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Former Prasar Bharati CEO Shashi Shekhar Vempati appointed CBFC chairman
Shashi Shekhar Vempati has been appointed chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), replacing Prasoon Joshi who was named Prasar Bharati chairman on May 2, 2026. Vempati previously led Prasar Bharati from 2017 to 2022 and later held roles at UGC, BARC, and the Department of Science and Technology, with recent activity in AI initiatives.
Why It Matters
The CBFC chair's leadership influences film certification policy and the board's digitisation and transparency practices, including the handling of cut lists and censorship approaches. The change coincides with a broader leadership shift at Prasar Bharati.
Timeline
6 Events
Shashi Shekhar Vempati appointed CBFC chairman
May 6, 2026
Shashi Shekhar Vempati appointed chairperson of the CBFC, succeeding Prasoon Joshi.
Prasoon Joshi named Prasar Bharati chairman
May 2, 2026
Prasoon Joshi was named Prasar Bharati chairman; he had chaired CBFC since 2017 prior to his appointment.
Cut lists access halted
2025
The CBFC halted ready access to cut lists in 2025, according to the report.
Vempati ends term as Prasar Bharati CEO
2022
Vempati's tenure as Prasar Bharati CEO ended in 2022, after which he worked in various roles at UGC, BARC, and the Department of Science and Technology.
Censorship period referenced as 2018-2022
2018
The CBFC's censorship activity is noted to have affected hundreds of hours of footage during the 2018–2022 period.
Vempati becomes Prasar Bharati CEO
2017
Shashi Shekhar Vempati assumed the post of Prasar Bharati CEO in 2017, a tenure noted in the article as lasting until 2022.