Bollywood producer Pahlaj Nihalani dies at 76

Veteran Bollywood producer and former chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification, Pahlaj Nihalani, passed away at the age of 76 after battling liver-related ailments on Thursday.

Nihalani had been undergoing treatment at Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai. His family confirmed that he died on June 4, while his last rites were scheduled to be held at Santacruz Hindu Crematorium later in the day.

Born on January 10, 1950, in Mumbai, Nihalani established himself as one of Bollywood's prominent commercial film producers. He made his debut with the 1982 film Haathkadi and went on to produce several successful mainstream entertainers.

Among his most notable productions were Ilzaam, which launched Govinda as a lead actor, Shola Aur Shabnam, which introduced Divya Bharti, and the blockbuster Aankhen starring Govinda and Chunky Panday.

He also served as president of the Association of Motion Pictures and TV Programme Producers for nearly three decades, playing a significant role in the Indian film industry's organizational affairs.

Nihalani's tenure as CBFC chief from 2015 to 2017 was marked by controversy. He faced criticism over censorship decisions involving films such as Udta Punjab, Aligarh, Lipstick Under My Burkha and Unfreedom. His approach to film certification sparked intense debate within the industry before he was succeeded by Prasoon Joshi in 2017.

After leaving the censor board, Nihalani remained active in filmmaking, producing Rangeela Raja, his last major project.

His death marks the end of a career spanning more than four decades in Indian cinema.