Classical dancer Leela Samson who will be the next censor board chief says no system is perfect but she will create more mature norms

Leela Samson, well-known dancer, choreographer and writer will be the next head of the Central Board of Film Certification. Not everyone in the film industry has taken kindly to this appointment. The South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce has written a letter of protest to Ambika Soni (Information and Broadcasting Minister) asking her to find a more suitable candidate.


Bharatanatyam dancer Leela Samson will be the new Censor
Board chief

Samson, however, dismisses any talks about the handicap of coming from a non-film background. "What is a non-film background?" she asks. "Most of us in India are from non-film and non-cricketing backgrounds. Does it make us any less interested in films or cricket?"

"Just because I am a dancer does not mean I do not watch films," she reasons. When asked about her views on people from the industry who have headed the Censor Board and whether it could lead to a conflict of interest, Samson says such an occurrence might "get uncomfortable if you know all the players or belong to a certain camp." There have been several complaints of partiality raised against Sharmila Tagore, the current Censor Board chief.

Plans for improvement
The dancer however, feels that the film industry is sometimes correct in pointing out that the Board gives 'A' certificates when a 'U/A' certificate could have worked. "No system is perfect. We will try and liberalise the system by creating mature norms," she says.

Samson says she will also try to bridge the divide between creative freedom and social responsibility and "not add to them." She plans to bring about amendments to the Central Board of Film Certification Act 1952 Act and the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules 1983, for which she will consult the members of the industry.

While Samson is unsure about how her experience as a dancer and writer will help in her new role, she says, "I am sensitive to people and to artistic journeys. So that will help." Tagore, who was heading the Censor Board since 2004, ended her tenure on March 31.