The Hindi film industry is mourning the demise of veteran producer and former CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani. Among those who paid an emotional tribute was actor Govind Namdev, who remembered Nihalani as the man who gave him his first major break in commercial cinema.

Govind Namdev remembers Pahlaj Nihalani: “He gave me my first film; I can never forget him”

Speaking to PTI in Mumbai, Govind Namdev said, “He gave me my first film, Shola Aur Shabnam, and that is where my journey began. My career as a commercial film actor truly started. So, I can never forget him. His passing is a great loss and a source of deep sorrow. There are very few people in the film industry who are as considerate and kind-hearted as he was.”

For Namdev, Shola Aur Shabnam was not merely a film but the starting point of a new chapter. The David Dhawan-directed entertainer, headlined by Govinda and Divya Bharti, became one of the memorable commercial films of the early 1990s and gave Namdev visibility in mainstream Hindi cinema. His tribute underlines the personal bonds Nihalani shared with several actors and technicians over the years.

Pahlaj Nihalani had a long and eventful journey in the Hindi film industry. As a producer, he was associated with several popular entertainers and was known for backing mainstream cinema with strong commercial instincts. Later, his tenure as the chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification also kept him in the public eye, often making him one of the most discussed industry figures of his time.

VIDEO | Mumbai: Actor Govind Namdev, paying tribute to Pahlaj Nihalani, says, “He gave me my first film, Shola Aur Shabnam, and that is where my journey began. My career as a commercial film actor truly started. So, I can never forget him. His passing is a great loss and a source… pic.twitter.com/1E255bCSlZ

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 4, 2026

While his professional journey had its share of debates and controversies, tributes pouring in from the film fraternity highlight another side of Nihalani — that of a mentor, supporter and industry veteran who helped shape the careers of many artistes.

Govind Namdev’s heartfelt words serve as a reminder of the impact Nihalani had on those who worked with him closely. For the actor, the loss is not just that of a producer but of someone who played a defining role in the beginning of his cinematic journey.

Also Read: Veteran film producer Pahlaj Nihalani passes away at 76