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Film producer and former Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani died on Thursday, June 4, at the age of 76. He had been battling liver-related ailments and was admitted to Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai.
Born on January 10, 1950, in Mumbai into a Sindhi family, Nihalani built a career as a mainstream Hindi film producer known for commercial entertainers. He made his debut as a producer in 1982 with Haathkadi, starring Shatrughan Sinha. He went on to produce films including Aandhi-Toofan (1985), Ilzaam (1986), which marked Govinda’s debut as a lead actor, and Aag Hi Aag (1987), which introduced Chunky Panday.
His 1992 film Shola Aur Shabnam introduced Divya Bharti, while Aankhen (1993), starring Govinda and Chunky Panday, became one of his biggest commercial successes. He also produced films such as
Gunahon Ka Faisla, Paap Ki Duniya, Mitti Aur Sona
, Andaz and Talaash (2003).
Beyond production, Nihalani served as president of the Association of Motion Pictures and TV Programme Producers for 29 years. In 2012, he directed the film Avatar, starring Govinda, and also made a cameo appearance in the 2008 film Halla Bol.
In January 2015, he was appointed chairperson of the CBFC, a post he held until August 2017.
During his tenure, several decisions sparked debate, including cuts in films such as Spectre, certification disputes over Aligarh and Unfreedom, and the initial refusal of Lipstick Under My Burkha. The CBFC also suggested multiple cuts in
Udta Punjab, which was later cleared by the Bombay High Court with only one cut.
He was also criticised for introducing a list of restricted words and stricter certification guidelines during his tenure.
He was replaced as CBFC chairperson in August 2017 by lyricist Prasoon Joshi. After leaving the board, he remained active in the industry, including work on Rangeela Raja (2019).
Nihalani is survived by his wife Nita and three sons, Vishal, Deepesh and Chirag.
Born on January 10, 1950, in Mumbai into a Sindhi family, Nihalani built a career as a mainstream Hindi film producer known for commercial entertainers. He made his debut as a producer in 1982 with Haathkadi, starring Shatrughan Sinha. He went on to produce films including Aandhi-Toofan (1985), Ilzaam (1986), which marked Govinda’s debut as a lead actor, and Aag Hi Aag (1987), which introduced Chunky Panday.
His 1992 film Shola Aur Shabnam introduced Divya Bharti, while Aankhen (1993), starring Govinda and Chunky Panday, became one of his biggest commercial successes. He also produced films such as
Beyond production, Nihalani served as president of the Association of Motion Pictures and TV Programme Producers for 29 years. In 2012, he directed the film Avatar, starring Govinda, and also made a cameo appearance in the 2008 film Halla Bol.
In January 2015, he was appointed chairperson of the CBFC, a post he held until August 2017.
During his tenure, several decisions sparked debate, including cuts in films such as Spectre, certification disputes over Aligarh and Unfreedom, and the initial refusal of Lipstick Under My Burkha. The CBFC also suggested multiple cuts in
He was also criticised for introducing a list of restricted words and stricter certification guidelines during his tenure.
He was replaced as CBFC chairperson in August 2017 by lyricist Prasoon Joshi. After leaving the board, he remained active in the industry, including work on Rangeela Raja (2019).
Nihalani is survived by his wife Nita and three sons, Vishal, Deepesh and Chirag.
