Kher takes over from 'acting' censor board chief and former Bharatiya Janata Party MP Arvind Trivedi. Trivedi remained acting chairman for almost a year and a half.
In July 2002, filmmaker Vijay Anand had resigned after then Union information and broadcasting minister Sushma Swaraj turned down his proposal to allow selected theatres to screen pornographic films. That was when Trivedi pitched in.
A versatile actor, Kher's performances in films like Saaransh, Karma, Daddy, Chaalbaaz, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahi, Lamhe and the international hit Bend It Like Beckham have brought him a lot of acclaim.
Kher made his directorial debut last year with Om Jai Jagadish. The film bombed at the box office.
The 80 year-old Dev Anand, elder brother of Vijay Anand, was offered the censor board chief's post recently. But the legend declined and Kher stepped in.