Pahlaj Nihalani 5 greatest contributions to Indian cinema

The new members are Mihir Bhuta, Prof. Syed Abdul Bari, Ramesh Patange, George Baker, Chandra Prakash Dwivedi, Jeevitha, Vani Tripathi Tikoo, S Ve Shekhar and Ashoke Pandit.

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Pahlaj Nihalani
Pahlaj Nihalani

Pahlaj Nihalani. Photo courtesy: India-forums.com

Four days after Leela Samson quit, producer Pahlaj Nihalani, younger brother of acclaimed filmmaker Govind Nihalani, was appointed the chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), along with nine new members. Nihalani has produced films like Shola Aur Shabnam and Andaz in the past, and is a former president of the Association of Motion Picture and Television Programme Producers.

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The breaking point regarding the mass resignation in CBFC is said to be the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal's green signal to the release of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's controversial film MSG - The Messenger of God despite the board's decision to deny clearance to the film.

However, given Nihalani's awesome 'track' record, there is little reason to worry about his new profile despite the people opposed to the BJP red-flagging it as yet another appointment aimed at saffronising government institutions. Check out for yourself:

1. Sarkaye lo khatiya (Aankhen): Pahlaj Nihalani gave Govinda his big break in Ilzaam in 1986 and followed it up with a series of hits in the 90s, including Shola Aur Shabnam and Aankhen, both directed by David Dhawan. This gem from Aankhen, with Govinda and Karisma Kapoor shaking their booties on a cot, remains a classic. Watch Video

2. Main maalgaadi, tu dhakka lagaa (Andaz): Before Sonam Kapoor shook her not-so-famous booty to 'engine ki seeti' (Khoobsurat), her dad Anil did it better with Juhi Chawla in another bawdy classic from the 90s. See it to believe it. Watch Video

3. Khada hai, khada hai (Andaz): Nihalani wasn't satisfied (pun intended) with one shake in Andaz and inserted (okay, we are done with being naughty here) another song in Andaz with even more suggestive words. The song has stood the test of time. Watch Video

4. Aaya, aaya... (Aag Ka Gola): Oh, the BJP might hate this one, 'inspired' by Pakistan's Hasan Jahangir hit, hawa hawa ae hawa, and sung by Bappi Lahiri. Watch it for Sunny Deol's patent dance moves. Watch Video

5. I am a street dancer (Ilzaam): Vintage Govinda, again. Can you get tired of him? Watch Video