Pahlaj Nihalani, Renowned Filmmaker and CBFC Chairperson, Passes Away at 76

Pahlaj Nihalani, a prominent figure in Indian cinema and former chairperson of the CBFC, has passed away at the age of 76. Known for his significant contributions to the film industry, Nihalani's career was marked by both successes and controversies, particularly during his tenure at the CBFC. He was instrumental in launching the careers of several actors and produced numerous hit films. His passing has left a notable void in the industry, and his legacy continues to influence filmmakers today. Stay tuned for more details about his life and contributions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 4, 2026, 12:36 IST

Pahlaj Nihalani's Passing

Renowned filmmaker Pahlaj Nihalani has died at the age of 76. Reports indicate that the former chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) was admitted to Nanavati Hospital early Thursday morning, where he was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. For the past month, he had been facing significant health challenges. Details regarding his final rites have not yet been made public. The news of his passing was confirmed by Shashi Ranjan. Pahlaj is survived by his wife, Nita, and their two sons, Vishal and Chirag Nihalani.

Legacy of Pahlaj Nihalani

Pahlaj Nihalani dies at 76

Shashi Ranjan confirmed the news of Pahlaj’s death, stating, “Pahlaj ji was not keeping well. He was taken home from Nanavati Hospital, where he breathed his last.” The family has yet to release an official statement regarding his passing.

Who was Pahlaj Nihalani

In addition to his role as CBFC chairperson from 2015 to 2017, Nihalani served as the president of the Association of Motion Picture and TV Programme Producers for nearly three decades. His tenure at the CBFC was marked by several controversies surrounding films such as Udta Punjab, Lipstick Under My Burkha, and Spectre. Before his CBFC leadership, he was instrumental in launching Govinda's career with the film Ilzaam (1986) and also introduced Chunky Panday in Aag Hi Aag (1987). His film Aankhen, featuring Govinda and Chunky, became the highest-grossing Bollywood film of 1993. In recent years, Nihalani continued to engage with the film industry through production and distribution, with projects like Julie 2 and Rangeela Raja.

Controversies During His Tenure

Pahlaj Nihalani as CBFC chairperson

During his time as CBFC chairperson, Nihalani created a list of 34 words that filmmakers were advised to avoid in their films, a move that sparked significant backlash from the film community and even some CBFC members who felt he overstepped his authority. This proposal was ultimately retracted following strong opposition. Numerous Hindi films, including Aligarh, Unfreedom, Indu Sarkar, Ka Bodyscapes, and Babumoshai Bandookbaaz, faced certification disputes during his leadership, leading to criticism that the CBFC was acting more as a censor than a certification body. One of the most notable controversies arose with Udta Punjab, which faced demands for 89–94 cuts, including the removal of references to Punjab, drugs, politics, and profanity. Many filmmakers contested this decision in court, and the Bombay High Court ultimately allowed the film to be released with only one cut and disclaimers.