Veteran Bollywood producer and former CBFC chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani has died at 76 after battling liver-related ailments. Over four decades, he produced major 1980s–90s commercial hits and launched stars Govinda and Chunky Pandey. Equally remembered for his controversial 2015–2017 CBFC tenure, he leaves behind a complex legacy and is survived by his wife and three sons.
Veteran Bollywood producer and former Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani has passed away at 76. According to reports, Nihalani was suffering from liver-related ailments and was unwell for some time.
In an influential career spanning over four decades, Nihalani produced several landmark Hindi commercial hits, especially in 1980s and 1990s. He was instrumental in launching the careers of actors Govinda and Chunky Panday, both major mainstream stars of the 1990s. Nihalani's legacy is equally marked by his controversial and short-lived tenure as the head of India’s film certification board, from 2015 to 2017.
Nihalani entered film production with Haathkadi in 1982 and followed it up with Aandhi-Toofan in 1985. His third production, Ilzaam (1986), marked the acting debut of Govinda, with whom Nihalani would forge a long and successful association. The producer later backed several Govinda-led entertainers, including Shola Aur Shabnam and Aankhen, helping shape the actor’s rise during his peak.
Nihalani also produced Aag Hi Aag (1987), a blustering action drama, which introduced 90s sensation Chunky Pandey. Nihalani subsequently produced films such as Gunahon Ka Faisla, Paap Ki Duniya, Mitti Aur Sona, Aag Ka Gola, Andaz, Talaash and other commercial entertainers.
Nihalani became a national talking point after his appointment as the chairperson of the CBFC in January, 2015. Under his unusually strict regime, the CBFC took several controversial decisions, such as shortening kissing scenes in the James Bond film Spectre, that made headlines and drew backlash from filmmakers and cultural observers. Nihalani faced intense criticism over the board’s demand for 89 cuts to Udta Punjab, a 2015 film depicting the drug problem in Punjab. After a much-publicised legal battle, the number of changes were reduced to a single cut by the Bombay High Court.
Another acclaimed film, Lipstick Under My Burkha, was initially refused certification by the CBFC during his tenure over its content, and was eventually cleared by the erstwhile Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT).
Following widespread disaffection, Nihalani was sacked as CBFC chief in 2017 and was succeeded by Prasoon Joshi, who continues to hold the position.
In his late career, Nihalani distributed the Hindi erotic Julie 2 in 2017 and produced Rangeela Raja (2019), a comedy featuring Govinda in a double role. His last known credit as a producer is on the romantic comedy Anaari Is Back (2023), starring Nawab Khan and Mishikka Chaurasia.
Nihalani is survived by his wife, Nita Nihalani, and their three sons.