Film Producer and Ex-CBFC Chief Pahlaj Nihalani Passes Away at 76 After Battling Liver Cirrhosis for Four Months
Veteran Bollywood producer and former chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Pahlaj Nihalani, passed away on 4 June 2026 at Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai. He was 76 years old. According to reports from the Times of India and other media outlets, Nihalani had been battling liver cirrhosis for approximately four months and was under the care of Dr Jayant Barve at the time of his death.
His last rites were performed later that afternoon at Santacruz Crematorium, opposite the police station, with family members and several film industry colleagues in attendance.
A Career That Spanned Four Decades of Hindi Cinema
Pahlaj Nihalani’s association with the Hindi film industry began in the early 1980s. He established himself as a producer through a string of commercially successful films, working with some of the biggest names in Bollywood across different eras. His production house bankrolled several mainstream entertainers that resonated with mass audiences, particularly in the 1990s and 2000s.
Among his most notable productions was Aankhen (2002), starring Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, and Paresh Rawal, which was both a critical and commercial success. He also produced films featuring Govinda, Sunny Deol, and other leading actors of their respective periods.
What set Nihalani apart from many producers of his generation was his willingness to back unconventional casting choices and his hands-on approach to film marketing — something that was relatively rare in Indian cinema during the 1990s.
Controversial Tenure as CBFC Chairman
In January 2015, the Modi government appointed Nihalani as the chairman of the CBFC, a role that would make him one of the most talked-about figures in Indian entertainment for the next two years. His tenure was marked by a series of controversial decisions that drew sharp criticism from filmmakers, actors, and free speech advocates.
Under his watch, the CBFC ordered cuts to several high-profile films, including Spectre (the James Bond film), NH10, and Udta Punjab. The board’s decision to suggest 89 cuts to Udta Punjab, a film about the drug epidemic in Punjab, triggered a massive public backlash and legal battle. Director Anurag Kashyap publicly accused Nihalani of acting as a political censor rather than a certification authority.
Nihalani defended his decisions, arguing that he was simply applying the certification guidelines as they existed. “The CBFC’s job is to protect Indian audiences, especially children, from content that is harmful or inappropriate,” he said during his tenure.
He was replaced as CBFC chairman by lyricist Prasoon Joshi in August 2017.
Industry Reactions Pour In
News of Nihalani’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the film industry. Actor Anupam Kher recalled his last conversation with the producer, telling the media that Nihalani “sounded sad” during their final phone call and that he wished he had visited him in hospital sooner.
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, a close associate, expressed his grief on social media, calling Nihalani “a man who lived and breathed cinema.” Several other producers and directors shared memories of working with him, noting his generosity and passion for filmmaking.
Despite the controversies during his CBFC years, many in the industry acknowledged that Nihalani had contributed significantly to mainstream Hindi cinema. “People remember the CBFC controversies, but before that, he was a producer who gave employment to thousands of people and entertained millions,” said a senior industry figure who wished to remain anonymous.
Personal Life and Legacy
Pahlaj Nihalani is survived by his wife Nita and their three sons — Deepesh, Vishal, and Chirag. While his sons have largely stayed away from the film industry, the family has been involved in various business ventures in Mumbai.
Nihalani’s death comes at a time when the Bollywood industry is already mourning several recent losses and grappling with generational change. His passing marks the end of an era for a certain kind of Hindi film producer — one who operated on instinct, personal relationships, and an unapologetic love for commercial cinema.
Political Connections and Industry Influence
Nihalani’s influence extended well beyond the screen. He was known for his close ties to political figures, particularly within the BJP. His appointment as CBFC chairman was widely seen as a reward for his staunch support of Narendra Modi during the 2014 general election campaign, which included producing promotional content for the party.
This intersection of cinema and politics was not unusual in India — many film personalities have crossed over into politics and vice versa — but Nihalani was unusually open about his political affiliations, which made his CBFC tenure particularly contentious.
Understanding Liver Cirrhosis
Liver cirrhosis, the condition that claimed Nihalani’s life, is a late-stage liver disease characterised by irreversible scarring of the liver tissue. According to the World Health Organization, liver disease is among the top causes of death in India, with cirrhosis accounting for a significant proportion of cases.
The condition can be caused by chronic alcohol consumption, hepatitis B or C infections, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and other factors. Once diagnosed at an advanced stage, treatment options are limited primarily to managing symptoms and preventing further damage, with liver transplantation being the only definitive cure for end-stage disease.
Medical professionals have long emphasised the importance of regular health screenings, particularly for individuals over 50, as early detection of liver problems can significantly improve outcomes. The fact that Nihalani’s condition was apparently serious enough to require four months of intensive hospital care underscores how quickly cirrhosis can progress once it reaches a critical stage.
His family has not disclosed the specific cause of his liver cirrhosis.
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