Pahlaj Nihalani Passes Away at 76: Bollywood Mourns Veteran Producer and Former CBFC Chief
Pahlaj Nihalani, the veteran Bollywood producer and former CBFC chief, has died at the age of 76. He leaves behind a lasting legacy in Indian cinema.
June 04, 2026: Veteran film producer and former Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairman Pahlaj Nihalani passed away on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the age of 76. He breathed his last at Mumbai's Nanavati Hospital, where he had reportedly been undergoing treatment for health complications related to a liver ailment.
His last rites will be held at Santa Cruz, Mumbai, at 3 PM on Friday.
A prominent figure in Hindi cinema for over four decades, Nihalani played a significant role in shaping Bollywood's commercial film landscape. He was instrumental in launching and supporting the careers of several actors, including Govinda and Chunky Pandey, who went on to become major stars in the industry.
Throughout his career, Nihalani produced several successful films, including Aankhen, Shola Aur Shabnam, Andaz, Talaash: The Hunt Begins..., Dil Tera Diwana, Julie 2, and Rangeela Raja. His contributions to Indian cinema extended beyond film production, as he also served as the chairman of the CBFC from 2015 to 2017.
A Career That Helped Shape Bollywood
Pahlaj Nihalani entered the film industry as a producer with Haathkadi in 1982. He followed it up with films such as Aandhi-Toofan (1985), gradually establishing himself as a prominent producer of mainstream Hindi cinema.
One of the defining moments of his career came in 1986 with Ilzaam, which marked Govinda's debut as a lead actor in Bollywood. A year later, he produced Aag Hi Aag, a film that introduced Chunky Pandey to the Hindi film industry.
Over the years, Nihalani backed numerous commercial entertainers, including Paap Ki Duniya, Gunahon Ka Faisla, Mitti Aur Sona, Aandhiyan, Ghayal, and Shola Aur Shabnam. Among his most successful productions was Aankhen, which became one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of the 1990s and remains one of the landmark achievements of his career.
In addition to producing films, Nihalani also ventured into direction. He directed Avatar in 2012, starring Govinda, and made a brief appearance in the 2008 film Halla Bol.
Controversial Yet Influential Tenure at the CBFC
In January 2015, Nihalani was appointed chairman of the CBFC. His tenure frequently attracted public attention due to several high-profile censorship decisions and controversies involving filmmakers and film certifications.
After serving for more than two years, he was replaced in August 2017 by lyricist and advertising professional Prasoon Joshi.
Following news of his passing, tributes poured in from members of the film fraternity and fans across social media. Film critic and producer Kamaal R. Khan expressed his condolences, remembering Nihalani's contribution to Indian cinema and acknowledging his long-standing influence on the industry.
Pahlaj Nihalani leaves behind a rich legacy as a producer, filmmaker, and administrator whose work helped shape the careers of numerous actors and contributed significantly to the growth of mainstream Hindi cinema.