From Blockbuster Producer To ‘Sanskari’ Censor Chief: Pahlaj Nihalani Passes Away At 76

Pahlaj Nihalani, a veteran film producer and former Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairman, passed away at the age of 76. The legacy he leaves behind is both influential and controversial. An entire generation of moviegoers remembers him as the man behind several successful commercial entertainers. Younger audiences, however, largely knew him as the censor board chief whose tenure sparked fierce debates over censorship, creative freedom, and his outspoken views on Indian cinema.

Nihalani built a successful career as a producer, backing films such as Ilzaam, Shola Aur Shabnam, Aankhen, Andaz, and Mrityudand. He also played a key role in the rise of superstar Govinda, producing several of the actor's commercially successful films. Later, his appointment as CBFC chairman from 2015 to 2017 transformed his public image and earned him the nickname "Sanskari Censor Chief."

The Udta Punjab Battle

As CBFC chief, Pahlaj Nihalani sparked massive outrage in 2016 when he demanded 89 cuts to director Abhishek Chaubey's film Udta Punjab. He sought the removal of the word "Punjab" and all references to the state, its cities, and elections.

The matter was challenged in the Bombay High Court, which overruled the CBFC's decision and allowed the film to be released with just one cut and three disclaimers.

"Lipstick Under My Burkha Is Too Lady-Oriented"

In 2017, Pahlaj Nihalani refused to certify director Alankrita Shrivastava's Lipstick Under My Burkha. The board justified its decision by describing the film as "lady-oriented." It also claimed that the film contained explicit sexual scenes, audio pornography, and sensitive content relating to a particular section of society.

Producer Prakash Jha and director Alankrita Shrivastava appealed to the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT). The tribunal strongly criticised the CBFC's refusal and overturned the decision. It directed the board to grant the film an 'A' (Adult) certificate for theatrical release, allowing it to reach theatres in July 2017 after a few voluntary cuts.

The Battle Against Profanity

Shortly after Nihalani took charge, the CBFC proposed a list of banned cuss words that filmmakers were advised to avoid, even in adult-certified films. The move further strengthened perceptions that the board, under Nihalani's leadership, was attempting to police artistic expression.

Controversy Surrounding the Word 'Intercourse'

In 2017, Nihalani found himself at the centre of another social media storm after objecting to the use of the word "intercourse" in the trailer of Shah Rukh Khan's Jab Harry Met Sejal. He argued that Indian audiences might not be comfortable with the term.

The controversy sparked widespread debate and online mockery, with many accusing the board of excessive moral policing.

His Opinions on Hollywood Films

Nihalani's strict approach was not limited to Bollywood. Under his leadership, the CBFC ordered cuts to kissing scenes in the James Bond film Spectre. The decision attracted international attention and became one of the earliest controversies of his tenure.

The board also faced criticism for removing a lesbian love-making scene from Atomic Blonde.

Political Controversy and the 'Har Har Modi' Video

Before becoming CBFC chairman, Nihalani had already attracted attention during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections for producing the "Har Har Modi" campaign song.

When he was appointed CBFC chief in 2015, critics questioned whether the decision reflected political proximity to the ruling establishment. Although Nihalani repeatedly defended his independence, the controversy continued to shadow his tenure.

Removal from the CBFC

In 2017, the government replaced Nihalani with lyricist and advertising professional Prasoon Joshi as CBFC chairman.

The move was widely viewed as the end of one of the most contentious periods in the censor board's history. Nihalani later claimed that his removal was linked to disagreements over the certification of Indu Sarkar, although the government never officially provided an explanation.

Outspoken Till the End

Even after leaving the CBFC, Nihalani continued to make headlines through interviews and public comments about the film industry. He often criticised Bollywood's culture and claimed that the industry had become heavily dependent on drugs.

A Legacy of Hits and Headlines

Pahlaj Nihalani's career cannot be viewed through a single lens. To some, he was the producer behind several popular mainstream entertainers. To others, he was the face of one of the most controversial censorship regimes Bollywood has ever witnessed.

His legacy remains a complex blend of box-office success, political controversy, and an enduring debate over the limits of artistic freedom in Indian cinema.