Close X
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
ADVT 
Bollywood

Shyam Benegal To Head Panel For CBFC Revamp

Darpan News Desk IANS, 01 Jan, 2016 01:55 PM
  • Shyam Benegal To Head Panel For CBFC Revamp
Acclaimed filmmaker Shyam Benegal was on Friday appointed to lead a committee to recommend a holistic framework for the country's film censor board and to suggest changes in the Cinematograph Act, so that artistic creativity and freedom are not curtailed.
 
The committee, formed upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention in the growing issue related to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), has been constituted for "holistic interpretation" of the provisions of the Cinematograph Act/Rules, an official statement said.
 
The decision is in sync with Modi's vision that a milieu should be ensured wherein "artistic creativity and freedom do not get stifled or curtailed and the people tasked with the work of certification understand these nuances". 
 
"The recommendations of this committee are expected to provide a holistic framework and enable those tasked with the work of certification of films to discharge their responsibilities keeping in view this framework," the statement added.
 
Benegal is a Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner, and is credited with films like "Ankur" (1973), "Nishant" (1975), "Manthan" (1976) and "Bhumika" (1977).
 
The other members of the committee include filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, ad guru Piyush Pandey, veteran film journalist Bhawana Somaaya , National Film Development Corporation managing director Nina Lath Gupta, and the joint secretary (Films) in the information and broadcasting ministry as the Member Convenor.
 
The committee has been asked to submit its recommendations within two months.
 
The news comes just days after Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley said that "the time has come to have a look at the role of the certification board... (it needs to be controversy-free”.
 
Now, the newly-appointed team would be expected to take note of the best practices in various parts of the world, especially where the film industry is given sufficient and adequate space for creative and aesthetic expression. The committee would recommend broad guidelines and procedures under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act/Rules for the benefit of the chairperson and other members of the Screening Committee.
 
The staffing pattern of CBFC, currently chaired by filmmaker Pahlaj Nihalani, would also be looked into in an effort to recommend a framework which would provide efficient and transparent user-friendly services. 
 
Ever since Nihalani's appointment in January 2015, the censor board has been mired in controversies for various reasons.

MORE Bollywood ARTICLES

Ready with superhero film script starring Ranbir, Alia: Ayan Mukerji

Ready with superhero film script starring Ranbir, Alia: Ayan Mukerji
Director Ayan Mukerji says he is ready with the script of his upcoming superhero film starring Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt.

Ready with superhero film script starring Ranbir, Alia: Ayan Mukerji

Irrfan Khan excited to work with Waheeda Rehman

"The Song Of Scorpions" also stars Iranian beauty Golshifteh Farahani and Tillotama Shome in key roles.

Irrfan Khan excited to work with Waheeda Rehman

'Big business' for Broadway in India: Indo-American actor Saim Hyder

'Big business' for Broadway in India: Indo-American actor Saim Hyder
As Broadway marked its foray into India with "Beauty and the Beast", Indian-American actor Saim Hyder believes there is a "big business" for the format in the country.

'Big business' for Broadway in India: Indo-American actor Saim Hyder

Sonam crosses 8 Million followers on Twitter

Actress Sonam Kapoor, who now has over eight million followers on Twitter, has thanked her fans for showing so much love.

Sonam crosses 8 Million followers on Twitter

Kunal Kapoor to stage play in US, Pakistan

"Rang De Basanti" fame actor Kunal Kapoor's play “Ek Punjab Yeh Bhi” will soon jet off to a tour of the US, Canada and Pakistan. The actor is happy with the appreciation, and looks forward to enthralling international audiences.

Kunal Kapoor to stage play in US, Pakistan

Big B inspiration for 'Jai Gangaajal' character: Priyanka Chopra

Big B inspiration for 'Jai Gangaajal' character: Priyanka Chopra
Actress Priyanka Chopra, who will be seen playing the role of a police officer in director Prakash Jha's upcoming flm "Jai Gangaajal", says megastar Amitabh Bachchan is the "inspiration" behind her "angry young woman" character in the film.

Big B inspiration for 'Jai Gangaajal' character: Priyanka Chopra