Pahlaj Nihalani, producer and former CBFC chief, dies at 76
Mumbai: Pahlaj Nihalani, the veteran producer and former chairperson of the Central Board of Movie Certification (CBFC), died on Thursday, his good friend Shashi Ranjan mentioned. He was 76.
Born on January 10, 1950, Nihalani began his profession as a producer with the 1982 film ‘Haathkadi’. He’s broadly credited for giving actor Govinda his first massive break with the 1986 film ‘Ilzaam’. He additionally launched actor Chunky Panday with ‘Aag Hello Aag’ in 1987.
Nihalani’s different producing credit embrace ‘Shola Aur Shabnam’, ‘Aankhen’, ‘Dil Tera Diwana’, ‘Talaash’ and ‘Rangeela Raja’.
In January 2015, Nihalani was appointed because the chairperson of the Central Board of Movie Certification. His tenure, which lasted till August 2017, was riddled with controversies and was marked by frequent run-ins with filmmakers over cuts, disclaimers and certification selections.
Throughout his stint, he launched strict new tips barring sure expletives even in ‘A’-rated movies, trimmed kissing scenes and sought to limit content material that might be seen as hurting spiritual sentiments or depicting violence. Critics within the movie fraternity continuously accused him of overreach, whereas he maintained he was merely doing his job.
Shashi Shekhar Vempati, the present chairperson of the CBFC, condoled his demise in a submit on ‘X’. “Heartfelt condolences from your complete CBFC household on the demise of former CBFC Chairperson Shri Pahlaj Nihalani,” he wrote.
He’s survived by his spouse, Nita Nihalani and his three sons. His final rites will happen at Santacruz Hindu Crematorium.
