Govt appoints filmmaker Pahlaj Nihalani new censor board chief

Hyderabad, Jan 19: The central government on Monday appointed filmmaker Pahlaj Nihalani as the new Censor Board chairperson. "The Central Government is pleased to appoint Pahlaj Nihalani as Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification in an honorary capacity from Jan 19, 2015 for a period of three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier," read a statement. Nihalani has produced films like "Shola Aur Shabnam" and "Andaz" in the past. Earlier today, actor Anupam Kher, who is a former Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), is reported to have disagreed with the claims of the central government's interference in the board, which functions under the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. He said the allegations were 'ridiculous and baseless'. The actor also asked as to why people were pointing out government's interference now.