Pahlaj Nihalani Dies at 76: Bollywood Producer Behind ‘Ilzaam’ and ‘Aankhen’ Passes Away in Mumbai

Veteran Bollywood film producer and former CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani passed away on June 4, 2026, in Mumbai at the age of 76. According to reports, he died at a city hospital after battling liver cirrhosis for several months, marking the end of a long and often controversial journey in Indian cinema.

Nihalani was once a major force in mainstream Bollywood production, especially during the 1990s, when he delivered several box office successes. He is best remembered for backing hit films like Ilzaam, Shola Aur Shabnam, and Aankhen, many of which featured a popular creative partnership with actor Govinda and filmmaker David Dhawan. His films were known for their mass appeal, music, and commercial storytelling style that defined an era of Bollywood entertainment.

Beyond his production success, Nihalani later stepped into one of the most high-profile regulatory roles in Indian cinema when he became the chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) from 2015 to 2017. His tenure became widely debated in the industry due to his strict censorship decisions, frequent film cuts, and clashes with filmmakers, making him one of the most talked-about CBFC chiefs in recent memory.

Despite controversies, Nihalani continued producing films across decades, including titles like Andaz, Rangeela Raja, and the 2017 thriller Julie 2. His career reflected a sharp shift from mainstream commercial cinema success to a more contentious role in shaping how films were viewed and certified in India.

With his passing, the industry reflects on a figure who was both influential and polarizing—someone who helped shape 90s Bollywood entertainment while also leaving a lasting imprint on India’s film certification debates. His contribution, whether celebrated or criticized, remains a significant part of Bollywood’s evolving history.