Pahlaj Nihalani, a significant figure in the Hindi film industry and former chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), passed away at his Mumbai residence at the age of 76. His death, reported on June 4, 2026, followed a prolonged illness, and the cause remains unknown. Actress Malaika Arora was seen paying her respects at his home, where his last rites are scheduled for 3 PM today at the Santacruz Hindu Crematorium. Nihalani's career began in the early 1980s, producing notable films such as 'Ilzaam' and 'Aankhen', which solidified his reputation. He briefly ventured into directing and produced a controversial promotional song for Narendra Modi during the 2014 elections. As CBFC chairman from 2015 to 2017, he was known for his strict censorship policies, which sparked significant debate and criticism, particularly regarding films like 'Udta Punjab'. His legacy includes both his contributions to cinema and the controversies that surrounded his tenure at the CBFC.