Veteran film producer and former Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Pahlaj Nihalani, passed away today, on June 4, 2026. He was admitted to Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai. He was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and had been suffering for the past four months.
His last rites will be performed today at 3pm at Santacruz Crematorium, opposite the police station.While IANS confirmed the producer’s death, according to journalist Vicky Lalwani, he was under the care of Dr Jayant Barve. The late director was moving between several hospitals to receive treatment during the past thirty days.The journalist had a conversation with the producer’s wife yesterday, and she expressed her hope that Pahlaj Nihalani would return home soon.
Who is Pahlaj Nihalani?
Pahlaj Nihalani served as CBFC president for nearly three decades until he resigned in 2009. He was removed as CBFC president on August 11, 2017, and Prasun Joshi was soon appointed to the position.The first film he produced was ‘Haathkadi’ in 1982. His second film was ‘Aandhi Toofan’ in 1985. His third film ‘Ilzaam’ in 1986 marked Govinda’s directorial debut. the next,
Chunky Bandi
He made his debut with the film ‘Aag Hi Aag’ backed by Pahlaj Nihalani in 1987.
He has titles like ‘Gunahon Ka Faisla’, ‘Paap Ki Duniya’ and ‘Mitti Aur Sona’, starring Chunky Pandey and Neelam Kothari and is credited as a producer. Pahlaj Nihalani has also produced films like David Dhawan’s ‘Shola Aur Shabnam’ and ‘Aankhen’.In 2008, the producer made a special appearance in the film “Halla Ball”. Then in January 2015, he took over as Chairman of the CBFC. He became one of the most talked-about CBFC presidents due to his comments on film censorship and film releases.His last film ‘Rangeela Raja’ released in 2019. It was supposed to be Govinda’s comeback film. However, it failed at the box office. The film was a remake of superstar Rajinikanth’s film ‘Netrikan’.Pahlaj Nihalani is survived by his wife, Nita, and their three sons, Dipesh, Vishal, and Chirag.
