Censor Board chief skips key meeting with minister

A source said Nihalani was extended an invitation by the minister’s office but he cited ill-health and backed out, fuelling speculation about his imminent exit.

Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on Tuesday held a meeting with Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC) members and discussed ways to ensure more efficiency in its working.

However, CBFC chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani, who has been at the centre of controversies recently, did not attend the meeting.

Rathore had invited board members from across the country. However, due to the short notice, most members could not attend.

The four members who attended the meeting were Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi, Ashoke Pandit and Mihir Bhuta and Vani Tripathi. CBFC CEO Shravan Kumar was also present.

A source said Nihalani was extended an invitation by the minister’s office but he cited ill-health and backed out, fuelling speculation about his imminent exit.

Rathore had told film industry members Monday that the certification process and CBFC’s functioning “will not be hijacked by one person”.

Source:: Indian Express