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Nirmala Devi
Indian actress From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Nirmala Devi (7 June 1927 – 15 June 1996) also known as Dulari, was an Indian actress in the 1940s and a Hindustani classical vocalist of the Patiala Gharana.[1][2][3][4] Bollywood actor Govinda is her son.
In January 2025, Nirmala Devi was honored with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, by the Government of India.[5][6]
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Early life
Nirmala Devi was born as Nazim on 7 June 1927, in Varanasi (then known as Banares), Uttar Pradesh.[7] Her father was Vasudev Narayan Singh, a well known Hindu tabla maestro in Varanasi of that time. However, Nirmala was raised as a Muslim by her aunt Mannan Jan, who was a tawaif by profession.[8] Nirmala's siblings include musician Lachhu Maharaj and actress Kumkum.[9]
At a young age, Nirmala was enrolled by her aunt into music classes from Ustad Ata Mohammad Khan of the Patiala gharana, who had previously taught high-profile figures such as Begum Akhtar.[10]
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Career
Nirmala made her film debut in Savera (1942), with actor Arun Kumar Ahuja as co-star. She went on to marry him the same year. Nirmala subsequently starred in Sharda (1942) and Gaali (1944). The latter, also featuring Karan Dewan, was a popular release.[11] In 1945, she played Motilal's leading lady in S. M. Yusuf's Piya Milan, in which Baburao Patel described her as the only good performer in the film.[12] She received similar reviews for her performance in Nanabhai Bhatt's comedy Chalis Karod (1946).[13]
In 1948, she reunited with her husband in their home production, Sehra, which was unsuccessful at the box office.[14] Her subsequent release Anmol Ratan (1950) also turned out to be a critical and commercial failure.[15] Nirmala's final screen appearance was in Jai Mahalakshmi (1951).[16]
Before Govinda started working in films, Nirmala was the sole earning member of her family.[17]
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Personal life and death
Nirmala Devi was raised as a Muslim. In 1942, she converted to Hinduism and eloped with her first co-star, Arun Kumar Ahuja.[18][19][20] The marriage was opposed by her aunt Mannan Jan; Nirmala ultimately severed ties with her aunt.[21]
Nirmala and Arun had five children: three daughters—Padma, Kamini and Pushpa—and two sons—Kirti and Govinda.
Nirmala died on 15 June 1996, at the age of 69, in Mumbai.[22][23]
Work
As actor
Source:[16]
- Savera (1942)
- Sharda (1942)
- Kanoon (1943)
- Geet (1944)
- Gaali (1944)
- Jeevan (1944)
- Piya Milan (1945)
- Chalis Karod (1946) as Muniya
- Ghunghat (1946)
- Sehra (1948) — produced by her husband[24]
- Janamashtami (1950)
- Anmol Ratan (1950)
- Jai Mahalakshmi (1951)
As playback singer
- Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985)
- Bawarchi (1972) – one of the performers on the track "Bhor Aai Gaya Andhiyara"
- Zara Bachke (1959)
- Shama Parwana (1954)
Music albums
Genre: Hindustani Classical / Music Label: His Master's Voice
Singles:
- Banaa Banaa Ke Tamanaa & Gham Ki Nishani (Ghazal)
- Jaadu Bhare Tore Nainava Ram & Mori Baali Umar Beeti Jaye (Thumri)
Full Albums:
- Saavan Beetaa Jaye (Thumri) (With Ms Laxmi Shankar, contemporary singer)
- Weekend Pleasure (Thumri)
- Thumriyan by Nirmala Devi (Thumri)
- Laakhon Ke Bol Sahe (Thumri)
- Ghazals by Nirmala Devi (Ghazal)
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Bibliography
- Dewan, Saba (3 November 2023). Tawaifnama. Context. ISBN 978-93-95073-59-2.
References
External links
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