The 1940s and 1950s are often referred to as the Golden Era of Hindi films, with renowned filmmakers like Mehboob Khan producing iconic movies. During the filming of one such love-triangle movie, “Andaz,” the cast included Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, and Nargis. On set, Raj Kapoor encountered Jaddanbai, a respected film producer and Nargis’s mother. After greeting Jaddanbai, Raj noticed a young, innocent girl sitting beside her, who introduced herself as Nawab Bano. This chance encounter would change the course of Nawab Bano’s life, as Raj was searching for an actress to play a role in his upcoming film, “Barsaat.”
Raj was immediately drawn to Nawab Bano’s natural innocence, which fit perfectly with the character he had in mind for “Barsaat.” He asked her to audition, and despite initial nervousness, she impressed everyone on set with her performance. Raj decided to cast her in the film, and she was given the screen name Nimmi. “Barsaat” told the story of two couples, with Nimmi playing the role of Neela, a village girl who falls in love with a city boy. The film’s tragic ending, in which Neela dies of a broken heart, garnered immense sympathy from the public, and Nimmi’s popularity soared.
Nimmi went on to act in numerous iconic films, often playing the role of a supporting actress alongside leading ladies like Nargis, Madhubala, and Meena Kumari. Her characters were frequently tragic, and she brought a depth and honesty to these roles that captivated audiences. In films like “Aan,” “Daag,” and “Devdas,” Nimmi’s performances were memorable, and her on-screen death scenes often evoked strong emotions from viewers. Her popularity was such that filmmakers would modify their stories to give her more screen time, fearing that her character’s demise might anger audiences.
One notable example of Nimmi’s impact was during the London premiere of “Aan,” where she met Hollywood stars like Douglas Fairbank and Aron Flynn. When Flynn attempted to kiss her hand, Nimmi politely declined, citing her Indian values. The incident made headlines in foreign newspapers, with Nimmi being referred to as the “Unkissed Girl of India.” She received offers from Hollywood but declined, opting to focus on her Bollywood career instead.
Nimmi’s film career was marked by her collaborations with prominent directors and actors, including Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, and Guru Dutt. She was set to star in the ambitious project “Love and God,” directed by K. Asif, which was expected to surpass the success of “Mughal-e-Azam.” However, the film’s production was halted due to the sudden demise of Guru Dutt, and it was eventually released in a incomplete form after Asif’s death. Nimmi retired from acting after appearing in the 1965 film “Akashdeep” and passed away in 2020, leaving behind a legacy as one of Bollywood’s most iconic supporting actresses. Her performances continue to be celebrated, and her natural innocence on screen remains an enduring part of Indian cinema’s Golden Era.