Pahlaj Nihalani is an Indian film producer and former chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Before heading the country's film certification body, he served as the president of the Association of Motion Pictures and TV Programme Producers (AMPTPP) for nearly three decades, stepping down from the role in 2009.
Nihalani began his journey as a producer with Haathkadi (1982), followed by films such as Aandhi-Toofan (1985), Ilzaam (1986), which marked Govinda's acting debut, and Aag Hi Aag (1987), which introduced Chunky Pandey to Bollywood. Over the years, he backed several commercially successful films, including Gunahon Ka Faisla, Paap Ki Duniya, Mitti Aur Sona, Shola Aur Shabnam, and Aankhen.
He was appointed CBFC chairperson in January 2015 under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. In August 2017, Nihalani was removed from the post of CBFC chief, following which lyricist and screenwriter Prasoon Joshi was appointed as his successor.
