Nimi, the epitome of grace in vintage Bollywood, was born Nawab Bano to fulfill her nana’s regal aspirations. As her birth anniversary nears on February 18, revisit the delightful anecdote of her naming and her stellar turn as Mangla in the landmark film ‘Aan’.
In Agra, her grandfather, a small-time zamindar, yearned for the prestigious ‘Nawab’ title from colonial rulers – a dream that eluded him. Nimi’s arrival brought jubilation. Her nani announced the birth, prompting nana’s instant decree: ‘Name her Nawab immediately!’ Undeterred by her gender, he bestowed the honor. Nani added ‘Bano’ tenderly, sealing Nawab Bano.
Film icon Raj Kapoor transformed her into Nimi, matching her childlike innocence. She graced epics including ‘Barsaat’, ‘Deedar’, ‘Aan’, ‘Udan Khatola’, ‘Kundan’, and ‘Basant Bahar’. Mehboob Khan’s ‘Aan’ (1952) featured her as Mangla, the vivacious village lass whose performance became legendary. Its London premiere as ‘Savage Princess’ at Rialto Theatre highlighted her international appeal.
True to her convictions, Nimi shunned screen kisses, earning ‘Unkissed Girl of India’. She deftly declined a kiss on the hand from a director at the event. Hollywood beckoned, but principles prevailed. Facing childhood tragedies – mother’s early death, denied education – she rose via sheer talent. Raj Kapoor discovered her at ‘Andaz’ shoot, securing ‘Barsaat’ with a symbolic rakhi tie.
Nimi’s life narrative underscores integrity’s power. Her enduring sparkle illuminates Bollywood’s richest chapter.