Anupam Kher recalls his last conversation with Pahlaj Nihalani, shares regret after his death: ‘He sounded weak’

ACtor Anupam Kher has paid an emotional testimonial to veteran soldier shoot producer and former CBFC chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani, who passed aside on June 4 at the eld of 76. He remembered their final conversation, revealing he deeply regrets not visiting Nihalani in the hospital last week.Anupam Kher remembers Pahlaj NihalaniOn Thursday, Anupam took to Instagram to pay an emotional tribute to Pahlaj Nihalani. Sharing a heartfelt note alongside a video message, the veteran actor expressed his sorrow over Pahlaj Nihalani’s demise and remembered the bond they shared over the years.He posted the video with a caption that read, “The news of Pahlaj Nihalani ji's passing has left a strange emptiness in my heart. I worked with him in several films and every experience with him was a pleasant one. During the shooting of Shola Aur Shabnam, we not only made a good film but also created countless memories. Pahlaj ji was an excellent producer, but more importantly, he was an excellent human being.""He was cheerful, generous at heart and had genuine affection for people. Sitting with him, talking to him and laughing with him always felt natural and warm. There are very few people in the film industry who are remembered more for their behaviour than their work. Pahlaj ji was one of them. Today, as I remember him, his smiling face keeps appearing before my eyes. Pahlaj ji, you will be deeply missed. Your warmth, laughter and affection will always stay with me. May God grant peace to your soul. My deepest condolences to his family," he added. In the video, Anupam recalled speaking to Pahlaj Nihalani just a week ago after receiving a message from him."He played a very big role in my career. I have done many films with him. In fact, just a week ago, I received a message from him asking, 'How are you, Anupam ji?' After many months, I got a message from him. Whenever he saw something good, he would send a message," the actor mentioned.Anupam revealed that he immediately reached out to Pahlaj Nihalani after receiving the message, only to learn that the veteran producer had been admitted to a hospital.Anupam said, “I had an intuition and called him. I asked, 'Pahlaj ji, where are you? I want to meet you.' He said, 'I am in the hospital right now, but I will be discharged tomorrow and go home.' I told him I wanted to come and meet him. I don't know why, but when I heard his voice, he sounded weak and a little sad. He said, 'Let me recover a little and then you can come.' I told him I would visit the following week. And today I got to know that he is no longer with us.”In the video, Anupam also said that Pahlaj supported him during challenging phases of his life. The actor also reflected on the fleeting nature of fame in the entertainment industry."Unfortunately, people are in the limelight for some time, and this world has a habit of forgetting those who are no longer in the spotlight. That's the unfortunate part of this profession. You either get old or you get forgotten. But people whose lives Pahlaj ji touched will never forget him, including me," Anupam said.Pahlaj Nihalani dies at 76Veteran film producer and former Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani passed away on Thursday at the age of 76. The producer was known for backing several popular Bollywood films and is remembered for introducing Govinda to the film industry with Ilzaam (1986).Several celebrities from the Hindi film industry attended the cremation ceremony to bid farewell to the veteran producer. Govinda, Varun Dhawan, Malaika Arora, Boney Kapoor, and Shatrughan Sinha were spotted at the Santacruz crematorium.Pahlaj Nihalani began his journey as a film producer in 1982 with Haathkadi. Over the years, he backed several Bollywood projects, including Andaz, Talaash, Rangeela Raja, and Julie 2. Apart from his work as a producer, he also served as the CBFC chairperson between 2015 and 2017.His tenure at the censor board frequently made headlines for his strict censorship policies and controversial decisions on film certifications. He was often at the centre of debates surrounding artistic freedom and censorship, particularly during the release of films such as Udta Punjab, Lipstick Under My Burkha, and several others.