Industry gathers for final farewell
The who’s who of Bollywood turned up to pay their last respects to veteran producer and former CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani, who passed away at the age of 76 due to liver cirrhosis. His final rites were held this afternoon, and it was a somber gathering of stars who had shared a professional bond with him over the decades.
Nihalani, who launched Govinda with the film ‘Ilzaam’, had a long association with several actors. He produced hits like ‘Haathkadi’, ‘Aandhi-Tofan’, ‘Dil Tera Diwana’ with Saif Ali Khan, and ‘Bhai Bhai’. His contribution to the industry was immense, and it showed in the turnout.
Govinda gets emotional, pays tribute
Govinda, who owed his film career to Nihalani, was visibly moved. He told the media, “Aadarniye Pahlaj Nihalani ji. Main aur mujh jaise kayin kalaakaar joh gareebi se upar aayi, usmein aapka saiyog raha. Zameen se aasmaan tak pahuchane ka joh kaarya hota hai woh uparwale ne unko diya. Pranaam karte hai aur prarthna karte hai ke aapki aatma ko shanti pradhaan kare. Hum jaise kayin artists joh world mein famous hai woh aise logon ke aashirwad se huye hai.”
Saif Ali Khan, who starred in Nihalani’s ‘Dil Tera Diwana’, was also present. Varun Dhawan arrived with his father David Dhawan and brother Rohit Dhawan. Shatrughan Sinha, Malaika Arora, and Farhan Akhtar were among the other familiar faces spotted at the funeral.
A legacy beyond films
Pahlaj Nihalani served as the chairman of the Association of Pictures and TV Programme Producers for nearly three decades until his resignation in 2009. He was later appointed as the chief of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) but was ousted from the position in August 2017, after which Prasoon Joshi took over. His passing marks the end of an era for many who worked with him.