The Hindi film industry continues to mourn the loss of veteran producer and former CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) chairman Pahlaj Nihalani, who passed away at the age of 76 in Mumbai. As tributes pour in from across the industry, actress Poonam Dhillon has opened up about her long-standing friendship with Nihalani, remembering him as a close confidant whose association with her spanned several decades.

Poonam Dhillon mourns Pahlaj Nihalani’s demise: “Our friendship spanned 30-40 years”

Speaking about the loss, the actress expressed shock and sadness over the passing of someone she had known for a significant part of her life. “It is very shocking and deeply painful because our friendship spanned many years. I believe our bond lasted for at least thirty or forty years. We met frequently, and our interactions were always warm and informal. Although I never had the opportunity to work with him professionally, I still considered him a close friend; we were always very open and unreserved with each other. In fact, I would say that, to a certain extent, my frequent meetings with him were facilitated by Shatrughan Sinha, as the two of them were exceptionally close…”, she said.

Poonam’s heartfelt remembrance highlights the personal relationships Nihalani cultivated over the course of his long career in the film industry. While many knew him as a successful producer and later as a public figure during his tenure at the CBFC, colleagues and friends often recall his warmth and accessibility off-screen.

#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: On the demise of former CBFC Chairman and film producer Pahlaj Nihalani, actress and CINTAA President Poonam Dhillon says, “It is very shocking and deeply painful because our friendship spanned many years. I believe our bond lasted for at least… pic.twitter.com/wy76AEDQFZ

— ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2026

Pahlaj Nihalani was one of the prominent producers of mainstream Hindi cinema during the 1980s and 1990s. Over the years, he backed several commercially successful films and worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. Beyond filmmaking, Nihalani became a widely discussed figure when he served as the Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification from January 2015 to August 2017.

Nihalani breathed his last at his residence after he was discharged from Nanavati Hospital where he was admitted for the past few days. As per a statement issued by the family, the funeral took place on June 4 at the Santacruz Hindu Crematorium in Mumbai.

With tributes continuing to pour in, Poonam Dhillon’s emotional words serve as a reminder of the friendships and personal connections that Pahlaj Nihalani built throughout his decades-long journey in the film industry.

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