Niki Aneja Accused Pahlaj Nihalani Of Objectifying Her At 19, Said, 'Picture Nahi Bechni Hai Kya?'

Pahlaj Nihalani was a popular filmmaker and the former chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification. The veteran filmmaker breathed his last on June 4, 2026, at the age of 76. Pahlaj was a renowned filmmaker in Hindi cinema and produced films such as Ilzaam, Shola Aur Shabnam, Aankhen, and Andaz. However, he was once accused of objectifying actress, Niki Aneja when she was just 19.

Niki Aneja accused Pahlaj Nihalani of asking her to compromise

 Niki Aneja Walia is a well-known name in the film and telly world. She made her acting debut as 'Inspector Shalu' in T. Rama Rao's 1994 film, Mr. Azaad. However, during the making of the film, Niki faced many unpleasant incidents, in which she felt objectified. The film, which also starred Anil Kapoor as the lead, Niki felt exploited.

In an interview with podcast host Siddharth Kannan, Niki shared how she was asked to compromise by Pahlaj Nihalani. Revealing how she felt uncomfortable on the set, Niki shared:

“I felt very uncomfortable. I wasn’t treated nicely during Azaad. Newcomer aside, I realised there is more to acting than what people said. Ye jo casting couch hai, 'Compromise kar lo kya problem hai… aapki journey jaldi ho jayegi…' when people talk about these things around you, I don’t resonate with them. I was only 19 at that time."

Niki Aneja questioned Pahlaj Nihalani for taking her to parties and was taken aback by his response

In the same interaction, Niki revealed that she once questioned Pahlaj Nihalani as he took her to big parties, to which he snapped and told her ‘don’t you want to sell the picture?’ Elaborating on the same, she said:

“I actually went and told Pahlaj ji why do you take me for these dinners and he told me 'Picture nahi bechni hai kya?' I remember asking just one thing to him, 'Anil Kapoor ko sign kar ke aap picture nahi bech sakte kya?' From that day, I became infamous on the sets.”

Pahlaj Nihalani imposed huge restrictions on films

Pahlaj began his journey as a film producer in the early 1980s and went on to produce many films to his credit. In 2015, the veteran filmmaker was appointed as the chairman of the CBFC, and his appointment soon became a subject of massive discussion due to his strict take on film certification and censorship. Nihalani had openly opposed the inclusion of bold or explicit content in films and criticised actors like Sunny Leone for appearing in mainstream cinema. Do you know he imposed 94 cuts to Shahid Kapoor’s Udta Punjab?

How did Pahlaj Nihalani die?

It was on June 4, 2026, when news of Pahlaj Nihalani’s death surfaced in the headlines. The veteran filmmaker was reported to be battling a liver-related ailment for a long time. As per journalist Vickey Lalwani, the senior producer had been ailing for the last four months and had been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. He was being shifted from one hospital to another for the last thirty days.

What do you think about Niki Aneja's serious accusations against Pahlaj Nihalani?

Also Read: Pahlaj Nihalani's Family, Late CBFC Chief's 45-Year Marriage To Nita And A Household Rooted In Films

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