Veteran actor Anupam Kher has paid a heartfelt tribute to veteran film producer and former CBFC chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani, who passed away on June 4 at the age of 76. Remembering Nihalani as a generous, kind-hearted and genuine person, Kher recalled the important role he played in his career and the support he offered during some of his most difficult moments.
Taking to Instagram, Kher shared an emotional note along with a video message in which he reflected on his friendship with the late producer and their final conversation just days before his demise.
‘Pahlaj ji was an excellent producer, but an even better human being’
In his Instagram post, Kher remembered the many films they worked on together and the memories they created over the years.
“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,” he wrote.
Describing Nihalani as someone whose warmth extended beyond the professional sphere, Kher added, “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,” he added.
‘I received a message from him just a week ago’
In the accompanying video, Kher revealed that he had spoken to Nihalani only a week before his passing.
“I just got to know about Pahlaj Nihalani ji and I feel very sad. 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?’” Kher said.
The actor shared that he immediately called Nihalani after receiving the message and learned that he was hospitalised.
“I asked him where he was because I wanted to meet him. He told me he was in the hospital but would be discharged the next day. I don't know why, but when I heard his voice, he sounded weak and a little sad,” Kher recalled.
According to the actor, Nihalani asked him to visit once he had recovered.
“He said, ‘Let me recover a little and then you can come.’ I told him I would visit the following week. And today I got to know that he is no longer with us,” he said.
‘He once helped me in my difficult times’
Kher also reflected on the support Nihalani offered him during challenging phases of his life and career.
“He was a very kind man, a very genuine person. He once helped me in my difficult times. He was generous and very real,” he said.
Expressing regret over not visiting him in hospital sooner, the actor added, “I wish I had gone to the hospital that day, to make him laugh and to make him feel that there are people who care for him and love him.”
Kher further spoke about the fleeting nature of fame in the entertainment industry.
“People are in the limelight for some time, and this world has a habit of forgetting those who are no longer in the spotlight. But people whose lives Pahlaj ji touched will never forget him, including me,” he said.
Film fraternity bids farewell
Veteran producer Pahlaj Nihalani was cremated in Mumbai on June 4, with several members of the film fraternity gathering to pay their final respects.
Among those present were Saif Ali Khan, Govinda, David Dhawan, Rohit Dhawan, Boney Kapoor, Bunty Walia, Shatrughan Sinha, Poonam Sinha and Sunil Darshan.
Nihalani was known for producing several successful Hindi films, including Ilzaam, Shola Aur Shabnam, Aankhen and Andaz. He also served as chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification and remained a prominent figure in the Indian film industry for decades.
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