Pahlaj Nihalani, the late CBFC chairperson who passed away on June 4, 2026, is remembered for his fierce red-pen approach to film certification. But a new account from senior industry figure Rajesh Vasani reveals something the internet hasn't been talking about: Nihalani eliminated a deeply entrenched corruption scheme in which committee members charged producers for their meals.
According to Vasani, before Nihalani took charge in January 2015, CBFC committee members ordered food from expensive restaurants during screenings—and producers paid bills of Rs. 5,000-10,000 per day. Some committee members took leftovers home.
Nihalani stopped it.
"He attended office daily from morning till late evening, ensuring that certification applications were processed promptly," Vasani wrote on Facebook. "Even during holidays, he would facilitate screenings in exceptional circumstances, often remaining until late hours." He maintained an open-door policy. Producers could walk in without appointments. He served tea and coffee himself. He traveled to office on his own.
Vasani noted that Nihalani showed particular attention to regional and independent filmmakers, groups often sidelined by bureaucratic process. He believed the CBFC should serve cinema, not exploit it.
His strict adherence to guidelines during the 2017 Indu Sarkar certification controversy became contentious. He insisted the film follow prescribed CBFC procedure and that committee members apply guidelines independently. Vasani notes that his removal from office came "shortly thereafter"—though no official reason was given.
A man who cleaned up corruption and enforced fair process has been overshadowed by debates over his controversial decisions. The difficult parts of his legacy remain visible. The integrity part has been forgotten.
