Producer and actor Supriya Yarlagadda has been appointed as one of the 18 members of the newly reconstituted Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The Centre announced the new panel on September 16, marking the first reconstitution of the film certification body since 2017.
Supriya, who serves as the Executive Director of Annapurna Studios, said she views the appointment as an opportunity to bring the perspective of the film and creative industries to the certification process.
Supriya Yarlagadda Calls CBFC Appointment an Honour
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Supriya described her appointment as an honour and said she hopes to contribute her understanding of cinema while learning more about the certification process.
“It’s an honour to be appointed by the Government of India as a representative of cinema on the CBFC. I hope to contribute the perspective of the film and creative Industry while gaining an understanding of the certification process and its mechanics,” she said.
The producer-actor also spoke about the responsibility that comes with being part of the board.
“I receive this opportunity with great respect and will work with other members towards a process that is robust while respecting the integrity of the art form in changing times,” Supriya added.
New CBFC Board Has 18 Members
The newly constituted CBFC board consists of 18 members, with Shashi Shekhar Vempati continuing as its chairperson. According to the government notification, the panel has been constituted with immediate effect for three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
The new board brings together professionals from several areas of the creative sector, including cinema, television, music, literature and theatre.
Among the members are filmmakers Priyadarshan and Neela Madhab Panda, along with actors Preity Zinta, Pankaj Tripathi, Suniel Shetty, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Pallavi Joshi and Rupali Ganguly.
The panel also includes musician Ricky Kej, singer Hansraj Hans, writer Yatindra Mishra and theatre personality Waman Kendre.
Other members named in the panel are Vinod Anupam, Manoj Joshi, Abhishek Jain, Nishigandha Wad and Ramesh Patange.
The Centre said the reconstitution was carried out under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, read with the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024.
Supriya Yarlagadda’s Career in the Film Industry
Supriya has worked across acting and film production and is currently associated with Annapurna Studios as its Executive Director. She has also been involved in film production and recently produced Pallaburusu, directed by debutant filmmaker Uday Chauhan.
A member of the Yarlagadda family, Supriya is the niece of Telugu actor Nagarjuna and has been associated with the Telugu film industry for several years.
Her appointment to the reconstituted CBFC board adds another responsibility to her work in cinema. She will now serve alongside professionals from different creative fields as part of the 18-member panel.
