technological modernisation of certification processes

Prasoon Joshi's Legacy at the CBFC

Outgoing Chairperson Prasoon Joshi, an acclaimed lyricist, writer and advertising professional, led the CBFC during a period marked by major public debates around cinema, censorship and artistic expression.

Under his leadership, the board handled certification processes for some of India's highest-profile films while also engaging with discussions around evolving content standards in a changing media environment.

His elevation to Chairman of Prasar Bharati signals a broader reshaping of leadership within India's public media and communication institutions.

Government Signals Continued Focus on Media Governance

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said Vempati's appointment is expected to strengthen the functioning of the CBFC and support its institutional responsibilities.

Observers note that the appointment reflects the government's continued emphasis on experienced media leadership capable of navigating the intersection of technology, public communication and content governance.

As India's film industry continues to grow into one of the world's largest and most globally influential entertainment markets, the CBFC's role remains central to shaping the country's cinematic landscape.

Industry stakeholders will now closely watch how the new leadership approaches film certification policy, industry engagement and regulatory adaptation in an increasingly digital-first entertainment environment.