Producer and Ex-Censor Board Chief, Pahlaj Nihalani, Passes Away at 76, Leaving a Lasting Legacy Behind

On June 4, 2026, Veteran producer and former chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) passed away at 76 due to liver cirrhosis. The last rites were performed at a crematorium in Santa Cruz, Mumbai, at 3 pm today. His Shashi Ranjan broke the news of his sad demise, sparking a wave of grief across the film fraternity. Several celebrities, including Randeep Hooda, Kangana Ranaut, Chunky Panday, Film critic Taran Adarsh, Sunny Deol, Anil Kapoor, and others, extended heartfelt condolences. 

Born on January 10, 1950, Nihalani started his career as a producer with the 1982 movie Haathkadi. Moreover, the producer has been widely credited for giving actor Govinda his first major break with the 1986 film Ilzaam. Not just that, he was the man who introduced Chunky Panday with Aag Hi Aag in 1987. Over the years, he produced iconic hits such as Shola Aur Shabnam, Aankhen, Dil Tera Diwana, Talaash, and Rangeela Raja.

Pahlaj Nihalani Passes Away Due to Liver Cirrhosis

Veteran filmmaker and distributor #PahlajNihalani is no more… A prominent figure in the Indian film industry, Pahlaj ji produced several noteworthy films during his illustrious career and played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of numerous actors, directors, and film… pic.twitter.com/XihiCAMSDq — taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) June 4, 2026

The family’s statement read, “With profound grief, we inform you of the passing of our beloved Pahlaj Nihalani on 4th June 2026. The cremation ceremony will be held today, 04.06.2026 at 3 pm at Santacruz Hindu Crematorium. We are grateful for your thoughts and prayers as we bid a final farewell.” The news of his demise has sent a wave of grief across the film industry, with condolences pouring in from family, friends, filmmakers, producers, directors, and trade experts.

Nihalani was a respected and widely acclaimed producer in the Hindi film industry, both as a film producer and as the former chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). His works specialize in high-octane action, family dramas, and mass blockbusters. In January 2015, Nihalani was appointed as the chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification. His tenure lasted until August 2017. He became one of the most heavily scrutinized and polarizing figures in the history of Indian cinema censorship, as he frequently clashed with contemporary directors over what he deemed unnecessary vulgarity, explicit language, overcuts, disclaimers, certification decisions, and politically sensitive topics.

Pahlaj Nihalani is survived by his wife, Nita, and their three sons, Deepesh, Vishal, and Chirag. The renowned producer has left for the heavenly abode, and his absence is felt in every nook and corner of the entertainment industry.