Anupam Kher Recalls His Last Conversation With Pahlaj Nihalani Shares Heartbreaking Regret After His Death

Actor Anupam Kher has paid an emotional tribute to veteran film producer and former CBFC chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani, who passed away on June 4 at the age of 76. He remembered their final conversation, revealing he deeply regrets not visiting Nihalani in the hospital last week.

He posted the video with a caption that read, “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. During the shooting of Shola Aur Shabnam, we not only made a good film but also created countless memories. 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. Sitting with him, talking to him and laughing with him always felt natural and warm. There are very few people in the film industry who are remembered more for their behaviour than their work. Pahlaj ji was one of them. Today, as I remember him, his smiling face keeps appearing before my eyes. Pahlaj ji, you will be deeply missed. Your warmth, laughter and affection will always stay with me. May God grant peace to your soul. My deepest condolences to his family," he added.

In the video, Anupam recalled speaking to Pahlaj Nihalani just a week ago after receiving a message from him.

"He played a very big role in my career. I have done many films with him. In fact, just a week ago, I received a message from him asking, 'How are you, Anupam ji?' After many months, I got a message from him. Whenever he saw something good, he would send a message," the actor mentioned.

Anupam revealed that he immediately reached out to Pahlaj Nihalani after receiving the message, only to learn that the veteran producer had been admitted to a hospital.

In the video, Anupam also said that Pahlaj supported him during challenging phases of his life. The actor also reflected on the fleeting nature of fame in the entertainment industry.

"Unfortunately, people are in the limelight for some time, and this world has a habit of forgetting those who are no longer in the spotlight. That's the unfortunate part of this profession. You either get old or you get forgotten. But people whose lives Pahlaj ji touched will never forget him, including me," Anupam said.

Veteran film producer and former Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani passed away on Thursday at the age of 76. The producer was known for backing several popular Bollywood films and is remembered for introducing Govinda to the film industry with Ilzaam (1986).

Several celebrities from the Hindi film industry attended the cremation ceremony to bid farewell to the veteran producer. Govinda, Varun Dhawan, Malaika Arora, Boney Kapoor, and Shatrughan Sinha were spotted at the Santacruz crematorium.

Pahlaj Nihalani began his journey as a film producer in 1982 with Haathkadi. Over the years, he backed several Bollywood projects, including Andaz, Talaash, Rangeela Raja, and Julie 2. Apart from his work as a producer, he also served as the CBFC chairperson between 2015 and 2017.

His tenure at the censor board frequently made headlines for his strict censorship policies and controversial decisions on film certifications. He was often at the centre of debates surrounding artistic freedom and censorship, particularly during the release of films such as Udta Punjab, Lipstick Under My Burkha, and several others.

Sugandha Rawal has been writing about entertainment and lifestyle for over 13 years, and if there's one thing that's kept her going, it's a genuine love for storytelling. She completed her graduation in Journalism from the University of Delhi and went on to earn her Master of Media from IP University. Beginning her career in the fast-paced environment of news wire reporting, she learned the art of accuracy, speed, and storytelling under pressure. She later expanded her horizons in print journalism, where she honed her feature-writing skills and developed a keen eye for detail and narrative depth. These days, she's firmly rooted in digital journalism, adapting and evolving with a media landscape that never sits still. Over the years, Sugandha has covered everything from Bollywood and celebrity culture to wellness trends and lifestyle shifts. She enjoys spotting the drama behind headlines, the emotion behind interviews, and the details that others might miss. When she is not chasing the latest entertainment update or lifestyle trend, you will find her observing the cultural shifts that shape the stories we consume every day.Read More