Pahlaj Nihalani, a veteran film producer and former chief of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), passed away on Thursday, June 4, in Mumbai. He was 73. According to sources, he had been suffering from liver cirrhosis and was admitted to Nanavati Hospital. His health had been declining over the past four months.
Nihalani's Legacy in Bollywood
Nihalani is best known for launching the career of actor Govinda in the 1986 film 'Ilzaam'. The duo shared a deep professional association, but their relationship reportedly soured over time. In a previous interview, Nihalani addressed the fallout, blaming director David Dhawan for poisoning Govinda's mind against him.
He stated, "He was a single-screen hero, and when multiplexes emerged, people stopped releasing his films. After 'Partner', many of Govinda's films were stalled. David Dhawan, who was working with him at the time, poisoned his mind against me because he thought I was making money, but he didn't see that he also gained fame from my films."
Dispute Over 'Avatar'
Nihalani also refuted Govinda's claims of being offered James Cameron's 'Avatar'. He clarified, "That 'Avatar' was my film. I started it before 'Rangeela Raja'. I shot for six days but then moved to another project. I gave the remake rights for it. I don't know why he says these things, but 'Avatar' was my film. I still have the title registered with me."
Career and Achievements
Nihalani served as the president of the Association of Pictures and TV Programme Producers for nearly three decades until his resignation in 2009. He was appointed as the CBFC chief in 2015 but was ousted on August 11, 2017, following which Prasoon Joshi took over.
His first production was 'Haathkadi' in 1982, followed by 'Aandhi Toofan' in 1985. 'Ilzaam' (1986) marked Govinda's debut, and 'Aag Hi Aag' (1987) introduced Chunky Pandey.
Nihalani's contribution to Indian cinema remains significant, and his passing marks the end of an era.
