India, June 4 -- Veteran 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 Bollywood celebrities arrived at Pahlaj Nihalani's residence to pay their final respects. Among them was Govinda, who shared an emotional tribute while speaking to the media.

He said, "Param aadarniya Pahlaj Nihalani, humaare neev ke pathar the. Mai aur mujh jaise kalakaar jo gareebi ki daur se upar aaye, usme aapka sahyog raha (The most respectable Pahlaj Nihalani was our foundation stone. You helped artists like me and ...