Veteran producer and former chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Pahlaj Nihalani, has passed away in Mumbai today. He was 76. Born on January 10, 1950, Nihalani started his career as a producer with the 1982 movie ‘Haathkadi’. He is widely credited for giving actor Govinda his first big break with the 1986 movie ‘Ilzaam’. He also introduced actor Chunky Panday with ‘Aag Hi Aag’ in 1987. He also produced films like ‘Shola Aur Shabnam’, ‘Aankhen’, ‘Dil Tera Diwana’, ‘Talaash’ and ‘Rangeela Raja’. 

 

In January 2015, Nihalani was appointed as the chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification. During his stint, he introduced strict new guidelines barring certain expletives even in ‘A’ rated films and sought to restrict content that could be seen as hurting religious sentiments or depicting violence. Critics in the film fraternity frequently accused him of overreach, while he maintained he was simply doing his job. 

 

Current chairperson of the CBFC Shashi Shekhar Vempati has condoled Nihalani’s demise.