New Delhi: Veteran film producer and former CBFC chairman Pahlaj Nihalani has passed away at the age of 76, marking the end of a long and influential journey in Indian cinema.
Nihalani was a well-known figure in Bollywood, having produced several successful commercial films over the years. Beginning his career in the early 1980s, he went on to back popular titles such as Shola Aur Shabnam, Aankhen, Andaz, and Dil Tera Deewana. Through his work, he contributed significantly to mainstream Hindi cinema and helped support the careers of several actors and filmmakers.
Apart from film production, Nihalani gained nationwide recognition during his tenure as Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification from 2015 to 2017. His period at the helm of the board was marked by intense public debate over censorship, creative freedom, and film certification policies.
Several high-profile films, including Udta Punjab, Lipstick Under My Burkha, and Indu Sarkar, became central to discussions surrounding censorship during his leadership. While his decisions often sparked controversy, they also made him one of the most talked-about figures in India's film regulatory landscape.
In 2017, the government appointed Prasoon Joshi as the new CBFC chief, succeeding Nihalani. Even after leaving the post, he remained an active voice on issues related to cinema and the entertainment industry.
News of his passing has led to an outpouring of condolences from members of the film fraternity, colleagues, and admirers across the country. Many have remembered him as a passionate producer, a strong industry voice, and a personality who left a lasting imprint on Indian cinema.
Pahlaj Nihalani is survived by his family and leaves behind a legacy that spans more than four decades in the film industry. His contributions, both as a producer and as a public figure in cinema governance, will continue to be remembered.
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