Yet another case of government apathy?

Leela Samson

It is been over two months since the new government assumed office, but two key positions related to the film industry have not seen new appointments. It turns out that both the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the Children Film Society of India (CFSI) do not have a new chairperson yet.

Leela Samson

"My term as a chairperson has ended, but I am holding office till a new appointment is made," says CBFC's Leela Samson. Moreover, she is not keen to continue in this role. "I do not see why the new government would not appoint someone of their choice as a chairperson. Offering me an extension is an assumption and I do not wish to speculate upon it," she says.

She is also quick to point out that she and her team were treated ‘shabbily' by the previous government. "Why would we wish to continue? Governments have little regard for the time of professionals," she says.

Not good for the industry?
A senior filmmaker says that not making key appointments does not bode well for the film industry. "The profile of the persons they choose next will indicate the policies that it will follow," he says.

Elaborating his stance, the filmmaker says the last appointment made by the BJP-led NDA government during its earlier term was that of Anupam Kher, as he was (and continues to be) a BJP supporter. "One wonders whether the Board will be neutral or dictated by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh," says the filmmaker.

No kidding
As far as the CFSI is concerned, chairperson Amole Gupte resigned from his position in February due to health reasons. The filmmaker had said that his health did not permit him to continue with the job.

Filmmaker Vinod Ganatra says that celebrities who have no knowledge about children cinema's shouldn't be appointed. "We should appoint someone who will encourage Indian filmmakers to make more children's films for the CFSI," he says.