Filmmaker Pahlaj Nihalani Dies at 76

Producer and ex CBFC Chief Pahlaj Nihalini passed away the age of 76 due to live cirrhosis. His last rites took place today afternoon and one saw several celebs who have worked with him come and pay their last respects. Nihalini had produced many movies like 'Haathkadi', 'Aandhi-Tofan', launched Govinda with 'Ilzaam' and worked with him in several other films. He also had made 'Dil Tera Diwana' with Saif Ali Khan, 'Bhai Bhai' among others. Being an industry veteran and ex CBFC chief, many celebs attended his final rites. David Dhawan arrived for the funeral with his son Rohit Dhawan and Varun Dhawan was also present. Govinda was also spotted as he shared a special association with he late producer and owed his career to him. He paid tribute and told the media, "Aadarniye Pahlaj Nihalani ji. Main aur mujh jaise kayin kalaakaar joh gareebi se upar aayi, usmein aapka saiyog raha. Zameen se aasmaan tak pahuchane ka joh kaarya hota hai woh uparwale ne unko diya. Pranaam karte hai aur prarthna karte hai ke aapki aatma ko shanti pradhaan kare. Hum jaise kayin artists joh world mein famous hai woh aise logon ke aashirwad se huye hai." Veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha was spotted. Malaika Arora was also seen for the final rites. Actor, Producer, Filmmaker Farhan Akhtar was also spotted at the funeral. Pahlaj Nihalani served as the Association of Pictures and TV Programme Producers for almost three decades until he resigned in 2009. He was ousted as the CBFC chief on August 11, 2017, and soon Prasoon Joshi was appointed to the position.