Composer and multi-Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej has spoken about his new role as a member of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), describing the appointment as both an honour and a responsibility.

The government has reconstituted the CBFC with 18 members for a three-year term. The new board includes actors Manoj Joshi, Suniel Shetty, Preity Zinta, Pankaj Tripathi and Prosenjit Chatterjee, along with filmmaker Priyadarshan and Kej.

Speaking about his perspective, Kej said his background in music could bring a different approach to evaluating films. He said cinema combines visual storytelling with sound, rhythm, pacing and emotional nuance.

Kej also stressed the importance of applying age-based classifications accurately. According to him, clearer ratings could help parents make informed choices while reducing the need for cuts in content intended for mature audiences.

He also highlighted his work involving children and said he remains particularly conscious of how content can affect young viewers.

At the same time, Kej drew a distinction between protecting children and restricting adult-oriented cinema. He said, “protecting children does not mean sanitising cinema for adults.”

Kej also said his regular theatre-going habit and long-standing interest in global cinema would inform his approach to the board. His comments come amid continuing industry discussions around certification decisions, film cuts and delays.