PahlajNihalani, film producer and former chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), died on Thursday. He was 76.
He passed away at his residence in Bandra due to liver-related ailments. His last rites were performed at the Santacruz Hindu crematorium.
Actor Govinda, who got his break with Nihalani’s production Ilzaam (1986), visited his residence and attended the funeral.
“PahlajNihalaniji laid the foundation stone for so many of us. Several artists, including me, who rose from difficult and financially challenging circumstances, received his support and encouragement.
“There must be at least a dozen artists in the country whose careers were shaped by his guidance. Pahlajji had a rare ability to identify talent and help people rise from the ground to great heights. It was a gift bestowed upon him by God,” Govinda said
Filmmakers Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, AneesBazmee, David Dhawan along with RohitDhawan and Varun Dhawan, besides Boney Kapoor, Ramesh Sippy and Abhishek Kapoor, paid their last respects.
Veteran actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha also attended the funeral.
“He was one of our closest friends and a family friend. Our association with him goes back many years. He was a great filmmaker, a wonderful human being, a sincere friend, and a person with an outstanding personality. He also served as the chairman of the censor board. He gave us many blockbuster films. Above all, what stood out most was his humanity,” he said.
Nihalani began his career as a producer with Haathkadi (1982) and is credited with launching Govinda with Ilzaam. He also introduced actor Chunky Panday with Aag Hi Aag (1987). His other productions include Shola AurShabnam, Aankhen, DilTeraDiwana, Talaash and Rangeela Raja.
He served as CBFC chairperson from January 2015 to August 2017, a tenure marked by controversies over censorship decisions and disputes with filmmakers regarding cuts and certification.
Shashi ShekharVempati condoled his death, stating, “Heartfelt condolences from the entire CBFC family on the demise of former CBFC Chairperson Shri PahlajNihalani.”
He is survived by his wife, Nita Nihalani, and three sons.
