Ramesh Sippy appointed NFDC chairman

Mumbai: Veteran Filmmaker Ramesh Sippy has been appointed chairman of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC).

Best known for directing Bollywood classic `Sholay`, Sippy replaces actor Om Puri, officials said. The Information and Broadcasting ministry has also appointed Jawahar Wattal and Odiya cinematographer A K Bir as independent directors. NFDC is the central agency established to encourage the good cinema movement in the country. The primary goal of the NFDC is to plan, promote and organize an integrated and efficient development of the Indian film industry and foster excellence in cinema. The organisation (and its predecessor the Film Finance Corporation) have so far funded and produced over 300 feature films. PTI