Describing herself as an apolitical person, veteran actress Sharmila Tagore has said that she agreed to head the Indian Central Board of Film Certification, known as the Censor Board, as it is a challenge and an opportunity.

"I am completely an apolitical person. I see it (the offer to head the Censor Board) as a challenge and opportunity. I took my own time before I said yes," she said on Tuesday.

Asked whether she had any plans to reorganise the Censor Board, Sharmila Tagore said: "I am not in a position to talk about it. It carries certain responsibilities with it. We should start working on it, understand it and let one's work speak for itself."

Asked to comment on the way her predecessor, Anupam Kher was sacked, Sharmila Tagore, who balanced her career between 'art films' and popular cinema, said: "I have nothing, but respect for Anupam Kher who is a friend of mine. Kiron Kher, Anupam's wife, is also a friend.

"... I have worked with Anupam. He is a wonderful actor. More than that I can't say because I'm really unaware of the background and what has transpired. He is a reasonable man."

On what was her first reaction on receiving the news, she said: "My first reaction was to ask them a few questions - what it involved, if there was any existing policy, whether I'm supposed to play a passive role and who are all going to be in my team."