Shivani
Veteran filmmaker and former CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani passed away at the age of 76 on Thursday. Known for producing popular films such as Aankhen and Shola Aur Shabnam, Nihalani had been battling liver-related health issues. He was suffering from a prolonged disease. He was undergoing treatment at Mumbai’s Nanavati Hospital, where he breathed his last. His demise marks the end of a significant chapter in the Indian film industry, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
An official statement from industry bodies confirmed Pahlaj Nihalani’s demise on June 4, 2026. The statement added that the veteran producer’s last rites would be held at Mumbai’s Santacruz Hindu Crematorium at 3 pm on Thursday. In a heartfelt message, his family requested prayers and support during this difficult time for them. “With profound grief, we inform you of the passing of our beloved Pahlaj Nihalani on 4th June 2026. The cremation ceremony will be held today, 04.06.2026 at 3 pm at Santacruz Hindu Crematorium. We are grateful for your thoughts and prayers as we bid a final farewell.”
Born on January 10, 1950, in Mumbai to a Sindhi family, Pahlaj Nihalani spent his early years in the city. Entering the film industry with a keen understanding of mass entertainment, he built a successful career as a producer. Over the years, he became known for backing commercially successful films that connected strongly with audiences.
His Successful Journey as a Producer
Pahlaj Nihalani began his journey as a film producer in 1982 with Haathkadi, starring Shatrughan Sinha. Over the next two decades, he established himself as a prominent figure in mainstream Bollywood. His 1986 film Ilzaam launched Govinda as a lead actor, while Shola Aur Shabnam (1992) introduced Divya Bharti to audiences. Aankhen (1993), featuring Govinda and Chunky Panday, became one of his most successful films. Known for his love of action and family dramas, he frequently collaborated with stars like Shatrughan Sinha, Dharmendra, and Govinda. In later years, he produced Julie 2 (2017) and Rangeela Raja (2019). His films reflected the essence of commercial Bollywood entertainment.
For nearly three decades, Nihalani played a key role in the industry’s organisational affairs. He served as president of the Association of Motion Pictures and TV Programme Producers for twenty-nine years, contributing significantly to its administration, development, and representation of producers’ interests.
The Controversial CBFC Years
In January 2015, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting appointed him as chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification. He served until August 2017, with his tenure drawing significant public attention and becoming one of the board’s most widely debated periods in recent years.
During his tenure, Nihalani sparked controversy with several censorship decisions. Early on, he released a list of 28 words banned from films, a move widely criticised as outdated and restrictive. He cut kissing scenes from the James Bond film Spectre, denied certification to Raj Amit Kumar’s Unfreedom, and awarded an A certificate to Hansal Mehta’s Aligarh, both of which explored same-sex relationships. Lipstick Under My Burkha was initially denied certification, with Nihalani calling it too “lady-oriented.” His most debated decision involved Udta Punjab, where the CBFC demanded 89 cuts. The controversy eventually reached the Bombay High Court, which cleared the film’s release with only a single cut.
His tenure sparked criticism from several prominent voices in the film industry. Director Hansal Mehta, producer Mukesh Bhatt, actor Swara Bhaskar, and CBFC member Ashoke Pandit publicly questioned some of his certification decisions. Nihalani, however, defended his actions, stating that he followed the board’s guidelines and evaluated each film on its own merits. Despite the controversies, he maintained his stance throughout his term. In August 2017, lyricist Prasoon Joshi succeeded him as CBFC chairperson. Pahlaj remained active in the film industry after stepping down from the board, producing Rangeela Raja in 2019.