A shocking piece of news has gripped the film industry. Veteran producer and former Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani has passed away at the age of 76.
As per an Instagram post by senior journalist Vicky Lalwani, Pahlaj Nihalani breathed his last on the morning of June 4, 2026, at Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai. He had been battling liver cirrhosis for the past four months and was undergoing treatment under Dr Jayant Barve. According to reports, Nihalani had been shifted between hospitals several times over the last month due to his deteriorating health.
He wrote in the post that he had spoken to his wife, Nita Nihalani, just a day before his demise and she remained hopeful about his recovery, although she refrained from discussing the details of his condition.
Confirming the veteran producer's demise, Shashi Ranjan spoke to News 9 and said, "Pahlaj ji was not keeping well. He was taken home from Nanavati Hospital, where he breathed his last."
Pahlaj Nihalani was a prominent figure in the Hindi film industry, known for producing several successful commercial entertainers and for serving as the CBFC chief between 2015 and 2017.
He was also the president of the Association of Motion Picture and TV Programme Producers for nearly three decades. His tenure at the CBFC attracted national attention due to his strict censorship policies and controversies surrounding films such as Udta Punjab, Lipstick Under My Burkha, and Spectre.
Nihalani is also credited with launching the careers of several actors. He introduced Govinda to Bollywood with Ilzaam(1986), while Chunky Panday made his debut in Aag Hi Aag (1987), another film produced by him.
Some of Pahlaj Nihalani's notable films include Haathkadi (1982), Aandhi-Toofan (1985), Ilzaam (1986), Aag Hi Aag(1987), Paap Ki Duniya (1988), Gunahon Ka Faisla (1988), Mitti Aur Sona (1989), Aag Ka Gola (1989), Aandhiyan, First Love Letter, Ek Aur Faulad, Shola Aur Shabnam, Aankhen, Andaz, Dil Tera Diwana, Bhai Bhai, Talaash, Uljhan, Khushboo, Julie 2, and Rangeela Raja.
