The midnight request that changed everything
Days after veteran producer and former CBFC chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani passed away on June 4, 2026, due to a liver ailment, a lesser-known story of his kindness has emerged. While many remember him for controversial decisions during his tenure, few are talking about how he quietly helped several filmmakers. One such heartwarming episode involves Ranbir Kapoor and his 2017 film Jagga Jasoos.
Senior industry member Rajesh Vasani from Paras Publicity recounted the incident exclusively to cinecrazy. According to Vasani, Rishi Kapoor showed up at Nihalani’s Juhu residence around midnight, just 11–12 days before Jagga Jasoos was slated to release. The situation was dire — Ranbir needed to deliver the film to Disney immediately, but mixing and other post-production work were still incomplete. If the censor certificate wasn’t issued on time, the actor would have to pay a heavy penalty as per their agreement.
Vasani said, “Mr Rishi Kapoor arrived at Pahlaj ji’s Juhu residence at midnight, on Monday, July 3, 2017 or Tuesday, July 4, 2017. He informed Pahlaj ji that Ranbir needed to submit the film to Disney on an immediate basis. However, the mixing and other work on the film were still pending. He requested Pahlaj ji if the censor certificate could be issued, or else they would have to pay a heavy penalty for the delay.”
An exam committee screening at 9 AM
Nihalani, known for his sharp efficiency, didn’t turn them away. He realised the gravity of the situation and agreed to screen the film the very next morning. However, there was a small hiccup — Rishi Kapoor wasn’t familiar with the online application process for the certificate. True to his helpful nature, Nihalani stepped in again.
Vasani continued, “He asked Chintu ji to apply online for the certificate. Chintu ji confessed that he wasn’t aware of the procedure. Pahlaj ji agreed to help him with that as well. He asked a CBFC staffer to do the needful and immediately assembled a team of five members to screen the film at the NFDC preview theatre in Worli.”
The next morning at 9:00 am, the film — a rough cut — was screened. By noon, the Examining Committee was done. Since Jagga Jasoos was a clean family film, no cuts were needed. The committee submitted its report at the CBFC office on Pedder Road by 12:30 pm. By 4:00 pm the same day, the censor certificate was ready and handed over to the makers.
A gesture without strings attached
Ranbir and his team promptly submitted the certificate to Disney, proving the film was ready. This saved the actor from paying a massive penalty. But what made Nihalani’s act truly special was his refusal to leverage the favour.
Vasani revealed that around that time, Nihalani was planning a film called Aankhen 2. Vasani joked with Nihalani, saying he should ask Ranbir to sign the project since he had helped him out. But Nihalani categorically refused. “He stated that he didn’t do it (issue certificate quickly to Jagga Jasoos) so he could ask Ranbir and Chintu ji to return the favour. He did it because a fellow industry member needed help and because it was the right thing to do,” Vasani shared.
This story, now coming to light after Nihalani’s passing, paints a picture of a man who, despite his controversial public image, had a heart for his industry peers. While netizens continue to debate his legacy, those who worked closely with him remember these small yet significant gestures. For Ranbir Kapoor, that midnight visit turned out to be a lifeline — and a tale that deserves to be told.