Actress Nanda was born on 8 January 1939 in Maharashtra. Nanda’s father, Vinayak Damodar Karnataki, was a successful actor and director of Marathi films. Baburao Pendharkar and Bhalji Pendharkar were Nanda’s paternal uncle and her father’s half brothers.
Nanda belonged to a film family still her life has been a roller coaster ride. Establishing herself in the film industry was not as easy as many would think.
Actress Nanda details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nandini Vinayak Karnataki |
| Screen Name | Nanda |
| Date of Birth | January 8, 1939 |
| Place of Birth | Bombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra, India |
| Date of Death | March 25, 2014 |
| Place of Death | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Age at Death | 75 years |
| Cause of Death | Cardiac arrest |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Ethnicity | Indian (Maharashtrian) |
| Father | Vinayak Damodar Karnataki (Master Vinayak, actor-producer-director) |
| Mother | Sushila Vinayak Karnataki |
| Siblings | 6 (third of seven children; brothers include Jaiprakash Karnataki) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Engagement | Engaged to Manmohan Desai (1992; he died before marriage in 1994) |
| Children | None |
| Education | Home-schooled by Gokuldas V. Makhi (schooling suffered due to early acting career) |
| Height | Approx. 5’4″ (1.62 m, estimated from visuals; no official record) |
| Weight | Approx. 55-60 kg (estimated; no official data) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Profession | Actress (Hindi and Marathi cinema) |
| Career Span | 1948–1983 (over 35 years) |
| Debut Film (Child Role) | Mandir (1948, as Baby Nanda) |
| Debut Film (Major Role) | Toofan Aur Diya (1956, supporting role) |
| Breakout Film | Chhoti Bahen (1959, lead role) |
| Total Films | Over 70 (65+ Hindi, several Marathi) |
| Notable Films | Chhoti Bahen, Jab Jab Phool Khile, Gumnaam, Ittefaq, Prem Rog |
| Acting Debut Age | 5 years (1948) |
| Child Actor Phase | 1948–1956 (credited as Baby Nanda) |
| First Filmfare Nomination | Best Supporting Actress, Bhabhi (1957) |
| Filmfare Win | Best Supporting Actress, Aanchal (1960) |
| Other Nominations | Best Supporting Actress, Bhabhi (1957); Best Actress, Ittefaq (1969) |
| Last Film | Mazdoor (1983) |
| Retirement Year | 1983 (after Mazdoor) |
| Languages Worked In | Hindi, Marathi |
| Early Career Role | Child artist in Mandir, Jaggu, Angaarey |
| Supporting Role Milestone | Toofan Aur Diya (1956, directed by uncle V. Shantaram) |
| Lead Role Transition | Chhoti Bahen (1959, established her as a star) |
| Highest Paid Actress | 2nd highest-paid Hindi actress (1960-65, with Nutan); 2nd (1966-69, with Nutan, Waheeda); 3rd (1970-73, with Sadhana) |
| Notable Co-Stars | Dev Anand, Shashi Kapoor, Rajesh Khanna, Manoj Kumar, Rajendra Kumar |
| Favorite Hero | Shashi Kapoor (declared by Nanda) |
| Shashi Kapoor Pairing | Signed 8 films together; hits include Jab Jab Phool Khile, Mohabbat Isko Kahete Hain |
| Film with Dev Anand | Hum Dono (1961), Kala Bazar (1960), Teen Deviyan (1965) |
| Film with Rajesh Khanna | Ittefaq (1969), The Train (1970), Joru Ka Ghulam (1972) |
| Film with Manoj Kumar | Gumnaam (1965), Shor (1972) |
| Film with Rajendra Kumar | Kanoon (1960), Dhool Ka Phool (1961) |
| Film with Raj Kapoor | Aashiq (1962) |
| Songless Films | Kanoon (1960), Ittefaq (1969) – rare for Bollywood |
| Iconic Song | “Yeh Samaa” (Jab Jab Phool Khile, 1965) |
| Marathi Film Debut | Kuldaivat (early 1950s) |
| Marathi Films | Shevgyachyaa Shenga, Deoghar, Zalegele Visrun Jaa, Aai Wina Baal |
| Honor by Nehru | Recognized for Shevgyachyaa Shenga (1950s) |
| Role Type (Early) | Child artist, then supporting sister roles |
| Role Type (Peak) | Leading lady (tragedienne to glamorous roles) |
| Role Type (Later) | Mother roles (Prem Rog, Ahista Ahista, Mazdoor) |
| Filmfare Losses | Claimed lobbying cost her Bhabhi win (1957) |
| Best Friend | Waheeda Rehman (friendship began with Kala Bazar, 1960) |
| Other Close Friends | Asha Parekh, Sadhana, Helen, Shammi Kapoor |
| Social Circle | Regular lunch meets with friends like Waheeda, Asha, and Helen |
| Marriage Proposals_cutoff | Rejected multiple proposals, including one from a lieutenant colonel (1965) |
| Manmohan Desai Incident | Engaged in 1992; Desai died in 1994 after falling from his terrace |
| Family Support | Became breadwinner at 8 after father’s death (1947) |
| Father’s Death Age | 7 years old (1947) |
| Uncle’s Influence | V. Shantaram (maternal cousin) gave her big break in Toofan Aur Diya |
| Paternal Relatives | Vasudev Karnataki (cinematographer), Baburao & Bhalji Pendharkar (half-brothers) |
| Brother’s Career | Jaiprakash Karnataki (Marathi film director, married to actress Jayshree T.) |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | Not documented; significant earnings as top actress in 1960s-70s |
| Peak Earnings Period | 1960–1973 (among highest-paid actresses) |
| Posthumous Recognition | Tributes in 2014 by peers like Waheeda Rehman, Asha Parekh |
| Residence | Versova, Mumbai (lived alone at time of death) |
| Hobbies | Spending time with friends, private life kept low-key |
| Health | No major issues reported until fatal heart attack (2014) |
| Death Circumstances | Died suddenly at 8:30 AM; family couldn’t call a doctor in time (Jaishree T., 2014) |
| Funeral | Cremated in Mumbai, attended by film industry peers (March 25, 2014) |
| Legacy (Acting) | Known for versatility: tragedienne, glamorous, and suspense roles |
| Legacy (Personal) | Remembered for grace, dignity, and supporting newcomers |
| Signature Role | Blind sister in Chhoti Bahen (1959) |
| Glamour Role Shift | Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965) changed her image to westernized heroine |
| Suspense Genre Contribution | Starred in Gumnaam, Ittefaq, The Train – key suspense films |
| Mother Role Milestone | Played Padmini Kolhapure’s mother in Prem Rog (1982) |
| Film Count (Child Roles) | Approx. 10+ as Baby Nanda (1948–1956) |
| Film Count (Lead Roles) | Over 40 as lead heroine (1959–1973) |
| Film Count (Supporting) | Over 15 in supporting/mother roles (1956–1983) |
| Box Office Hits (Late Career) | Ittefaq, The Train, Joru Ka Ghulam (1969–1972) |
| Critical Acclaim | Praised for Hum Dono, Char Diwari, Ittefaq |
| Underrated Films | Usne Kaha Tha, Nartaki, Aaj Aur Kal (per Nanda’s own words) |
| Musical Hits | Teen Deviyan, Hum Dono, Shor (memorable songs) |
| Last Public Appearance | Limited info; largely private post-retirement |
| Retirement Reason | Shifted focus to personal life after Mazdoor (1983) |
| Post-Retirement Life | Lived quietly in Mumbai, maintained close friendships |
| Fan Perception | Redefined feminine grace and maturity (Reddit, 2021) |
| Industry Tribute | “One of the finest actresses” – Waheeda Rehman (2014) |
| Shashi Kapoor Quote | “Nanda was my favorite heroine” (post-1965 success) |
| Nanda’s Favorite Film | Jab Jab Phool Khile (per interviews) |
| Unique Achievement | Only actress in two songless Bollywood hits (Kanoon, Ittefaq) |
| Cultural Impact | Represented 1960s-70s Bollywood’s golden era |
| Fashion Influence | Known for elegant sarees and western looks in films |
| Personality | Private, generous, supportive of newcomers (e.g., Shashi Kapoor) |
| Posthumous Mention | Featured in “Legendary Actresses” articles (India TV, 2016) |
| Biographical Quote | “Many great performances were in films that failed” – Nanda (interview) |
| Final Legacy Note | Left an indelible mark with over 70 films, bridging child stardom to mature roles |
Actress Nanda Childhood and Career
Nanda was a gorgeous and wonderful actress of her era. She started working in films at the age of just eight.
When Nanda returned from school one day, her father told her that she has to shoot for the film he was making. For this, she has to cut her hair as the character demanded (it was a boy character). Actress Nanda did not want to do the role as she loved her hair.
But later on, with the persuasion of her mother, Meenaxi, Nanda agreed. Nanda’s hair was cut short like boys for the shoot. The name of this film was ‘Mandir.’ The director of the film was Nanda’s father, but unfortunately, Nanda’s father passed away before the film was completed.
Apart from her, she had six more siblings, and the monetary condition of the family was not that good. She discontinued her studies. Though she later hired a private teacher to continue her studies at home.
The entire responsibility of the house fell on Nanda’s shoulders. Under compulsion, she decided to act in films. She made the simplicity and innocence of her face the strength of her acting. She also started working on radio and stage.
At the age of ten, Nanda became a good heroine of Marathi cinema. Nanda was awarded a special award by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for the film ‘Kuldevata’ directed by Dinkar Patil.
Nanda not only worked in Marathi films but also in Gujarati films. She acted in about eight Gujarati films and also in Hindi movies as a child artist. Her screen name in childhood movies was “Baby Nanda”.
Then in 1956, in her maternal uncle V Shanta Ram’s Hindi film ‘Toofan Aur Diya‘ with Rajendra Kumar. In 1959, Nanda played the role of ‘s blind sister in the film ‘Chhoti Behen‘ with Balraj Sahani and Rehman.
The song ” Bhaiya Mere rakhi Ke Bandhan Ko Nibhana” was one of the superhit songs in the movie which even today we listen to every time Raksha Bandhan arrives.
The audience very much liked her acting and looks. Nanda had worked in hit films like ‘Jab-Jab Phool Khile,’ ‘Gumnaam‘ and ‘Prem Rog.’
She was so much liked in the sister character that her fans used to send her Rakhis on Raksha Bandhan.
Her film ‘Dhool Ka Phool‘ with Rajendra Kumar was a super hit in 1959. This film took Nanda to the heights of stardom. In the 1960s she became one of the highest-paid actresses in Hindi Cinema.
She had done the highest movies opposite Sashi Kapoor who used to call her fondly her favorite actress. Both acted in 8 movies and five movies were hit among those.
She also acted with then superstar Rajesh Khanna in “The Train” and “Joru Ka Ghulam“.
Nanda went on to do several films like ‘Naya Nasha’ (1973), ‘Asliyat’ (1974), ‘Jurm Aur Sajaa’ (1974), and ‘Prayashchit’ (1977).
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Actress Nanda Personal Life, Marriage and Death
Talking about personal life, Manmohan Desai was deeply in love with Nanda but the very shy Nanda never gave Manmohan a chance to express his love. Later Manmohan Desai married someone else. After Manmohan’s marriage, Nanda was lost in the darkness of loneliness and oblivion. Manmohan also got busy in his married life but after some time his wife passed away.
After this Manmohan again came close to Nanda. During that time Nanda was 52 years old. In 1992, 53-year-old Nanda got engaged to Manmohan. Manmohan Desai proposed to her during a dinner party arranged by Waheeda Rehman. But fate probably had something else in mind.
Nanda’s mother suffered from cancer due to which she used to stay with her and take her care of. Desai made a movie named “Anmol” which was a box office disaster. Due to the movie, he suffered heavy losses and even lost all of his money.
He even slipped into depression and started drinking heavily.
Manmohan Desai died in an accident one year after the engagement. Manmohan Desai fell from his balcony and was seriously injured. He was rushed to the hospitals where doctors declared him dead-on-arrival. The two could never be united and Nanda remained unmarried.
It is said that whenever Nanda used to go out, she used to go in a white sari or dress because she considered Manmohan Desai as her husband. Nanda was left quite alone after his death. He even stopped talking to people. Nanda, who was living the life of loneliness, said goodbye to the world in 2014.
In her last days, she only used to meet her contemporaries whom she considered as her friends. Likes of Helen, Waheeda Rehman, Sadhna, Saira Banu, Tabassum used to visit her.
At the age of 75, she died due to a massive heart attack. Her maid found her lying outside the bathroom and was rushed to the hospital. But doctors were unable to save her. Actress Nanda was cremated at the Oshiwara crematorium in Jogeshwari West, according to Hindu rituals.
Actress Nanda Filmography/ Movies
| S.No. | Film Title | Release Year | Language | Role Type | Character Name | Co-Stars | Director | Notable Aspects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mandir | 1948 | Hindi | Child Artist | Not specified | Not widely documented | Vasant Joglekar | Debut film as Baby Nanda; early role at age 5 |
| 2 | Jaggu | 1948 | Hindi | Child Artist | Not specified | Not widely documented | Jagdish Sethi | One of her first films; limited details available |
| 3 | Angaarey | 1954 | Hindi | Child Artist | Not specified | Nasir Khan, Pran | K.B. Lall | Early child role; pre-transition to major roles |
| 4 | Kuldaivat | Early 1950s | Marathi | Child Artist | Not specified | Not widely documented | Not specified | First Marathi film; exact year uncertain (circa 1950s) |
| 5 | Shevgyachyaa Shenga | 1955 | Marathi | Child Artist | Not specified | Not widely documented | Shantaram Athavale | Recognized by PM Nehru; significant Marathi hit |
| 6 | Toofan Aur Diya | 1956 | Hindi | Supporting | Sister | Rajendra Kumar, Satish Vyas | V. Shantaram | First major supporting role; directed by uncle Shantaram |
| 7 | Bandish | 1956 | Hindi | Child Artist | Not specified | Ashok Kumar, Meena Kumari | Satyen Bose | Final child role before transition |
| 8 | Bhabhi | 1957 | Hindi | Supporting | Not specified | Balraj Sahni, Pandari Bai | Krishnan-Panju | Filmfare nomination (Best Supporting Actress); lost due to lobbying |
| 9 | Agra Road | 1957 | Hindi | Supporting | Not specified | Vijay Anand | Ravindra Dave | Early supporting role; crime drama |
| 10 | Laxmi | 1957 | Hindi | Supporting | Not specified | Not widely documented | G.P. Pawar | Lesser-known film; limited info available |
| 11 | Chhoti Bahen | 1959 | Hindi | Lead | Meena | Balraj Sahni, Rehman | L.V. Prasad | Breakout lead role; blind sister character; box office hit |
| 12 | Barkha | 1959 | Hindi | Lead | Not specified | Jagdeep, David Abraham | Krishnan-Panju | Early lead role; emotional drama |
| 13 | Kala Bazar | 1960 | Hindi | Supporting | Sapna | Dev Anand, Waheeda Rehman | Vijay Anand | Iconic film; began friendship with Waheeda |
| 14 | Aanchal | 1960 | Hindi | Supporting | Not specified | Ashok Kumar, Nirupa Roy | Vasant Joglekar | Won Filmfare Best Supporting Actress |
| 15 | Kanoon | 1960 | Hindi | Supporting | Meena | Rajendra Kumar, Ashok Kumar | B.R. Chopra | Songless courtroom drama; critically acclaimed |
| 16 | Usne Kaha Tha | 1960 | Hindi | Lead | Kamla | Sunil Dutt | Moni Bhattacharjee | Underrated war romance; Nanda’s favorite |
| 17 | Apna Ghar | 1960 | Hindi | Supporting | Not specified | Not widely documented | Ram Pahwa | Lesser-known family drama |
| 18 | Hum Dono | 1961 | Hindi | Supporting | Ruma | Dev Anand, Sadhana | Amarjeet | Classic war drama; memorable role |
| 19 | Char Diwari | 1961 | Hindi | Lead | Lakshmi | Shashi Kapoor | Krishan Chopra | First pairing with Shashi Kapoor; hit |
| 20 | Amar Rahe Yeh Pyar | 1961 | Hindi | Lead | Not specified | Rajendra Kumar | Prabhu Dayal | Emotional drama; moderate success |
| 21 | Dhool Ka Phool | 1961 | Hindi | Supporting | Not specified | Rajendra Kumar, Mala Sinha | Yash Chopra | Social drama; supporting role |
| 22 | Aashiq | 1962 | Hindi | Supporting | Renu | Raj Kapoor, Padmini | Hrishikesh Mukherjee | Romantic drama with Raj Kapoor |
| 23 | Mehndi Lagi Mere Haath | 1962 | Hindi | Lead | Not specified | Shashi Kapoor | H.S. Rawail | Romantic hit with Shashi |
| 24 | Nartaki | 1963 | Hindi | Lead | Not specified | Sunil Dutt | Nitin Bose | Dance drama; critical praise |
| 25 | Aaj Aur Kal | 1963 | Hindi | Supporting | Not specified | Ashok Kumar, Sunil Dutt | Vasant Joglekar | Underrated medical drama |
| 26 | Kaise Kahoon | 1964 | Hindi | Lead | Not specified | Biswajit | Kanak Mukherjee | Romantic drama; lesser-known |
| 27 | Mera Qasoor Kya Hai | 1964 | Hindi | Lead | Not specified | Dharmendra | Naresh Saigal | Crime drama; moderate success |
| 28 | Naach | 1964 | Hindi | Supporting | Not specified | Not widely documented | Not specified | Dance-themed; limited info |
| 29 | Gumnaam | 1965 | Hindi | Lead | Ritu | Manoj Kumar, Pran | Raja Nawathe | Suspense thriller; box office hit; iconic song “Gumnaam Hai Koi” |
| 30 | Jab Jab Phool Khile | 1965 | Hindi | Lead | Rita Khanna | Shashi Kapoor | Suraj Prakash | Career-defining hit; glamorous role; “Yeh Samaa” song |
| 31 | Teen Deviyan | 1965 | Hindi | Supporting | Nanda | Dev Anand, Simi Garewal | Amarjeet | Romantic comedy; played herself |
| 32 | Mohabbat Isko Kahete Hain | 1965 | Hindi | Lead | Not specified | Shashi Kapoor | Akhtar Mirza | Romantic hit with Shashi |
| 33 | Rishte Naate | 1965 | Hindi | Supporting | Not specified | Raaj Kumar | K.S. Gopalakrishnan | Family drama; supporting role |
| 34 | Bedaag | 1965 | Hindi | Lead | Not specified | Manoj Kumar | R. Bhattacharya | Romantic drama; moderate success |
| 35 | Akashdeep | 1965 | Hindi | Supporting | Not specified | Dharmendra, Mehmood | Phani Majumdar | Multi-starrer; limited prominence |
| 36 | Pati Patni | 1966 | Hindi | Lead | Not specified | Shashi Kapoor | Raghunath Jhalani | Comedy-drama; hit with Shashi |
| 37 | Neend Hamari Khwab Tumhare | 1966 | Hindi | Lead | Not specified | Shashi Kapoor | Shiv Sahni | Romantic drama; moderate success |
| 38 | Parivar | 1967 | Hindi | Supporting | Not specified | Jeetendra, Nirupa Roy | Kewal Kashyap | Family drama; ensemble cast |
| 39 | Ittefaq | 1969 | Hindi | Lead | Rekha | Rajesh Khanna | Yash Chopra | Songless suspense hit; Filmfare nomination (Best Actress) |
| 40 | Dharti Kahe Pukar Ke | 1969 | Hindi | Supporting | Not specified | Jeetendra | Dulal Guha | Rural drama; supporting role |
| 41 | The Train | 1970 | Hindi | Supporting | Neeta | Rajesh Khanna | Ravikant Nagaich | Suspense thriller; hit |
| 42 | Rootha Na Karo | 1970 | Hindi | Lead | Not specified | Shashi Kapoor | Sunder Dar | Romantic drama; moderate success |
| 43 | Adhikar | 1971 | Hindi | Supporting | Not specified | Deb Mukherjee | S.M. Sagar | Social drama; limited role |
| 44 | Woh Din Yaad Karo | 1971 | Hindi | Lead | Not specified | Sanjay Khan | K. Amarnath | Romantic drama; lesser-known |
| 45 | Kati Patang | 1971 | Hindi | Supporting | Not specified | Rajesh Khanna, Asha Parekh | Shakti Samanta | Blockbuster; minor role |
| 46 | Shor | 1972 | Hindi | Supporting | Raat Ki Rani | Manoj Kumar | Manoj Kumar | Social drama; memorable song “Ek Pyar Ka Nagma” |
| 47 | Joru Ka Ghulam | 1972 | Hindi | Supporting | Not specified | Rajesh Khanna | A. Bhimsingh | Comedy hit; supporting role |
| 48 | Parineeta | 1972 | Hindi | Supporting | Not specified | Not widely documented | Not specified | Lesser-known adaptation; limited info |
| 49 | Chhalia | 1973 | Hindi | Supporting | Not specified | Navin Nischol | Mukul Dutt | Drama; minor role |
| 50 | Naya Nasha | 1973 | Hindi | Supporting | Reena | Manmohan Krishna | Hari Dutt | Crime drama; supporting role |
| 51 | Pratiggya | 1975 | Hindi | Supporting | Not specified | Dharmendra | Dulal Guha | Action drama; minor role |
| 52 | Prayashchit | 1977 | Hindi | Supporting | Not specified | Not widely documented | Kamal Majumdar | Lesser-known film; limited info |
| 53 | Saal Solvan Chadya | 1977 | Hindi | Supporting | Not specified | Vinod Khanna | Suraj Prakash | Family drama; minor role |
| 54 | Ek Aur Ek Gyarah | 1981 | Hindi | Supporting | Not specified | Shashi Kapoor | Ashim Samanta | Multi-starrer; limited prominence |
| 55 | Ahista Ahista | 1981 | Hindi | Supporting | Sagar’s Mother | Shammi Kapoor | Esmayeel Shroff | Transition to mother roles |
| 56 | Prem Rog | 1982 | Hindi | Supporting | Chhoti Maa | Rishi Kapoor, Padmini Kolhapure | Raj Kapoor | Blockbuster; played Padmini’s mother |
| 57 | Mazdoor | 1983 | Hindi | Supporting | Radha’s Mother | Dilip Kumar, Rati Agnihotri | Ravi Chopra | Last film; mother role |
| 58 | Deoghar | Unknown (1950s) | Marathi | Supporting | Not specified | Not widely documented | Not specified | Marathi film; exact year unclear |
| 59 | Zalegele Visrun Jaa | Unknown (1950s) | Marathi | Supporting | Not specified | Not widely documented | Not specified | Marathi film; limited info |
| 60 | Aai Wina Baal | Unknown (1950s) | Marathi | Supporting | Not specified | Not widely documented | Not specified | Marathi film; details scarce |