Overview
- Pahlaj Nihalani died on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at age 76 after a prolonged liver illness reported as cirrhosis, his family and industry bodies confirmed.
- His cremation was held the same day at Santacruz Hindu Crematorium in Mumbai with family and numerous film personalities in attendance.
- Nihalani built a mainstream production career from the 1980s through the 1990s that launched actors such as Govinda and Chunky Panday and included hits like Ilzaam, Shola Aur Shabnam and Aankhen.
- He served as chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification from January 2015 to August 2017, a term that drew attention for measures such as circulating restricted‑word lists, seeking extensive cuts to Udta Punjab and refusing certification to some films.
- Tributes poured in from colleagues and trade bodies, and his passing both marks the end of a long influence on Bollywood production and is likely to prompt renewed discussion about the CBFC’s role in balancing certification and creative freedom.