Former CBFC Chair Pahlaj Nihalani, Filmmaker, Dies at 76

Pahlaj Nihalani, the former head of India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and a well-known filmmaker, has passed away at the age of 76. His death marks the end of an influential career in Indian cinema and film censorship.

Nihalani served as the CBFC chairperson from 2015 to 2017, a period marked by several controversial decisions on film certifications. During his tenure, he took a strict stance on content, often clashing with filmmakers over censorship issues. His leadership style sparked debates about freedom of expression and the role of censorship in Indian cinema.

Before becoming CBFC chief, Nihalani was an active filmmaker, producing and directing several Bollywood movies. Some of his notable works include the hit film Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and the controversial Draft 2017. He was known for making commercial movies that often blended comedy, romance, and social themes.

Friends and colleagues remember him as a strong-willed individual who believed in his vision for cinema and censorship. His passing has led to an outpouring of tributes from the film industry, with many honoring his contributions to Indian cinema, both as a creator and as a regulator.

Nihalani’s legacy remains complex, remembered for both his impactful films and his contentious role in shaping India’s film certification policies.