Veteran Producer, Former CBFC Chief Pahlaj Nihalani Passes Away At 76

Veteran film producer and former Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani passed away on Thursday at the age of 76. A prominent figure in the Hindi film industry, Nihalani played a major role in shaping commercial Bollywood cinema across the 1980s and 1990s. He also remained one of the most talked-about CBFC chiefs due to his strong views on film censorship and certification.

Pahlaj Nihalani, Known For Shola Aur Shabnam, Aankhen, Passes Away

According to reports, Pahlaj Nihalani breathed his last at around 9:30 AM, after battling liver cirrhosis for nearly four months. He had reportedly undergone treatment at multiple hospitals, including Mumbai’s Nanavati Hospital. His family confirmed that his last rites will take place at 3 PM at the Santacruz Hindu Crematorium.

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Family friend and filmmaker Shashi Ranjan confirmed the news while speaking to News9 Digital. “Pahlaj ji was not keeping well. He was taken home from Nanavati Hospital, where he breathed his last,” he said.

Over the decades, Nihalani established himself as a successful producer in Hindi cinema. He backed several commercially successful films, including Ilzaam, Aag Hi Aag, Shola Aur Shabnam, Andaz, Talaash and Aankhen. The 1993 comedy Aankhen, starring Govinda and Chunky Panday, emerged as one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films of its time and remains among his most memorable productions.

Nihalani also played an important role in launching careers in the industry. He introduced Govinda as a lead actor in Ilzaam (1986). He later backed Chunky Panday’s debut film Aag Hi Aag (1987).

Some of his other notable productions include Haathkadi, Aandhi-Toofan, Paap Ki Duniya, Gunahon Ka Faisla, Mitti Aur Sona, Aag Ka Gola, First Love Letter, Dil Tera Diwana, Bhai Bhai, Julie 2 and Rangeela Raja.

Pahlaj Nihalani’s Run As CBFC Chief

Apart from filmmaking, Nihalani served as the CBFC chairperson between 2015 and 2017. His tenure frequently sparked debates within the film industry due to his strict approach towards censorship. Several films, including Udta Punjab, Lipstick Under My Burkha and the James Bond film Spectre, became the subject of public controversy during his time on the board.

Before joining the CBFC, Nihalani also served as the president of the Association of Motion Picture and TV Programme Producers for nearly three decades, making him an influential voice within the entertainment industry.

Pahlaj Nihalani is survived by his wife, Nita, and sons Vishal, Deepesh, and Chirag. With a career spanning several decades, he leaves behind a legacy marked by commercial filmmaking successes, industry influence and a deeply debated chapter in India’s film certification history.

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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.