Pahlaj Nihalani, an Indian film producer known for Aankhen and Shola Aur Shabnam, died on June 4, 2026, at the age of 76.
He built a long career in Hindi cinema, producing films including Haathkadi in 1982, Aandhi-Toofan in 1985 and Ilzaam in 1986, the latter marking Govinda’s debut. He also produced Aag Hi Aag in 1987, which introduced Chunky Pandey, and later served as chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Nihalani was president of the Association of Pictures and TV Programme Producers for 29 years before resigning in 2009, and he was removed as CBFC chief in 2017.