Producer and former Central Board of Film Certification chief Pahlaj Nihalani passed away on June 4.
Producer and former Central Board of Film Certification chairman Pahlaj Nihalani was known for backing several commercially successful entertainers and his controversial tenure at the CBFC.
Film folk attended Producer and former censor chief Pahlaj Nihalani's prayer meeting over the weekend.
From Virasat and Gardish to Tezz and Rangrezz, here's a look at Priyadarshan's serious side of Bollywood, ahead of his new movie Haiwaan.
At a time when the politics of hostility has engulfed the world and escalated it into senseless wars Main Vaapas Aaunga's unwavering belief in love is a testament to cinema's uplifting gifts, notes Sukanya Verma.
Imtiaz Ali's new film Main Vaapas Aaunga is set to delve into the enduring trauma of the 1947 Partition, continuing Bollywood's complex cinematic journey of depicting one of history's most violent and impactful events.
From Mohanlal's commanding act in Company to Dulquer Salmaan's chilling turn in Chup, these Malayalam stars proved they could shine far beyond Mollywood.
As Jana Nayagan and Avatar: Aang, The Last Airbender become victims of piracy even before they got an official release, Sreeju Sudhakaran looks back at some of the major Indian movies that were impacted by pre-release leaks.
Explore the enduring appeal of Akshaye Khanna, the actor who, despite a quiet persona and unconventional career choices, continues to captivate audiences and critics alike, recently gaining viral recognition for his role in Dhurandhar.
If the stories are food for the mind then our digestive system has changed. If they are a piece of art, our gaze has altered. This calls for a change not in stories, but in the grammar of storytelling so that it can cut through the deluge and gluttony and force people to savour, appreciate and re-visit it. That is what the creators of Taskaree or Dhurandhar are trying, points out Vanita Kohli-Khandekar.
Om Puri would have been 75 in October. We look back at his early years through these 16 pictures from his life.
'Pahlaj Nihalani came to my rescue. There was no Instagram in those days so I didn't recognise him.' 'I almost fainted when he told me he was Pahlaj Nihalani, the producer of Ilzaam, the hit film that had just made Govinda a star.' 'I told him I was a model and an aspiring actor, and he responded, "You have an interesting face. Come and meet me in the office tomorrow".'
Govind Nihalani made some of the finest films of the 20th century: Aakrosh, Ardh Satya, Party, Aaghat and, of course, the Partition epic television series Tamas. On his 84th birthday on December 19, a tribute.
Dhurandhar may not have the dark realism of a spy story which a web show can manage. But it does not have the flamboyance either, that has come to be associated with espionage movies, observes Deepa Gahlot.
We look at the longest Hindi movies through the years, and interestingly, most of them have done well.
Govinda and Chunky Panday are an absolute delight in the fourth episode of Too Much With Kajol and Twinkle.
Kareena hosted a get-together at her residence over the weekend. Take a look at the pictures.
'One is not allowed to smoke on the sets of a Hollywood film even during a break.' 'When I asked an assistant to suggest some place where I could light a cigarette, he recommended the bad boys' corner -- where Jack Nicholson smoked.' 'However, I hesitated.' 'But when I was heading back to my chair after the shot, Jack Nicholson asked me if I wanted to join him for a smoke. We had a long conversation over cups of cappuccino.'
'Foreign exchange is being squandered.' 'Every top star is given tickets for his spouse, children, parents, ayahs, bodyguards, friends, friends of friends...' 'I've heard stars are even given shopping money.' 'Who is paying for all this?'
'On the set, he was this big personality, the great Om Puri. But at home, he was like a fluffy teddy bear.'
Wondering where to catch some overlooked, understated gems. Here are some OTT recommendations for you.
'Everybody knows about Prasoon Joshi's friendship with Aamir Khan.' 'No one is surprised that Thugs Of Hindostan was given an all-clear censor certification out of turn.'
Noted lyricist Prasoon Joshi will replace him as the chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification.
'Stop using the censor board as a means to get publicity for films,' the censor chief warns filmmakers.
Bollywood heroines generally avoid taking on the Central Board of Film Certification or its chief but Bidita made has no bones about how she feels over the CBFC's cuts in her film.
Nihalani was chosen on the recommendation of Shatrughan Sinha.
'We've no objections to women wearing lipstick under a burqa. But the film shows these women doing unmentionable things,'
Quite a few members of the film fraternity attended the wedding reception.
The Censor board chief doesn't want to talk about it though.
"CBFC is part of the government, the responsibility of which is not only limited to issuing certificates to the films but also to preserve the culture and tradition of the country. CBFC is needed so that right kind of films are exhibited in public.
The most unusual howls of protest from Bollywood have shown that even people known for party drugs draw the line somewhere, says Mitali Saran.
'I don't know how long cinema will survive.'
'The National award that Dibakar has returned for Khosla Ka Ghosla belongs to the producer of the film. So, basically Dibakar is protesting with a gesture over which he has no claim,' says Nihalani.
Ashoke Pandit took to Facebook to slam Nihalani, saying Anushka Sharma's NH10 was a victim of his 'crass functioning'.
If Pahlaj Nihalani glanced back at his own filmography as producer, by his own brand new standards; the man would have a hard time approving the extent of vulgarity and provocation they contained.
Nihalani suggests that the producers should exercise more checks and curbs on the censor copy of their films.
Every day a Party unfolds on social media where armchair activists, politically charged influencers, trend pundits, gyaan givers and troll armies change the world in their heads but remain clueless about the nation's grassroots reality, feels Sukanya Verma.
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta's apprehensions about his new film Aligarh have left Censor chief fuming in defence.
'He can't remain upset for long, not with Sonakshi.'
