The Gumnaam actress passed away on March 25th due to massive heart attack at her residence in Mumbai. Veteran Bollywood actress Nanda, who appeared in Hindi and Marathi movies, was 75 years old.
Daughter of a renowned Marathi actor and director, Vinayak Damodar Karnataki, Nanda joined Bollywood to support her family as a child artiste in Jaggu after her father’s death. As a result of her involvement in movies, her studies suffered, so she was coached at home by a school teacher, Gokuldas Makhi. After a huge fame of four decades, Nanda took her final sabbatical in Mumbai to lead a quiet life with only a little interaction with her small group of friends.
Nanda was the niece of the legendary film maker V Shantaram in whose movie Toofan aur Diya, she got her biggest break.
From child artiste to lead actress, her journey developed gradually. She started with playing supporting roles in movies like Bhabhi and Dev Anand- Waheeda Rehman’s Kala Bazar to Gumnaam where she got a lead role.
Nanda was known to encourage new comers. She signed eight films with Shashi Kapoor at a time when he was yet to become successful in Hindi Cinema. Shashi and Nanda declared each other as their favourites. Later, in 1970s, it was Nanda who suggested Rajendra kumar, co- producer of ‘The Train’ to take Rajesh Khanna in the main lead.
Jab Jab Phool Khile where she worked with Shashi Kapoor is still remembered for its magic and hit songs, including Yeh Sama picturised on the actress. She played a westernised role for the first time in this movie.
In the late 1960s, she was seen with Rajesh Khanna in Ittefaq (1969) and her performance in the suspense thriller won her a filmfare nomination as ‘Best Actress.’
Nanda received her first filmfare award nomination as ‘Best supporting Actress’ for Bhabhi (1957). But it was, L V Prasad’s Chhoti Behen (1959) that made her a star where she played the title role. She also won the Filmfare ‘Best Supporting actress’ award for Anchal (1960).
Besides, she is also remembered for her role as Padmini Kolhapure’s mother in Raj Kapoor directed movie Prem Rog. She received nominations as ‘Best actress in a Supporting role’ in Ahista- Ahista and Prem Rog.
Subsequently, in mid 80s, she bid adieu to movies and stayed away from the media glare.
Very shy and introvert, Nanda kept to herself so, she did not have any relationship. Nanda remained unmarried all her life. Though she got engaged to director Manmohan Desai yet could not marry due to his death in an accident.
Nanda had been close to the yesteryear’s actress, Waheeda Rehman, Helen, and Sadhna who were all spotted together at a Marathi film screening, Natarang (2010).
Nanda was a glorious exception in Bollywood. She will be remembered by many for her various roles in Bollywood movies and her timeless Indian beauty. May her soul rest in peace!
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