Well-known Indian filmmaker and former chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification, Pahlaj Nihalani, is no more. The renowned personality passed away today, on June 4, 2026. Reportedly, he was admitted to Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai as he was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and has been battling the issues for the past four months. He was 76 years old at the time of his demise.
The reports suggest that the last rites of the veteran filmmaker were carried out today around 3:00 PM in Mumbai at Santacruz Crematorium, opposite the police station. The passing of the filmmaker was confirmed by IANS, while journalist Vickey Lalwani shared that Pahlaj was under the care of Dr Jayant Barve and had been moved to several hospitals in the last 30 days. Reportedly, the journalist spoke to Pahlaj’s wife recently, who was hopeful that the filmmaker would return home soon.
Pahlaj Nihalani’s passing has sent the industry into shock, and during the last rites of the filmmaker, several big celebrities extended their tribute, from Shatrughan Sinha, Govinda, Malaika Arora, Amruta Arora, Varun Dhawan, David Dhawan to Farhan Akhtar, Saif Ali Khan, Boney Kapoor and others.
Pahlaj Nihalani served as the association of Pictures and TV Programme Producers for almost three decades, until 2009, when he resigned. He has produced films like HaathKadi, Aandhi Toofan, IIzaam and others. His last film was Rangeela Raja in 2019.
Pahlaj was survived by his wife Nita and their three sons Deepesh, Vishal and Chirag.
