Veteran actor Anupam Kher has paid a heartfelt tribute to veteran film producer and former CBFC chairman Pahlaj Nihalani, who passed away on June 4 at the age of 76. Remembering Nihalani as a generous, kind-hearted and kind person, Kher recalled the important role he played in her career and her support during the most difficult times.Taking to Instagram, Kher shared an emotional note along with a video message where he reflected on his friendship with the late producer and their last conversation just days before his death.
“Pahlaj ji was a great producer but an even better human being”
In the Instagram post, Kher recalled the many films they worked on together and the memories they made over the years.“The news of Pahlaj Nihalani ji’s death has left a strange void in my heart. I worked with him in several films and all my experiences with him were pleasant. While shooting 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 a great producer, but more importantly, he was a great human being. He was cheerful, generous-hearted and had a genuine love for people. Sitting with him, talking to him and laughing with him was always natural and warm.”“There are very few people in the film industry who are remembered for their behavior more than their work. Pahlaj ji was one of them,” he added.
“I got a message just a week ago”
In the free video, Kher revealed that he had spoken to Nihalani a week before her death.“I just met 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 got a message from him asking, ‘How are you, Anupam ji?'” Kher said.The actor said that he immediately called Nihalani after receiving the message and came to know that he was hospitalized.“I asked him where he was because I wanted to meet him. He told me that 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 her once she recovered.“He said, ‘Let me heal up a little bit and then you can come over.’ I told him I would visit him next week. And today I found out that he is no longer with us,” he said.
“He once helped me through my hard times”
Kher also reflected on the support Nihalani offered him during the difficult phases of his life and career.“He was a very kind man, a very kind person. He helped me once in my difficult times. He was generous and very real,” she said.Expressing her regret for not visiting the hospital sooner, the actress added: “I wish I had gone to the hospital that day to make her laugh and make her feel like there are people who care and love her.”Kher spoke about the fleeting nature of fame in the entertainment industry.“People are in the limelight for a long time, and this world has a habit of forgetting those who are not in the limelight. But the people whose lives Pahlaj ji touched will never be forgotten, including me,” he said.
The film fraternity says goodbye
Veteran producer Pahlaj Nihalani was cremated in Mumbai on June 4, and several members of the film fraternity gathered to pay their last respects.Among others, Saif Ali Khan, Govinda, David Dhawan, Rohit Dhawan, Boney Kapoor, Bunty Walia, Shatrughan Sinha, Poonam Sinha and Sunil Darshan were present.Nihalani was known for producing several successful Hindi films including Ilzaam, Shola Aur Shabnam, Aankhen and Andaz. He was also the chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification and was a prominent figure in the Indian film industry for decades.
