Anupam Kher Regrets Not Meeting Pahlaj Nihalani Before His Death; Recalls Last Conversation- Watch

Anupam Kher paid an emotional tribute to veteran film producer and former CBFC chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani, who passed away on June 4 at the age of 76. Remembering their decades-long association, the actor recalled their final conversation and admitted he regrets not visiting Nihalani at the hospital before his demise. Anupam Kher and Pahlaj Nihalani had worked together in several films, including the popular 1992 action-comedy Shola Aur Shabnam.

Anupam Kher Pays Emotional Tribute To Pahlaj Nihalani

Taking to Instagram, Anupam Kher shared a heartfelt note along with a video message mourning the loss of the filmmaker and producer. “The news of Pahlaj Nihalani ji’s passing has left a strange emptiness in my heart. I worked with him in several films and every experience with him was a pleasant one. During the shooting of Shola Aur Shabnam, we not only made a good film but also created countless memories. Pahlaj ji was an excellent producer, but more importantly, he was an excellent human being,” he wrote.

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The actor further praised Nihalani’s personality and warmth, saying he always made people feel comfortable around him. “He was cheerful, generous at heart and had genuine affection for people. Sitting with him, talking to him and laughing with him always felt natural and warm. There are very few people in the film industry who are remembered more for their behaviour than their work. Pahlaj ji was one of them. Today, as I remember him, his smiling face keeps appearing before my eyes. Pahlaj ji, you will be deeply missed. Your warmth, laughter and affection will always stay with me. May God grant peace to your soul. My deepest condolences to his family,” he added.

Anupam Kher Recalls Pahlaj Nihalani Wanting To Recover Before Meeting Him

In the video shared online, Anupam Kher also recalled speaking to Pahlaj Nihalani just a week ago after unexpectedly receiving a message from him. “He played a very big role in my career. I have done many films with him. In fact, just a week ago, I received a message from him asking, ‘How are you, Anupam ji?’ After many months, I got a message from him. Whenever he saw something good, he would send a message,” the actor shared.

Anupam further revealed that he immediately called Nihalani after receiving the message and learned that he had been admitted to hospital. “I had an intuition and called him, I asked, ‘Pahlaj ji, where are you? I want to meet you.’ He said, ‘I am in the hospital right now, but I will be discharged tomorrow and go home.’ I told him I wanted to come and meet him.” He added, ” I don’t know why, but when I heard his voice, he sounded weak and a little sad. He said, ‘Let me recover a little and then you can come.’ I told him I would visit the following week. And today I got to know that he is no longer with us,” Anupam said emotionally.

The veteran actor also reflected on how quickly people get forgotten in the entertainment industry once they move away from the spotlight. “Unfortunately, people are in the limelight for some time, and this world has a habit of forgetting those who are no longer in the spotlight. That’s the unfortunate part of this profession. You either get old or you get forgotten. But people whose lives Pahlaj ji touched will never forget him, including me,” he said.

About Pahlaj Nihalani’s Death

Pahlaj Nihalani passed away on June 4 after battling liver-related health issues. Over the years, he produced several films including Ilzaam, Aankhen, Andaz, Talaash, Julie 2 and Rangeela Raja. He also served as the chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between 2015 and 2017.

Several celebrities, including Govinda, Varun Dhawan, Malaika Arora, Boney Kapoor. And Shatrughan Sinha, attended the veteran producer’s cremation ceremony at the Santacruz crematorium in Mumbai.

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Also Read: Pahlaj Nihalani Death: Chunky Panday, Kangana Ranaut And Other Celebs Offer Condolences To Former CBFC Chief

Varsha Tiwari

Varsha Tiwari is a budding content writer passionate about Bollywood, pop culture, and the stories behind the spotlight. She enjoys breaking down trends, celebrity moments, and film narratives into engaging, reader-friendly content. Always curious and observant, she is currently pursuing a Master’s in Communication and Journalism. Outside of writing, she enjoys painting because storytelling doesn’t always need words to make an impact.