Preity Zinta to Pankaj Tripathi: Meet the 18 new censor board panel members

Actors Preity Zinta, Pankaj Tripathi and filmmaker Priyadarshan are among the 18 new CBFC panel members. Here's everything to know about their careers, popular work and role in film certification.

In Short

• Preity Zinta, Suniel Shetty, Pankaj Tripathi among 18 new CBFC panel members
• Preity Zinta brings her Bollywood stardom and production experience
• Pankaj Tripathi adds his acclaimed acting experience across films, OTT and television

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has a new 18-member panel, which includes some of the most recognisable names from Indian cinema, television, music, theatre and literature. Actors Preity Zinta, Suniel Shetty, Pankaj Tripathi, Manoj Joshi, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Pallavi Joshi and Roopali Ganguly are among those appointed for a three-year term. The panel also includes filmmaker Priyadarshan, musician Ricky Kej, critic Vinod Anupam and several writers and theatre personalities.

So, who are these 18 people and what will they do? Think of the CBFC panel as a group bringing different experiences of Indian entertainment to the certification process. Its members will be part of the body responsible for examining films and taking decisions related to their certification under the existing legal framework.

Here is a closer look at the people joining the new panel.

1. Vinod Anupam

A National Award-winning film critic, Vinod Anupam has spent years looking at Indian cinema beyond just stars and box office numbers. His writing examines films, culture and society, bringing a critic's eye to the panel.

2. Manoj Joshi

You may remember him from Hungama, Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Phir Hera Pheri. Manoj Joshi is a veteran character actor who started with theatre before becoming a familiar face in Hindi, Marathi and Gujarati entertainment.

3. Abhishek Jain

Abhishek Jain played an important role in bringing a new energy to Gujarati cinema with films such as Kevi Rite Jaish and Bey Yaar. He later stepped into Hindi cinema with Hum Do Hamare Do as his directorial debut.

4. Ricky Kej

Ricky Kej brings the world of music to the panel. The three-time Grammy winner has taken Indian sounds to an international audience through acclaimed albums such as Winds of Samsara and Divine Tides.

5. Priyadarshan

If everyday chaos turning into comedy is your thing, Priyadarshan needs little introduction. The filmmaker has directed favourites including Hera Pheri, Hungama, Garam Masala and Bhool Bhulaiyaa.

6. Suniel Shetty

From the action-packed Mohra and Border to Dhadkan and Hera Pheri, Suniel Shetty has moved comfortably between action, romance, drama and comedy. His long career gives the panel another veteran voice from mainstream Hindi cinema.

7. Hansraj Hans

Hansraj Hans brings decades of experience in Punjabi folk and Sufi music. His repertoire stretches from devotional and Punjabi music to film songs. He is known for songs like Tere Ishq Nachaya, Nit Khair Manga and Mere Naina Vich.

8. Supriya Yarlagadda

Supriya Yarlagadda made her acting debut with Akkada Ammayi Ikkada Abbayi, opposite Pawan Kalyan. She later moved behind the camera, working in production and playing an important role in Telugu cinema.

9. Yatindra Mishra

Yatindra Mishra is a poet, writer and music scholar with a deep interest in India's musical heritage. His books have explored the lives and work of legends including Lata Mangeshkar and Ustad Bismillah Khan.

10. Roopali Ganguly

For television viewers, Roopali Ganguly needs no introduction. She became a favourite as Monisha in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai. The actor later reached an even wider audience with Anupamaa, showcasing her range across comedy and drama.

11. Preity Zinta

Preity Zinta was one of Bollywood's defining stars of the 2000s, with films such as Dil Se.., Kya Kehna, Kal Ho Naa Ho and Veer-Zaara. Her career has also extended beyond acting into film production and sports.

12. Nila Madhab Panda

Nila Madhab Panda is a National Award-winning filmmaker known for stories that often engage with social and environmental concerns. His films include Jalpari: The Desert Mermaid and Kadvi Hawa.

13. Pankaj Tripathi

From Gangs of Wasseypur and Masaan to Mirzapur and Stree, Pankaj Tripathi has built a reputation for making even the smallest roles memorable. His understated performances have become one of his biggest strengths.

14. Prosenjit Chatterjee

One of Bengali cinema’s biggest stars, Prosenjit Chatterjee has successfully moved between mainstream Bengali films and acclaimed, performance-driven cinema. His popular films include Chokher Bali, Autograph and Praktan.

15. Pallavi Joshi

Pallavi Joshi has spent decades moving between television and films. She is known for projects including The Tashkent Files and The Kashmir Files, while also working as an actor and producer.

16. Nishigandha Wad

Nishigandha Wad is a popular Marathi actor known for films such as Sarja, Nivadung and Tujhi Majhi Jamli Jodi. She has also worked extensively in television and is known for balancing her acting career with writing and academic work.

17. Waman Kendre

Known for his association with the National School of Drama, Waman has spent decades working on theatre training and helping shape performers and theatre practitioners.

18. Ramesh Patange

Writer, editor and social commentator Ramesh Patange's work explores society, culture and social reform. His books have covered subjects including Dr BR Ambedkar, constitutional values and social harmony.

The 18 members will be part of the reconstituted CBFC, which examines films for certification under the existing legal framework. Their backgrounds are notably varied, spanning acting, filmmaking, music, criticism, writing and theatre.

The new panel takes effect immediately and will serve for three years. Shashi Shekhar Vempati will continue as CBFC Chairperson after being appointed to the post in May 2026.

- Ends