Anupam Kher remembers Pahlaj Nihalani’s kindness
Veteran actor Anupam Kher has paid a heartfelt tribute to film producer and former CBFC chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani, who passed away on June 4 at the age of 76. Taking to Instagram, Kher shared an emotional note and a video message reflecting on their friendship and the support Nihalani offered him during tough times.
In his post, Kher wrote, ‘The news of Pahlaj Nihalani ji’s passing has left a strange emptiness in my heart. I worked with him in several films and every experience with him was a pleasant one.’ He added, ‘Pahlaj ji was an excellent producer, but more importantly, he was an excellent human being. He was cheerful, generous at heart and had genuine affection for people.’
The final conversation that still haunts him
In the video, Kher revealed that he had spoken to Nihalani just a week before his death. ‘I just got to know about Pahlaj Nihalani ji and I feel very sad. He played a very big role in my career. In fact, just a week ago, I received a message from him asking, “How are you, Anupam ji?”’ Kher shared.
The actor said he called Nihalani immediately and learned he was hospitalised. ‘I asked him where he was because I wanted to meet him. He told me he was in the hospital but would be discharged the next day. I don’t know why, but when I heard his voice, he sounded weak and a little sad,’ Kher recalled. Nihalani asked him to visit after recovery, saying, ‘Let me recover a little and then you can come.’ Kher promised to visit the following week, but Nihalani passed away before that could happen.
Regret and a lasting legacy
Kher also remembered how Nihalani helped him during difficult times. ‘He was a very kind man, a very genuine person. He once helped me in my difficult times. He was generous and very real,’ he said. Expressing regret, Kher added, ‘I wish I had gone to the hospital that day, to make him laugh and to make him feel that there are people who care for him and love him.’
Nihalani was cremated in Mumbai on June 4, with industry colleagues including Saif Ali Khan, Govinda, David Dhawan, Boney Kapoor, and Shatrughan Sinha paying their last respects. Known for producing hits like Ilzaam, Shola Aur Shabnam, Aankhen, and Andaz, Nihalani also served as CBFC chairperson. Kher concluded, ‘People whose lives Pahlaj ji touched will never forget him, including me.’