Veteran Bollywood producer and former Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani passed away on June 4, 2026, at the age of 76. He breathed his last at Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai after battling health issues for several months. His death marks the loss of a prominent figure who played an important role in both the Indian film industry and film certification system.
Pahlaj Nihalani was widely known for producing popular Hindi films that connected strongly with audiences, especially during the late 1980s and 1990s. Over the years, he built a reputation for backing commercial entertainers that enjoyed success at the box office. His work helped shape a significant period in mainstream Bollywood cinema.
Nihalani began his journey as a producer with the film Haathkadi in 1982. During his career, he worked with several leading actors and filmmakers. He was especially known for his association with actor Govinda. Together, they delivered successful films such as Shola Aur Shabnam and the 1993 blockbuster Aankhen. These films remain among the memorable commercial successes of that era.
Apart from these well known titles, Nihalani’s filmography also included movies such as Aag Ka Gola, Rangeela Raja, and Julie 2. His contribution to the entertainment industry extended beyond filmmaking. He served as the president of the Association of Pictures and TV Programme Producers for nearly 29 years before stepping down from the position in 2009.
In January 2015, Nihalani was appointed chairperson of the CBFC, the body responsible for certifying films in India. His tenure at the board attracted significant public attention before he was replaced by lyricist Prasoon Joshi in August 2017.
According to journalist Vickey Lalwani, Nihalani had been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and was recovering from the illness over the past four months. However, his condition later worsened. Lalwani said, “He was under the treatment of Dr Jayant Barve and was being shifted from one hospital to another for the last thirty days.”
The producer’s funeral is scheduled to take place in Mumbai at 3 pm on June 4. With a career spanning several decades, Pahlaj Nihalani leaves behind a legacy linked to some of Bollywood’s most popular films and an important chapter in India’s film industry history.