Prasoon Joshi Opens Up About CBFC Leadership and Creative Journey at Industry Conclave
In a candid and insightful session at the Third Annual Storyboard18 Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) Conclave 2025 held in New Delhi, celebrated lyricist and Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Prasoon Joshi engaged in a free-flowing conversation about his dual roles in the entertainment industry. The event, which brought together policymakers, media leaders, and industry experts, served as a platform to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of news, governance, and digital innovation in India.
Navigating the Complexities of CBFC Leadership
Reflecting on his tenure as one of the longest-serving CBFC chairpersons, Joshi admitted that holding this position is "actually not an easy" task. He emphasized the unique challenges of the current era, stating, "We live in a social media era where people tend to have strong reactions on both sides once a film is completed." This observation highlights the intensified public scrutiny that accompanies film releases in today's digitally connected world.
Joshi further elaborated on the contrast with earlier decades, noting, "We live in a very connected world, and we are living in an absolutely different reality." To address these challenges, he shared his philosophical approach encapsulated in the phrase "vivaad ki jagah samvaad" (dialogue instead of dispute), explaining that he strives to resolve issues to ensure the smooth functioning of film discussions and certification processes.
Insights into the Creative Process
Beyond his regulatory role, Joshi offered valuable perspectives on his celebrated career as a lyricist and songwriter. When asked about the necessity of personal experience in creative writing, he shared profound insights into his artistic process. While the specific details of his response weren't fully elaborated, his presence at the conclave underscored the intersection of creativity and governance in contemporary media landscapes.
DNPA Conclave 2025: Shaping India's Digital Media Future
The conclave itself served as a critical industry platform featuring curated panel discussions and expert-led sessions that examined emerging trends and addressed shared challenges. Key discussion areas included:
- The evolving regulatory environment for digital communications
- How policy frameworks can balance innovation with consumer protection
- The transformative impact of artificial intelligence on newsroom workflows
- Content creation, distribution strategies, and audience engagement across platforms
Participants explored crucial questions about where audiences turn for credible information in today's fragmented media landscape, strategies to build and sustain trust, and what defines the new public square in a platform-driven ecosystem. The impact of regulatory changes on various stakeholders was thoroughly analyzed, including who stands to benefit, who bears the costs, and how the media ecosystem can remain both competitive and inclusive.
The Broader Context of Digital Transformation
Sessions at the conclave highlighted how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing multiple aspects of media operations. From automated content generation to sophisticated distribution algorithms and personalized audience engagement tools, AI's role in shaping the future of journalism and entertainment was a central theme. The discussions provided a forward-looking roadmap for India's digital media ecosystem, addressing both opportunities and challenges in an increasingly AI-driven era.
The event underscored the importance of collaborative dialogue between regulators like Joshi, content creators, technology innovators, and media professionals to navigate the complex intersection of creativity, regulation, and technological advancement in modern India.
