Veteran producer Pahlaj Nihalani passed away today (4th June) at Nanavati Hospital in Bombay at the age of 76. He had been quite unwell of late but had recovered. However, his his health once again became a cause for concern to his near and dear ones. He was suffering from cirrhosis of the liver.
A prolific producer, Pahlaj Nihalani was an extremely helpful person. Besides producing a number of films, he used to also distribute films, mostly his own, in Bombay circuit. It was quite a thing even back then because his distribution office in Naaz cinema building in Bombay had just one or two staff members.
Among the films produced by Nihalani are hits, super-hits and blockbusters like Aankhen, Shola Aur Shabnam, Paap Ki Duniya, Aag Hi Aag, Ilzaam, Aandhi Toofan and Haathkadi. Among the other films produced by him are Gunahon Ka Faisla, Mitti Aur Sona, Rangeela Raja, Mr. Azaad and First Love Letter.
Pahlaj Nihalani’s funeral was held at 3 p.m. today. He was cremated at the Santacruz Hindu crematorium. He is survived by his wife and three sons.
Pahlaj Nihalani was the chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification from 2015 to 2017. He was considered a very strict CBFC chief who did not easily pass kisses and profanities in dialogues and also scenes showing violence against women. His controversial cuts, as CBFC chairman, to Udta Punjab won him a lot of bad press because the film was ultimately passed by the Bombay high court which waived most of the cuts demanded by the CBFC. He also shortened the kissing scene in James Bond film Spectre.
Nihalani was the president of the Association of Motion Pictures and TV Programme Producers (AMPTPP) for a long time.
