Govt sacks Pahlaj Nihalani as CBFC Chairman, appoints Prasoon Joshi
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry in a media release said: "In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 (37 of 1952) read with rule 3 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983, the Central Government is pleased to appoint Sh. Prasoon Joshi as Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification in an honorary capacity from 11th August, 2017 for a period of three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier."
He has been replaced by noted lyricist Prasoon Joshi.
Nihalani, who was appointed CBFC Chairman in January, 2015, had a controversial run and had been in fights with filmmakers over the cuts he wanted in their films.
He also drew flak by calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi his "action hero", making public his political leaning.
His recent spats with directors involved the makers of the films "Lipstick Under My Burqa" which explores female sexuality. He also drew flak for beeping out the word cow in a recent documentary on Nobel laureate Amartya Sen.
The government also announced a new board of CBFC.
The names are:
· Ms. Gautami Tadimalla
· Shri Narendra Kohli
· Shri Naresh Chandra Lal
· Shri Neil Herbert Nongkynrih
· Shri Vivek Agnihotri
· Shri Waman Kendre
· Ms. Vidya Balan
· Shri T.S. Nagabharana
· Shri Ramesh Patange
· Ms. Vani Tripati Tikoo
· Ms. Jeevitha Rajasekhar
· Shri Mihir Bhuta
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