Censor Board revamp: Kamal Haasan likely to join the panel

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry, which set up a committee under acclaimed filmmaker Shyam Benegal to revitalize the existing functioning of censor board, may soon include Kamal Haasan to its panel.

Shyam Benegal confirmed yesterday that he has suggested the names of Kamal Haasan and renowned Malayalam filmmaker Shaji Karun to be included in the committee to represent the southern film industries since extensive number of movies are made in the south every year. Kamal Haasan has been a hardcore proponent of artistic freedom for Indian fimmakers and a vociferous critic of the censor board. Eminent Bengali director Gautam Ghosh is also likely to join the Benegal panel to represent the eastern part of the country.

Sources say I &B Minister Arun Jaitley has taken the suggestions of Shyam Benegal in all seriousness and an official announcement on the inclusion of new members can be expected soon.