Leela Samson unnecessarily created controversy, says new Censor Board chairman Pahlaj Nihalani

Producer Pahlaj Nihalani, who has been appointed as the new censor board chairman following Leela Samson's resignation, on Tuesday said he will strictly enforce the guidelines of the board.

"In my long experience in the film industry, I have seen that only healthy films with strong social message are a hit with the audience. As the chairman of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), I will try to strictly enforce the guidelines laid down for the board," Pahlaj told PTI in an interview.

"I will also try to strike a balance between the industry and the board," he added. Pahlaj, 65, has produced films like "Aankhen", "Talaash: The Hunt Begins..." and "Shola Aur Shabnam" in his career.

The statutory board, under the Information and Broadcasting ministry, has been in the headlines over the resignation of Samson and nine other members alleging government interference. Pahlaj, however, blamed outgoing chief Samson for kicking up a controversy. "All through her tenure, she barely attended office and did not take any initiative to improve the working of the board," Pahlaj said. "And when her tenure was about to come to an end she unnecessarily created controversy and alleged nainsafi (injustice) with her", he said.