Pahlaj Nihalani, the veteran Bollywood producer who shaped 1990s commercial cinema before becoming one of the most polarizing figures in Indian censorship history, died Thursday morning at the age of 76. He passed away around 9:30 AM at Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai after a four-month battle with liver cirrhosis. His last rites are scheduled for 3:00 PM today at the Santacruz Hindu Crematorium.
Long before he earned the viral “Sanskari James Bond” moniker, Nihalani was a highly influential force in mainstream Hindi entertainment. He famously launched the careers of Govinda in the 1986 film Ilzaam and Chunky Panday in 1987’s Aag Hi Aag. He consistently delivered box office hits throughout the following decade, including collaborations with director David Dhawan on Shola Aur Shabnam and Aankhen, according to a comprehensive overview of his filmography.
Modern audiences know Nihalani best for his turbulent tenure as the chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) from January 2015 to August 2017. His strictly conservative approach to film certification sparked relentless industry-wide debates surrounding artistic freedom. High-profile censorship battles over the drug drama Udta Punjab and the feminist dark comedy Lipstick Under My Burkha defined his time at the regulatory board.
Current CBFC Chairman Shashi Shekhar Vempati confirmed the news and offered condolences on X on behalf of the organization. Veteran trade analyst Atul Mohan also shared his grief online, revealing he had spoken with Nihalani about his liver complications just ten days prior. Mohan praised his efficiency during his board tenure, specifically noting his commitment to ensuring timely film certifications for theatrical producers.