Pahlaj Nihalani, former Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and renowned Bollywood producer, has passed away at the age of 76. He had been unwell for some time and was reportedly suffering from liver-related complications.
Nihalani was an influential figure in the Hindi film industry. As a producer, he had a long and successful career spanning several decades, during which he was associated with numerous popular commercial films. Some of the films he produced include 'Aankhen', 'Andaz', 'Talash', 'Rangila Raja', and 'Julie 2'.
In addition to his work as a producer, Nihalani also played a significant role in film administration. He took on the role of CBFC Chairman in 2015 and served until 2017. During his tenure, he was frequently in the news due to various decisions related to film censorship and certification.
His leadership at the Censor Board sparked widespread debate among filmmakers, artists, and critics. His stance on various issues, including film cuts, language, and scene presentation, was extensively discussed. Consequently, he became one of the most talked-about CBFC Chairmen in recent times.
Despite the controversies, Nihalani's contributions to the Indian film industry were substantial. He remained active as a producer of commercial Hindi films for a long time and established a unique position in Bollywood by being involved in various genres of filmmaking. The film community is mourning his loss, with colleagues, artists, and film enthusiasts expressing their condolences on social media. His contributions to Indian cinema and the controversies during his tenure at the Censor Board will keep him remembered for a long time.
