Suniel Shetty remembers Pahlaj Nihlani in heartfelt tribute, says "one of the first people to believe in me"
Mumbai, June 5
Actor Suniel Shetty offered a heartfelt tribute to veteran producer Pahlaj Nihalani, remembering how the actor received his early guidance from the former CBFC chairperson.
In an emotional X post, Suniel Shetty remembered how Nihalani was among the first people to believe in him, especially when the actor was trying to find his ground in the film industry.
"Pahlaj ji was one of the first people to believe in me. When I was finding my feet in the industry, he opened doors, guided me & always stood by me with warmth & encouragement. What I will remember most is not just the producer he was, but the person he was - someone you could call upon without hesitation, knowing he would always try to help," Shetty wrote.
Extending his condolences, he added, "My heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones & everyone whose lives he touched. Rest in peace Pahlaj ji. You will be dearly missed."
Pahlaj Nihalani passed away on Thursday, June 4, at the age of 76.
He was cremated in Mumbai on Thursday, with several members of the film fraternity gathering to pay their final respects. Several prominent personalities from the Hindi film industry attended the cremation ceremony to bid farewell to the veteran producer. Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan arrived to pay his last respects.
Bollywood actor Govinda, Varun Dhawan, along with his father David Dhawan, producer Boney Kapoor and others arrived to pay tribute to the late film producer.
Celebrities also took to their respective social media handles and offered tributes to Nihalani, remembering his contributions to the Indian film industry.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's rare to see such genuine gratitude in Bollywood these days. Suniel Shetty's words feel real - not just PR. Nihlani sahab's contribution to films like "Aankhen" and "Jaani Dushman" will always be remembered. True gem of Indian cinema. 🕯️
While I respect his production work, as CBFC chairperson his decisions were often controversial and faced criticism for censorship. But today is a day to remember the person behind those decisions. May his soul rest in peace.
Bollywood is losing its golden generation one by one. Nihlani ji was from the era when producers actually nurtured talent. Suniel Shetty's tribute is so touching - "someone you could call upon without hesitation." That says everything about his character. Om Shanti. 🙏
Can't believe he's gone! Pahlaj Nihlani was a powerhouse producer. His films like "Aankhen" and "Waqt Hamara Hai" were blockbusters. The way the film fraternity came to pay respects shows how loved he was. A great loss for Indian cinema. 😢
I remember watching "Aankhen" as a kid and being blown away by Govinda's performance. Nihlani ji knew how to make masala entertainers that the whole family could watch. His journey from producer to CBFC chairperson was remarkable. Condolences to his family. 🕊️
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