Key Points
- Vempati succeeds Prasoon Joshi who was elevated to Prasar Bharati chairman on 2 May
- Former Prasar Bharati CEO was youngest and first non-bureaucrat to lead the broadcaster
- Vempati received Padma Shri in January 2026 for contributions to broadcasting and technology
The Union government on Wednesday appointed Shashi Shekhar Vempati, former CEO of public broadcaster Prasar Bharati, as chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for a three-year term, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said.
Vempati succeeds lyricist Prasoon Joshi, who vacated the role earlier this month after being elevated to chairman of Prasar Bharati on 2 May. The appointment takes effect from the date Vempati assumes charge, according to the ministry notification.
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The CBFC, commonly known as the censor board, is a statutory body that vets all films for public exhibition in India under the Cinematograph Act of 1952. The chairperson’s post has historically been a politically sensitive appointment, with the office shaping certification standards for one of the world’s largest film industries.
Digital Broadcasting Background
Vempati, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, ran Prasar Bharati from 2017 to 2022. He was the youngest person and the first non-bureaucrat to lead the broadcaster since its formation in 1997.
During his tenure, he oversaw a digital push at state-run Doordarshan and All India Radio. This included expansion of the NewsOnAir streaming app and an enlarged YouTube footprint for both networks.
After leaving Prasar Bharati, Vempati co-founded AI4India.org under the DeepTech for Bharat Foundation, a non-profit working on access to artificial intelligence tools in Indian languages. He was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honours, in January 2026 for his contributions to public broadcasting and technology.
“Shashi Shekhar Vempati brings with him extensive experience in media, broadcasting and public communication,” the ministry said. “His appointment is expected to further strengthen the functioning of the CBFC.”
Outgoing Chairperson’s Tenure
Joshi, a Bollywood lyricist and former advertising executive, had chaired the certification board since August 2017. His tenure made him one of the longest-serving heads in recent years. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced his move to Prasar Bharati on 2 May.
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The certification board has faced sustained scrutiny in recent years over delays in clearing films, demands for cuts in politically sensitive titles and the handling of streaming-era content that falls outside its formal remit.
Vempati’s background in digital broadcasting is likely to draw early attention to how the board approaches workflow modernisation and online certification processes.
Vempati has also stepped down from the board of the Broadcast Audience Research Council, where he served as a professional director, ahead of taking up the new role, industry publications reported.
Your Questions, Answered
Who is the new CBFC chairperson?
Shashi Shekhar Vempati, former chief executive of Prasar Bharati and Padma Shri awardee, has been appointed chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification for a three-year term.
Who did Shashi Shekhar Vempati replace as CBFC chairperson?
Vempati succeeds lyricist Prasoon Joshi, who had chaired the certification board since August 2017 before being elevated to chairman of Prasar Bharati on 2 May.
What is Shashi Shekhar Vempati’s background?
Vempati is an IIT Bombay alumnus who ran Prasar Bharati from 2017 to 2022. He was the youngest person and first non-bureaucrat to lead the broadcaster. He later co-founded AI4India.org.
What does the CBFC do?
The Central Board of Film Certification, commonly known as the censor board, is a statutory body that vets all films for public exhibition in India under the Cinematograph Act of 1952.