Humbling: Nirmal Rishi

Chandigarh, January 27

Renowned actress and theatre artiste Nirmal Rishi, 80, has been honoured with the Padma Shri, recognising her contribution to the world of art for six decades. Acting, for Rishi, is not merely a profession but the essence of her life. While on shoot of a film, she shared her joy of receiving the award. “I am humbled. It’s more than I deserve,” she expressed her emotions.

Having received the 2012 Sangeet Natak Akademi award for exceptional acting, she was mentored by acclaimed theatre-film stalwarts Harpal and Neena Tiwana. She has also worked with the likes of Balwant Gargi and Ebrahim Alkazi.

With Harpal and Neena Tiwana, she worked on close to 50 plays, including noteworthy productions such as ‘Kabuli Wala’, ‘Aate Ki Katori’, ‘Chamkaur di Garri’, ‘Dug Dugi Payi Wajdi’. In 1983, she made her acting debut with ‘Long Da Lishkara’ and later acted in ‘Diva Bale Sari Raat’.