Veteran film producer and former Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani was cremated in Mumbai on Thursday after passing away at the age of 76.
Nihalani died at his residence in Bandra, and his last rites were performed at the Santacruz Hindu Crematorium in the presence of family members, friends and several leading figures from the Hindi film industry.
A host of Bollywood personalities gathered to pay their final respects, including actors Govinda, Saif Ali Khan, Varun Dhawan and Shatrughan Sinha, as well as filmmakers David Dhawan, Rohit Dhawan, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, Anees Bazmee, Boney Kapoor, Ramesh Sippy, Abhishek Kapoor, Bunty Walia and Sunil Darshan.
Govinda, whose career was launched by Nihalani through the 1986 film Ilzaam, described the late producer as a mentor who helped many struggling artists achieve success.
He said Nihalani possessed a rare ability to identify talent and provide opportunities to newcomers, adding that numerous actors owed their careers to his support and guidance.
Veteran actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha remembered Nihalani as a close friend, accomplished filmmaker and compassionate individual who contributed significantly to Indian cinema.
He praised Nihalani’s humanity and his role in producing several blockbuster films.
Nihalani began his career as a producer with Haathkadi in 1982 and went on to back several successful films, including Aandhi-Toofan, Ilzaam, Aag Hi Aag, Shola Aur Shabnam, Aankhen, Dil Tera Diwana, Talaash and Rangeela Raja.
He is widely credited with giving Govinda his first major break and introducing actor Chunky Panday to Bollywood through Aag Hi Aag in 1987.
Controversial yet influential CBFC tenure
Beyond filmmaking, Nihalani served as CBFC chairperson from January 2015 to August 2017.
His tenure was marked by controversy over censorship decisions, including strict guidelines on language, kissing scenes, sexual content and depictions of violence.
Films such as Spectre, Fifty Shades of Grey, Udta Punjab and Angry Indian Goddesses faced scrutiny and cuts under his leadership, sparking widespread debate on creative freedom and censorship.
Current CBFC chairperson Shashi Shekhar Vempati expressed condolences on behalf of the board, remembering Nihalani’s contribution to both cinema and film certification.
Nihalani is survived by his wife, Nita Nihalani, and their three sons.
His passing marks the end of a decades-long association with Bollywood, where he left a lasting impact as both a producer and industry administrator. (Agencies)
