'What will I do without him?': Shatrughan Sinha, Rakesh Roshan and Suneel Darshan mourn Pahlaj Nihalani's death

The Hindi film industry is mourning the loss of veteran producer Pahlaj Nihalani, who passed away on June 4 at the age of 76. Known for backing successful films such as 'Ilzaam', 'Shola Aur Shabnam', 'Aankhen' and 'Andaz', Nihalani was also instrumental in launching the careers of actors like Govinda and Chunky Panday. Beyond filmmaking, he served as the chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between 2015 and 2017.As news of his passing spread, several of his friends and colleagues shared heartfelt memories of the producer, recalling his generosity, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to the film fraternity.Among those most affected by Nihalani's demise is veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha, who described him as one of his closest friends. Speaking to Variety India, the actor shared his remorse.“First, Dharmendra, now Pahlaj. I have lost two dear friends within months. Pahlaj was very dear to me. Our friendship goes back more than 40 years. He saw me through my toughest times. He was by my side through thick and thin. Never judgmental, he stood by my decisions in life, good, bad or ugly, without questioning me. Woh kehte hain na, yaaron ka yaar, that was Pahlaj. During any crisis or problem, my wife Punam and I would turn to him. What will I do without him?”The actor revealed that their professional association began with 'Haathkadi' in 1982 and soon evolved into a deep personal bond.“Our association began with 'Haathkadi' in 1982. Pahlaj wanted me to be in all his productions and I wanted to be in all of them. I never asked about my role. I trusted him blindly. In this cutthroat industry, Pahlaj was one person anyone could turn to for help. Like Karan Johar’s father, Yash Johar, Pahlaj Nihalani helped even those whom he didn’t know personally.”Filmmaker and actor Rakesh Roshan also reflected on his long-standing relationship with Nihalani, describing him as a sincere and dependable colleague. "Pahlaj was a very good friend and I worked with him in two films as an actor and then I made my first film as a producer-director, 'Khudgarz'. We would speak on the phone quite often. Lately, he was quite unwell.”Rakesh Roshan recalled how Nihalani encouraged him during the making of 'Khudgarz' and even backed the film's distribution. “Pahlaj and Shatru (Shatrughan Sinha) were very close. When I was making 'Khudgarz,' he told me, ‘Your script is very good. Rakeshji, you’ve done a wonderful job. Distribute karte hain.’ He was very likable and was with me throughout the making of the film. What set him apart from the producers of those days was that he was very honest and sincere. He was very passionate and knew what goes into making a film.”Filmmaker Suneel Darshan remembered Nihalani not just as a producer but as a strong representative of the industry's interests. “Not only was he a filmmaker, but he was also a very responsible leader of the industry, especially for the producers. He moderated relationships between the various other departments of filmmaking, including actors and technicians.”Darshan also praised Nihalani's tenure as CBFC chief, noting that his experience as a producer gave him a unique understanding of the industry's challenges. “Pahlaj was also the chief of the censor board. He had a great stint, and he was absolutely the best person to have in that seat because he knew the plights and traumas that film producers experience.”The filmmaker fondly recalled collaborating with Nihalani during the distribution of 'Ek Rishtaa' and 'Haan... Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya' in the Delhi-UP circuit and later working alongside him on 'Talaash: The Hunt Begins'. “It was great associating with the gentleman, and I have wonderful memories of it. Everyone has to leave someday, but he left a bit early.”While audiences remember Pahlaj Nihalani for producing blockbuster entertainers and introducing new talent to Bollywood, those who worked closely with him remember something more enduring: a man who stood by his friends, supported filmmakers through difficult times, and remained deeply invested in the well-being of the industry.His contributions to Hindi cinema extended far beyond the films he produced, leaving behind memories that many in the industry will continue to cherish for years to come.