Doe-eyed star who got her screen name from Raj Kapoor

Nonika Singh

Most of us remember iconic film “Barsaat” for its iconic lead pair Nargis and Raj Kapoor. But the film also featured yet another star in the making Nimmi, the second lead opposite Prem Nath.

As she passes into halls of immortality, cinephiles would not only be reminded of three remarkable songs such as “Barsat mein hum se mile tum” featuring her, but also a host of films that stood enriched by her diminutive yet powerful presence.

Nimmi gave the film industry not just big hits, but also critically acclaimed movies such as ‘Amar’ till she decided to call it a day with ‘Love and God’

Born on February 18, 1933, in Agra as Nawab Banoo, she was both rechristened and discovered by Raj Kapoor. As providence would have it, he spotted her on the sets of “Andaaz” where she had come to see the shoot. After her big break in “Barsaat”, she never looked back.

So significant became her stature that in Mehboob Khan’s magnum opus “Aan” distributors were dismayed on discovering that her character dies too early and a dream sequence was consequently added. “Aan”, interestingly was the first technicolour high-budget film released worldwide.

Unsurprisingly, in one of her later interviews Nimmi revealed how after the release she received many Hollywood offers, including one from Cecil B DeMille. But she was too “Hindustani” to be part of the kissing Hollywood.

Hollywood directors, however, were not the only ones Nimmi said no to. She is believed to have rejected “Sadhna” and “Woh Kaun Thi”, both of which became hugely successful. But Nimmi had no cause for regret.

She gave the film industry not just big hits, over 40, but also critically acclaimed movies such as “Amar” till she decided to call it a day with her swansong “Love and God”.

Unlike her booming career, K Asif’s “Love and God” with her playing Laila had a chequered release and hit the screens more than 20 years after it was made that too in unfinished form.

Renowned actors, directors she had her pick of the very best. Having acted with top heroes of her time right from Dilip Kumar to Dev Anand to Sunil Dutt, she, however, idolised Ashok Kumar. She got a chance to be paired opposite him in Rajendra Kumar starrer “Mere Mehboob” in a parallel love track.

She played second lead in several films, but never failed to create an impact. If innocence was her calling card, her impish smile, deeply emotive rendering of dialogues and unique style of acting were equally endearing.

The doe-eyed dew complexioned beauty internalised emotions, often etched tragic parts of unrequited love with finesse. Off screen, those close to her, including comedian Mukri, played cupid and she married writer-director S Ali Raza, who passed away in 2007.

A life lived to the brim. As recent as last year she had vivid recollections of her fruitful journey comprising films such as “Deedar” and “Pooja Ke Phool”.

Today as the yesteryear’s luminary is remembered by the industry to which her contribution is immeasurable, one of the many befitting tributes comes from filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt. “You may win your heart’s desire, but in the end you are cheated of it by death. Goodbye Nimmiji.”

“Tum na jaane kis jahan me kho gaye”, filmi duniya sure stands bereft of her charming presence Only this adieu is only to mortal flesh, her onscreen emotionally powered acts will light up Hindi cinema forever.