Film Producer & Former CBFC Chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani Passes Away At 76

Veteram Film producer and former Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani passed away on Thursday at the age of 76. According to reports, he was unwell for the past few months, and was reportedly suffering from liver-related health issues.

According to NDTV, a statement from Nihalani's family read, "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."

Pahlaj Nihalani Movies

Nihalani produced many popular films in the 80s and 90s, like Haathkadi, Ilzaam, Aag Hi Aag, Aandhiyan, Shola Aur Shabnam, Aankhen, Andaz, and others. His last film as a producer was Govinda starrer Rangeela Raja in 2019, which was a disaster at the box office.

The producer had launched Govinda in 1986 with the film Ilzaam, and even Chunky Panday's debut film Aag Hi Aag was also produced by Nihalani. He had worked with veteran actors like Dharmendra and Shatrughan Sinha as well.

FWICE chief Ashoke Pandit took to Instagram to mourn Nihalani's death. He wrote, "Sad to know about the demise of a veteran film Producer & an Industry leader Respected Pahalaj Nihalini ji this morning due to heart attack. He was a man who stood by the Industry causes and somebody who is responsible for making many hit films. A great loss to the Industry. .
Will miss him & his dynamism. Om Shanti (sic)."

Pahlaj Nihalani's Controversial CBFC Term

Pahlaj Nihalani's was approinted as the chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification in 2015, and he had to face a lot of controversies, as the filmmaker directed many cuts and changes in films. His traditional approach to film censorship and moral policing drew intense backlash.

We at The Free Press Journal pray that his soul rests in peace.