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

Pahlaj Nihalani died on June 4, 2026, at the age of 76. The former CBFC chief was struggling with liver cirrhosis alongside some other health problems, which eventually led to his sudden demise. Pahlaj joined the Central Board of Film Certification in 2015, which was followed by frequent criticism over his rules of censoring movies, including the ones that received an A certificate for mature content.

While social media platforms are flooded with tributes from those who worked with him over the years, Pahlaj Nihalani’s personal life is in the spotlight once again. He was married to Nita Nihalani, and they had three children. Keep reading to know more!

Pahlaj Nihalani and Nita Nihalani’s love story started when they were in school

Pahlaj Nihalani and Nita Nihalani were married for almost 45 years. The pair’s romance dates back to the time when they were in school. Notably, Nita was a junior to Pahlaj as she was a ninth-grade student. While speaking to Times Now in 2023, Pahlaj revealed that he followed Nita to the theatre and managed to get a seat near her. He further stated:

“She went out of school and I was often just a few paces behind her. She finally said ‘yes’ after 2 years. And my heart was in my mouth when she went to her maternal uncle in the States to seek permission to get married to me; her parents had passed away by then.”

Pahlaj Nihalani said that Nita’s family did not object to their marriage, and even his family was fine with them tying the knot. Pahlaj revealed that he and Nita dated for seven years before getting married, adding that his wife is also attracted to watching movies, which is something they have done together frequently.

Pahlaj Nihalani’s children have established themselves in different fields

As mentioned, Pahlaj Nihalani and Nita Nihalani have been the parents of three children. Notably, one of his sons, Chirag, has worked with Balaji Motion Pictures as a creative producer along with his wife, Radhika. Pahlaj revealed about his other two children while speaking to The Indian Express in 2016, saying that one of them is a filmmaker and the other operates an agency that edits film promos. 

Pahlaj and Nita’s other two children have been out of the spotlight for all these years. His second son, Vicky Pahlaj Nihalani, lost his wife, Justine Rumeau Nihalani, in 2019. She was 43 years old at the time of her death. On the other hand, Chirag has grabbed attention for his work in the entertainment industry. Chirag was initially employed at Fox and Turner, and he later started working for Balaji Motion Pictures in 2015. Chirag completed his higher studies at the New York Film Academy. Chirag and Radhika tied the knot in 2012. 

Chirag and Radhika also came into the headlines after the Udta Punjab controversy in 2016. Pahlaj ordered multiple cuts to the film at that time, which generated a lot of debate on social media. Notably, Chirag was working with Balaji Motion Pictures, one of the producers, and his wife, Radhika, was associated with the movie’s marketing team. However, Chirag refused to comment on the controversy during that period. 

Back in March 2026, Chirag joined actor Kunal Kemmu to start a production company called Drongo Films. Chirag said in a statement at that time that they aim to stay committed to the craft and bring stories that look authentic and provide entertainment at the same time.

We share our heartfelt condolences with Pahlaj Nihalani’s family in this difficult time.

Also Read: Veteran Filmmaker And Ex-Censor Board Chief, Pahlaj Nihalani Dies At 76, Cause Of Death Revealed

PC: Pahlaj Nihalani/Facebook, NihalaniPahlaj/X, Pradeep Bandekar/Rediff, radhika_nihalani/Instagram

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