# Ricky Kej on CBFC: protect kids but not by sanitising adult cinema 2026-09-19T13:16:53+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej has said his priority on the newly reconstituted Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) will be accurate age-based classifications to empower parents while reducing the need to cut content meant for mature audiences. "Protecting children does not mean sanitising cinema for adults," Kej told NDTV in an exclusive interview. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting appointed 18 members to the CBFC on September 16 for three years or until further orders. The board includes Preity Zinta, Pankaj Tripathi, Suniel Shetty and filmmaker Priyadarshan, among others, with Shashi Shekhar Vempati continuing as chairperson. The reconstitution comes as the industry continues to debate film certification and CBFC-mandated modifications. Kej, a UNICEF celebrity supporter and UN Goodwill Ambassador, said his background as a composer outside film production gives him "an unbiased, nonpartisan vantage point" without industry rivalries. The current CBFC framework has U, UA 7+, UA 13+, UA 16+ and A categories. ## Indian Opinion Analysis Both NDTV and the Times of India report Kej's comments neutrally, with identical framing: Kej is honoured, wants accurate age ratings, and distinguishes protecting children from sanitising adult cinema. Neither outlet challenges Kej's claims about his objectivity or raises the history of CBFC controversies. The coverage is uniform straight reporting. The real test will come when the board faces its first contentious film and must decide whether Kej's stated principles hold against political or social pressure. ## Coverage - ndtv.com (neutral report) Leads with Kej's honour and his children vs adults distinction, no critical framing of CBFC. - timesofindia.indiatimes.com (neutral report) Quotes Kej directly, provides background on CBFC categories and reconstitution, no editorialising. Tags: CBFC, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Preity Zinta, Ricky Kej, Shashi Shekhar Vempati Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/ricky-kej-on-cbfc-protect-kids-but-not-by-sanitising-adult-cinema/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/ricky-kej-on-cbfc-protect-kids-but-not-by-sanitising-adult-cinema/#story-in-brief