Filmmaker and ex-CBFC chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani dies at 76

Pahlaj Nihalani, renowned filmmaker and former Central Board of Film Certification chairperson, has died at the age of 76. He was known for his contributions to the Hindi film industry and his controversial tenure at the CBFC.

In Short

• Pahlaj Nihalani, former CBFC chairperson, died at 76.
• He suffered from liver-related health issues.
• Nihalani produced films like Aankhen and Rangeela Raja

Film producer and former Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani has died at 76. He had reportedly been unwell for some time and was said to be suffering from liver-related health issues.

Nihalani was a prominent figure in the Hindi film industry, both as a producer and as the former head of the country's film certification body. Over the years, he backed several Bollywood films, including Aankhen, Andaz, Talaash, Rangeela Raja and Julie 2.

He served as the CBFC chairperson between 2015 and 2017, a tenure that often made headlines due to debates around censorship and film certification. During his time at the board, several decisions sparked discussions within the film industry, making him one of the most talked-about CBFC chiefs in recent years.

As a producer, Nihalani was associated with a number of commercial Hindi films across genres. His contributions to the industry spanned several decades.

Pahlaj Nihalani is survived by his wife, Nita, and his three sons, Vishal, Deepesh and Chirag.

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