Interact more with industry, Ministry tells censor board

Amid the uncertainty surrounding the future of Central Board of Film Certification Chairman Pahlaj Nihalani over his tiff with the film industry on the censorship issue, the Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry has asked the Board members to interact more with the industry.

Industry members have demanded the removal of Mr. Nihalani for what they call his autocratic ways in stifling creative freedom.

Mr. Nihalani had controversially introduced a list of “cuss words” to be banned from films, making him unpopular with artistes and film enthusiasts.

At a meeting with Board members on Tuesday, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore called for a regular forum of interaction with the industry.

Mr. Rathore endorsed the idea of conducting a national-level survey on important issues relating to the Board by engaging a professional agency, Shravan Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, told The Hindu .

The members shared their experiences with Mr. Rathore and gave suggestions to improve the certification system.

Mr. Rathore assured them of his support in strengthening and streamlining it, including the online one.

The absence of Mr. Nihalani from a meeting with members of the film industry on Monday and with Mr. Rathore and other board members on Tuesday has fuelled speculation that he could soon be out.

Mr. Nihalani, however, said he stayed away as he was ill.