NEW DELHI: Even as noted Bharatnatyam dancer Leela Samson has been appointed Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification, noted Delhi-based lawyer has been made Chairperson of the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal.

Samson, who is also a choreographer, instructor and writer, is also the Chairperson of Sangeet Natak Akademi, India‘s National Academy for Music Dance and Drama.

The appointment of Samson is in an honorary capacity from 1 April 2011 for a period of three years, and she succeeds senior thespian Sharmila Tagore.

As a soloist, Samson has been known for her technical virtuosity, and taught Bharatnatyam at Shriram Bhartiya Kala Kendra in Delhi for many years. She is the Director of Kalakshetra, the institute for the classical arts founded by the Late Rukmini Devi Arundale. She has been awarded the Padma Shree for her contribution in the field of arts.
 
Bhasin‘s appointment is also for a period of three years. Bhasin is also the Vice-President of the Bar Association of India. He is Chairman of the Services Export Promotion Council, established by the Commerce Ministry and a Member of the ICC International Court of Arbitration apart from being a Member of the Task Force on Arbitration set up by ICC.

He has several awards to his credit which include the Gandhi National Unity Award, 1991, the Plaque of Honour given by the Prime Minister for his outstanding contribution to the Rule of Law in 2002 and the National Law Day Award given by the President of India in 2007.

Deepa Dixit and Gurjeet Singh Behl have also been appointed as Members of the FCAT for a period of three years.