NEW DELHI: Chairman of the CBFC and celebrated lyricist Prasoon Joshi on Thursday took the stage and engaged in a free-flowing conversation, reflecting on his songwriting and the inspiration behind his celebrated songs. When asked if one must experience the things he writes about, Joshi shared insights into his creative process.Speaking at the Third Annual Storyboard18 Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) Conclave 2025 in New Delhi, Joshi reflected on the challenges of serving as the CBFC chairman. In his own lyrical style, he said, “vivaad ki jagah samvaad,” explaining that he strives to resolve issues to ensure the smooth functioning of film discussions and releases.On being asked about his tenure as one of the longest-serving CBFC chairpersons, Joshi admitted, “It is actually not an easy” position to hold.Comparing the current pressures to earlier times, he said, “We live in a social media era,” adding, “People tend to have strong reactions on both sides once a film is completed.”Highlighting the contrast with earlier decades, he observed, “We live in a very connected world,” and added, “We are living in an absolutely different reality.”The DNPA Conclave 2026 brought together policymakers, media leaders, and industry experts to explore the rapidly changing landscape of news, governance, and digital innovation. Serving as a key industry platform, the conclave featured curated panel discussions and expert-led sessions that examined emerging trends, addressed shared challenges, and outlined a forward-looking roadmap for India’s digital media ecosystem.Discussions focused on the evolving regulatory environment for digital communications and how policy frameworks can balance innovation with consumer protection and industry growth in an AI-driven era. Sessions also highlighted how artificial intelligence is transforming newsroom workflows, content creation, distribution strategies, and audience engagement across platforms.The conclave further explored where audiences turn for credible information, strategies to build and sustain trust, and what defines the new public square in a fragmented, platform-driven media landscape. The impact of regulatory changes on various stakeholders was also analyzed, including who stands to benefit, who bears the costs, and how the ecosystem can remain competitive and inclusive.
