Bhubaneswar, Sep 17: Internationally acclaimed filmmaker, noted odia personality and Padma Shri awardee Dr.Nila Madhab Panda has been appointed as a member of the newly reconstituted Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Government of India. The Government has reconstituted the CBFC with 18 members for a period of three years or until further orders.
Dr. Panda’s appointment marks another significant recognition of Odisha’s contribution to Indian cinema and its growing presence on the national and international cinematic landscape. Dr. Panda serve on the Board alongside several distinguished personalities from Indian cinema and the wider creative sector, including Prosenjit Chatterjee, Pankaj Tripathi, PreityZinta, Pallavi Joshi, Ricky Kej, Suniel Shetty and filmmaker Priyadarshan, among others.
Expressing gratitude, Dr.Nila Madhab Panda said, “I am deeply honoured by this responsibility and grateful to the Government of India for the opportunity to serve on the Central Board of Film Certification. Cinema is a powerful medium that reflects society, celebrates our diversity and creates meaningful conversations. I look forward to contributing constructively to the Board and bringing the experience of storytelling, filmmaking and working with diverse audiences to this important responsibility.”
Dr.Nila Madhab Panda has built a distinguished career through films and documentaries that combine compelling storytelling with social and environmental themes. His directorial works include I Am Kalam, Jalpari, Babloo Happy Hai, KaunKitneyPaani Mein, KadviHawa and Halkaa, while his work has also extended to documentaries, short films and digital storytelling. I Am Kalam brought him international recognition and won numerous awards, while Jalpari and his other films have addressed issues including gender discrimination, water scarcity, poverty, education and climate change. His filmography also includes the Odia film KaliraAtita and the web series The Jengaburu Curse.
Dr. Panda has also made an important contribution to Odia cinema by bringing Odisha’s social and environmental realities to wider audiences. His Odia film KaliraAtita produced and directed by him, explores the devastating impact of climate change and extreme environmental conditions on communities along Odisha’s coast. The film received the National Film Award for Best Odia Feature Film, adding another important achievement to Odisha’s cinematic legacy.
A recipient of the Padma Shri in 2016, Dr. Panda has established himself as a filmmaker whose work connects local stories with universal themes. His appointment to the CBFC adds another national responsibility to a career dedicated to cinema, storytelling and socially relevant filmmaking, while bringing further recognition to Odisha’s creative talent.
