Yesteryear actress Nanda, who is best remembered for her work in films such as Dhool Ka Phool (1959), Gumnaam (1965), Teen Deviyaan (1965) and Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965) and later for stellar performances in films like Prem Rog (1982), passed away on Tuesday morning at her Andheri residence.
According to a friend, she woke up on Tuesday morning as usual, took a bath and had her breakfast. `Post her breakfast, she decided to go back to her room to fetch her medicine. Soon after, she was found unconscious near her washroom.`
Nanda was born on January 8, 1939 to Marathi film actor-director, Vinayak Damodar Karnataki. She began her film career as a child artiste at the age of eight. After doing some minor roles, it was Nanda's uncle - actor-filmmaker V Shantaram - who gave her a big break by casting her in the hit film, Toofan Aur Diya (1956).
With over 60 films to her credit, Nanda spent more than four decades in front of the camera. She eventually started appearing in character roles with Raj Kapoor's Prem Rog being her last celluloid outing. Nanda never married and is survived by two brothers. She was engaged to filmmaker Manmohan Desai but he passed away before they could get married. Her last rites were performed at 4pm on Tuesday at the Oshiwara crematorium.
The industry remembers Nanda
`I was shocked to hear about this. I used to talk to her everyday over the phone. I had gifted her a dress on her birthday; she was wearing the same when she passed away. We have not yet told Dilipji about this. He'll be shocked and sad to hear it.` - Sairo Bano `In her time, she was the little Meena Kumari. She always had her own style. A soft-spoken person, she was also a good human being. I last met her at Dilipji's birthday party where we were reminiscing about her films and her co-stars.`
- Farida Jalal
`I have done three films with her where she played my mother. She was an established actress when I got a chance to work with her. She had a heart of gold and always believed that work is worship. A punctual person, she would never sit in one place after getting ready. I will always remember her for her soft-spoken nature, her elegance and for her lovely countenance.`
- Padmini Kolhapure
`Though I didn't have the privilege of working with her in a film, I've met her and I can vouch for the fact that she was a graceful human being. The last time we met was six months ago. She was always nice and seemed happy with her life and film career. It's sad to see a veteran pass away.`
- Prem Chopra
