New Censor Board chief: Was Pahlaj Nihalani rewarded for Har Har Modi?

Pahlaj Nihalani, the man behind a string of Bollywood blockbusters in the '90s, including Shola Aur Shabnam, Dil Tera Deewana and Aankhen, is the new boss of the Central Board of Film Certification, replacing Leela Samson.

Pahlaj Nihalani, the man behind a string of Bollywood blockbusters in the '90s, including Shola Aur Shabnam, Dil Tera Deewana and Aankhen, is the new boss of the Central Board of Film Certification, replacing Leela Samson.

Filmmaker-Pahlaj-Nihalani-File-Photo

However, even before he assumes office, a new controversy is brewing in certain quarters: Some people are asking if Nihalani has been rewarded for his loyalty to the ruling party at the centre, the Prime Minister in particular! After all, he was the brain behind the Bhartiya Janta Party's (BJP) spectacular viral campaign video Har Har Modi, Ghar Ghar Modi in the run up to the general elections last year. Nihalani produced and recorded the song.



The new team at CBFC has a distinct saffron touch to it as many of its members are linked with the ruling BJP. Actor and BJP National Secretary Vani Tripathy Tikoo, along with Bengali actor and BJP member George Baker, are the other members of the new team.



Watch: Har Har Modi

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit is also a part of the new team. He has been seen in many political debates on various TV channels, and is known as a BJP sympathiser.