Pahlaj Nihalani replaces Leela Samson as Censor Board chief

In a swift move following Leela Samson's resignation, the Ministry for Information & Broadcasting has chosen filmmaker Pahlaj Nihalani as the new chairperson of Censor Board of Film certification (CBFC).

Interestingly, sources state that Nihalani was appointed on the recommendation of Shatrughan Sinha, a close aid of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is also a close friend and associate of Nihalani.

"The I&B ministry wanted to replace Ms Samson with someone who was an industry insider and understood the workings of the entertainment industry. The fact that Pahlaj Nihalani is close to Mr Shatrughan Sinha definitely played a part in the appointment," a well-placed source informs.

Pahalaj, who was recently at the wedding reception of Sinha's son Kush, said, "I am delighted to be chosen for the post of the chairperson of the censor board. There is a lot of work to be done. I am confident I am up for it." 

Image: Pahlaj Nihalani. Photograph: Abhijit Mhamunkar