Mumbai: Veteran film producer and former Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani died at his Mumbai residence on Thursday after a prolonged illness. He was 76.
The cause of death has not been disclosed. His last rites will be held at the Santacruz Hindu Crematorium in Mumbai at 3 p.m. today, according to a family statement.
Born on January 10, 1950, Nihalani began his career with Haathkadi (1982) and went on to become a prominent Bollywood producer. He launched Govinda’s acting career with Ilzaam (1986) and introduced Chunky Panday in Aag Hi Aag (1987).
His notable productions included Gunahon Ka Faisla, Paap Ki Duniya, Mitti Aur Sona, Shola Aur Shabnam, Dil Tera Diwana, Talaash, Rangeela Raja and the blockbuster Aankhen, one of the biggest hits of the 1990s. He also directed Avatar in 2012 and appeared in Halla Bol (2008).
Nihalani was appointed CBFC chairperson in January 2015 after producing pro-Narendra Modi campaign songs. His tenure until August 2017 was marked by controversies over censorship, including cuts to Spectre, objections to Jab Harry Met Sejal and the widely debated certification of Udta Punjab.
Replaced by Prasoon Joshi in 2017, Nihalani later returned to film-related work. He is survived by his wife, Nita, and three sons.
