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Veteran filmmaker Pahlaj Nihalani has passed away at the age of 76. Pahlaj Nihalani had played an important role in the production of films like ‘Shola Aur Shabnam’ to ‘Aankhe’. According to the information, he was unwell for some time and was suffering from liver health problems. His last rites will be performed today (June 4) at 3 pm at a cremation ground in Santa Cruz, Mumbai. Know his controversies, movies and other information.

Played important roles in films

Pahlaj Nihalani was a prominent figure in the Hindi film industry. Nihalani started his journey as a filmmaker in the early 1980s. His first film was ‘Hathkadi’, which was released in 1982. After this he supported many Bollywood films including ‘Aankhen’, ‘Andaz’, ‘Talaash’, ‘Rangeela Raja’ and ‘Julie 2’, ‘Gunahon Ka Faisla’, ‘Paap Ki Duniya’, ‘Mitti Aur Sona’, ‘Shola Aur Shabnam’. As a producer, Pahlaj Nihalani has been associated with many commercial Hindi films of various genres. His contribution to the film industry spanned several decades.

Former President of CFBC

Ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Pahlaj Nihalani gained attention by producing a campaign song titled ‘Har Har Modi, Ghar Ghar Modi’ in support of Narendra Modi. After this he was appointed Chairman of CBFC in January 2015. His appointment soon became a subject of controversy due to his strong stance on film certification and censorship.

Nihalani was also surrounded by controversies due to his decisions.

• Nihalani’s tenure as CBFC chief was filled with several high-profile controversies. Soon after assuming office, he introduced strict certification guidelines, which proposed banning abuses, violence against women and content that hurts religious sentiments.
• He faced widespread criticism for ordering cuts in films and trailers. Hollywood actor James Bond’s movie ‘Spectre’ also included cutting down the kissing scenes.
• The biggest controversy came to light in 2016 during the certification of Shahid Kapoor’s film ‘Udta Punjab’. CBFC, under the leadership of Nihalani, had suggested several cuts in the film even before the case reached the court. Ultimately, the Bombay High Court allowed the film to be released with only one cut.
• She also made headlines by objecting to the use of the word “intercourse” in the trailer of the film ‘Jab Harry Met Sejal’, arguing that Indian audiences were not ready for such terminology.

Removed from CBFC post

In August 2017, Pahlaj Nihalani was removed from the post of CBFC chairman and lyricist and advertising expert Prasoon Joshi was appointed in his place. After leaving the post, Nihalani had said that he was removed from the post due to some of his decisions regarding films and differences with the government.

also accused of rape

In the year 2024, actress Nikki Aneja alleged that Pahlaj Nihalani had raped her in the film ‘Mr. Azad’ in the year 1993. He was misbehaved during the shooting.

The post Pahlaj Nihalani, producer of films like ‘Aankhen’-‘Talaash’, passes away, breathed his last at the age of 76, former CBFC Chairman appeared first on Latest.