Pahlaj Nihalani No More: Former Censor Board Chief Dies At 76
Updated on: 04 June, 2026 03:45 PM IST |Shweta Shah
Former CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani dies at 76
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 at the age of 76 on June 4 in Mumbai.
Reports suggest that the filmmaker had been battling liver-related health complications and had been undergoing treatment recently.
Known for his significant contribution to commercial Hindi cinema, Nihalani enjoyed a career spanning more than four decades.
He was responsible for producing several successful Bollywood films and played a key role in launching the careers of actors such as Govinda and Chunky Pandey.
Among his most notable productions were Ilzaam, Shola Aur Shabnam, Aankhen, and Andaz.
A prominent name in Bollywood
Nihalani began his journey as a producer in the early 1980s and soon established himself as a major force in mainstream Hindi cinema.
His films, often packed with comedy, action, and family entertainment, resonated strongly with audiences during the late 1980s and 1990s. Over the years, he built a reputation as one of Bollywood’s most influential producers.
Apart from filmmaking, Nihalani was widely known for his tenure as CBFC chairman between 2015 and 2017. Several high-profile controversies involving censorship decisions and proposed cuts in films marked his time at the helm of India`s film certification body.
These decisions often sparked debates on artistic freedom and film regulation in the country.
Despite the criticism, Nihalani remained a prominent voice in discussions surrounding cinema and certification policies. His tenure ensured that his name remained in the national spotlight beyond his work as a producer.
An end of an era
With Pahlaj Nihalani`s death, Bollywood bids farewell to a filmmaker whose career was marked by both commercial success and public debate.
Whether remembered for his blockbuster productions or his controversial stint as CBFC chief, his impact on the Indian film industry remains undeniable.
Tributes from colleagues and industry members continue to pour in as the film fraternity remembers one of its most recognizable figures.
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