Veteran film producer and former Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairman Pahlaj Nihalani passed away on Thursday at the age of 76. While he was known for producing several successful Hindi films in the last four decades, his public image in later years became closely associated with a series of controversies during and after his tenure.
From disputes over film certification to criticism of his public remarks, Nihalani remained a polarising figure in the Indian entertainment industry.
After taking charges of the CBFC chairmanship in January 2015, Nihalani quickly became one of the most discussed figures in the Indian film industry. His strict views on censorship, film certification and content regulation policies triggered debate among filmmakers, actors and free speech advocates.
Under Nihalani’s chairmanship in 2016, the CBFC recommended multiple cuts to the Kareena Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor and Daljit Dosanjh starrer movie Udta Punjab. The certification process of the movie increased the tensions between the filmmakers and the board. The issue eventually reached the Bombay High Court, which allowed the film’s release with only one cut. The episode sparked a nationwide debate on censorship, creative freedom and the powers of the CBFC.
Ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Nihalani produced the promotional song Har Har Modi, Ghar Ghar Modi. A year later, he also produced the music video Mera Desh Mahaan in tribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both projects generated debate and kept him in the public spotlight beyond his work in cinema.
In August 2017, Nihalani was removed as CBFC chairman and replaced by Prasoon Joshi. His exit marked the end of a tenure that remains among the most debated periods in the history of the CBFC.