Who Was Pahlaj Nihalani, ex-CBFC Chairperson, Who Passed Away On Thursday?

The Indian film industry is mourning the loss of veteran producer and former Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani, who passed away in Mumbai on Thursday, 4 June, at the age of 76. Family sources confirmed that he breathed his last following age-related complications.

He is survived by his wife, Nita Nihalani, and their three sons. His passing has triggered a wave of grief across Bollywood, with moving condolences pouring in from filmmakers, directors, producers, and trade experts alike.

Who Was Pahlaj Nihalani?

Pahlaj Nihalani was a veteran Indian film producer and former chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) who passed away on June 4, 2026, at the age of 76 at Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai after a prolonged liver illness. Born on January 10, 1950, in Mumbai to a Sindhi family, Nihalani dedicated over four decades to Hindi cinema, building a reputation as a producer of commercial entertainers and a significant figure in launching new talent.

His production career began in 1982 with the film Haathkadi, starring Shatrughan Sinha, Reena Roy, and Sanjeev Kumar.

Over the years, he produced numerous Bollywood films including Shola Aur Shabnam (1992), Aankhen (1993), Dil Tera Diwana, Talaash, Paap Ki Duniya, Gunahon Ka Faisla, Mitti Aur Sona, and Rangeela Raja (2019). Nihalani was particularly known for launching major actors-he gave Govinda his first significant break in Ilzaam (1986) and introduced Chunky Panday in Aag Hi Aag (1987). His films typically fell into the commercial action, comedy, and family drama genres, and he maintained a consistent presence in the industry throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s.

Beyond his work as a producer, Nihalani served as the chairperson of the CBFC from January 2015 to August 2017, having been appointed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. His four-year tenure at the censorship board was marked by sustained controversy and frequent clashes with filmmakers over certification decisions, cuts, and disclaimers.

The most high-profile dispute occurred over the film Udta Punjab, which sparked national debate about censorship in Indian cinema. During his time at the CBFC, he implemented stricter guidelines including barring expletives even in 'A'-rated films and tightening restrictions on content deemed offensive or sensitive to religious sentiments. These decisions drew criticism from directors and producers who viewed his approach as overly restrictive.

Nihalani also served as the president of the Association of Motion Picture and TV Program Producers for 29 years, demonstrating his long-standing commitment to the film industry's institutional framework. He is survived by his wife Nita Nihalani and three sons. His death was widely reported across Indian media as the loss of a significant figure who shaped both Bollywood's commercial landscape and the contentious world of film certification in India.