Pahlaj Nihalani removed as CBFC chief, Prasoon Joshi takes over

After a series of controversies stirred by him, CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani has been sacked from his position. Latest reports suggest that lyricist Prasoon Joshi will take over as the new chief.

Nihalani’s functionalities were questioned by not just the audience, but also by a number of noted filmmakers and actors of the industry. From his decisions of grounding ‘Udta Punjab’ to banning ‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’ due to it being a ‘lady oriented’ film, many have accused him of being regressive and of an orthodox approach. (Also read: The time when Pahlaj Nihalani made Suniel Shetty feel utterly destroyed)

Of late, Nihalani landed himself amid a bigger controversy when he asked makers of Shah Rukh Khan’s  ‘Jab Harry Met Sejal’ to remove the word of ‘intercourse’ from the film’s mini trail and film itself, if they wanted a ‘U/A’ certificate. Later, he challenged the public through Mirror Now and said he would pass it if one lakh people voted in favour of it. In a poll run by the channel, he lost it out but refused to comment or act on it.

Earlier, there were reports of filmmaker Prakash Jha taking over Nihalani’s position. But looks like Prasoon Joshi has made the cut this time.

Ranjini Maitra

Journalist. Writer. Reader. Enthu cutlet. Mood-swing machine. Day dreamer. Sandwiched between ‘live life fully’ and ‘lose some weight’. Mantra of life: Love and love more.