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Why Actress Nanda Remained Unmarried For Lifetime

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

CategoryDetails
Full NameNandini Vinayak Karnataki
Screen NameNanda
Date of BirthJanuary 8, 1939
Place of BirthBombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra, India
Date of DeathMarch 25, 2014
Place of DeathMumbai, Maharashtra, India
Age at Death75 years
Cause of DeathCardiac arrest
NationalityIndian
EthnicityIndian (Maharashtrian)
FatherVinayak Damodar Karnataki (Master Vinayak, actor-producer-director)
MotherSushila Vinayak Karnataki
Siblings6 (third of seven children; brothers include Jaiprakash Karnataki)
Marital StatusUnmarried
EngagementEngaged to Manmohan Desai (1992; he died before marriage in 1994)
ChildrenNone
EducationHome-schooled by Gokuldas V. Makhi (schooling suffered due to early acting career)
HeightApprox. 5’4″ (1.62 m, estimated from visuals; no official record)
WeightApprox. 55-60 kg (estimated; no official data)
Hair ColorBlack
Eye ColorDark Brown
ProfessionActress (Hindi and Marathi cinema)
Career Span1948–1983 (over 35 years)
Debut Film (Child Role)Mandir (1948, as Baby Nanda)
Debut Film (Major Role)Toofan Aur Diya (1956, supporting role)
Breakout FilmChhoti Bahen (1959, lead role)
Total FilmsOver 70 (65+ Hindi, several Marathi)
Notable FilmsChhoti Bahen, Jab Jab Phool Khile, Gumnaam, Ittefaq, Prem Rog
Acting Debut Age5 years (1948)
Child Actor Phase1948–1956 (credited as Baby Nanda)
First Filmfare NominationBest Supporting Actress, Bhabhi (1957)
Filmfare WinBest Supporting Actress, Aanchal (1960)
Other NominationsBest Supporting Actress, Bhabhi (1957); Best Actress, Ittefaq (1969)
Last FilmMazdoor (1983)
Retirement Year1983 (after Mazdoor)
Languages Worked InHindi, Marathi
Early Career RoleChild artist in Mandir, Jaggu, Angaarey
Supporting Role MilestoneToofan Aur Diya (1956, directed by uncle V. Shantaram)
Lead Role TransitionChhoti Bahen (1959, established her as a star)
Highest Paid Actress2nd highest-paid Hindi actress (1960-65, with Nutan); 2nd (1966-69, with Nutan, Waheeda); 3rd (1970-73, with Sadhana)
Notable Co-StarsDev Anand, Shashi Kapoor, Rajesh Khanna, Manoj Kumar, Rajendra Kumar
Favorite HeroShashi Kapoor (declared by Nanda)
Shashi Kapoor PairingSigned 8 films together; hits include Jab Jab Phool Khile, Mohabbat Isko Kahete Hain
Film with Dev AnandHum Dono (1961), Kala Bazar (1960), Teen Deviyan (1965)
Film with Rajesh KhannaIttefaq (1969), The Train (1970), Joru Ka Ghulam (1972)
Film with Manoj KumarGumnaam (1965), Shor (1972)
Film with Rajendra KumarKanoon (1960), Dhool Ka Phool (1961)
Film with Raj KapoorAashiq (1962)
Songless FilmsKanoon (1960), Ittefaq (1969) – rare for Bollywood
Iconic Song“Yeh Samaa” (Jab Jab Phool Khile, 1965)
Marathi Film DebutKuldaivat (early 1950s)
Marathi FilmsShevgyachyaa Shenga, Deoghar, Zalegele Visrun Jaa, Aai Wina Baal
Honor by NehruRecognized 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 LossesClaimed lobbying cost her Bhabhi win (1957)
Best FriendWaheeda Rehman (friendship began with Kala Bazar, 1960)
Other Close FriendsAsha Parekh, Sadhana, Helen, Shammi Kapoor
Social CircleRegular lunch meets with friends like Waheeda, Asha, and Helen
Marriage Proposals_cutoffRejected multiple proposals, including one from a lieutenant colonel (1965)
Manmohan Desai IncidentEngaged in 1992; Desai died in 1994 after falling from his terrace
Family SupportBecame breadwinner at 8 after father’s death (1947)
Father’s Death Age7 years old (1947)
Uncle’s InfluenceV. Shantaram (maternal cousin) gave her big break in Toofan Aur Diya
Paternal RelativesVasudev Karnataki (cinematographer), Baburao & Bhalji Pendharkar (half-brothers)
Brother’s CareerJaiprakash Karnataki (Marathi film director, married to actress Jayshree T.)
Net Worth (Estimated)Not documented; significant earnings as top actress in 1960s-70s
Peak Earnings Period1960–1973 (among highest-paid actresses)
Posthumous RecognitionTributes in 2014 by peers like Waheeda Rehman, Asha Parekh
ResidenceVersova, Mumbai (lived alone at time of death)
HobbiesSpending time with friends, private life kept low-key
HealthNo major issues reported until fatal heart attack (2014)
Death CircumstancesDied suddenly at 8:30 AM; family couldn’t call a doctor in time (Jaishree T., 2014)
FuneralCremated 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 RoleBlind sister in Chhoti Bahen (1959)
Glamour Role ShiftJab Jab Phool Khile (1965) changed her image to westernized heroine
Suspense Genre ContributionStarred in Gumnaam, Ittefaq, The Train – key suspense films
Mother Role MilestonePlayed 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 AcclaimPraised for Hum Dono, Char Diwari, Ittefaq
Underrated FilmsUsne Kaha Tha, Nartaki, Aaj Aur Kal (per Nanda’s own words)
Musical HitsTeen Deviyan, Hum Dono, Shor (memorable songs)
Last Public AppearanceLimited info; largely private post-retirement
Retirement ReasonShifted focus to personal life after Mazdoor (1983)
Post-Retirement LifeLived quietly in Mumbai, maintained close friendships
Fan PerceptionRedefined 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 FilmJab Jab Phool Khile (per interviews)
Unique AchievementOnly actress in two songless Bollywood hits (Kanoon, Ittefaq)
Cultural ImpactRepresented 1960s-70s Bollywood’s golden era
Fashion InfluenceKnown for elegant sarees and western looks in films
PersonalityPrivate, generous, supportive of newcomers (e.g., Shashi Kapoor)
Posthumous MentionFeatured in “Legendary Actresses” articles (India TV, 2016)
Biographical Quote“Many great performances were in films that failed” – Nanda (interview)
Final Legacy NoteLeft an indelible mark with over 70 films, bridging child stardom to mature roles

Actress Nanda Childhood and Career

nanda

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.

nanda

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.

nanda

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 TitleRelease YearLanguageRole TypeCharacter NameCo-StarsDirectorNotable Aspects
1Mandir1948HindiChild ArtistNot specifiedNot widely documentedVasant JoglekarDebut film as Baby Nanda; early role at age 5
2Jaggu1948HindiChild ArtistNot specifiedNot widely documentedJagdish SethiOne of her first films; limited details available
3Angaarey1954HindiChild ArtistNot specifiedNasir Khan, PranK.B. LallEarly child role; pre-transition to major roles
4KuldaivatEarly 1950sMarathiChild ArtistNot specifiedNot widely documentedNot specifiedFirst Marathi film; exact year uncertain (circa 1950s)
5Shevgyachyaa Shenga1955MarathiChild ArtistNot specifiedNot widely documentedShantaram AthavaleRecognized by PM Nehru; significant Marathi hit
6Toofan Aur Diya1956HindiSupportingSisterRajendra Kumar, Satish VyasV. ShantaramFirst major supporting role; directed by uncle Shantaram
7Bandish1956HindiChild ArtistNot specifiedAshok Kumar, Meena KumariSatyen BoseFinal child role before transition
8Bhabhi1957HindiSupportingNot specifiedBalraj Sahni, Pandari BaiKrishnan-PanjuFilmfare nomination (Best Supporting Actress); lost due to lobbying
9Agra Road1957HindiSupportingNot specifiedVijay AnandRavindra DaveEarly supporting role; crime drama
10Laxmi1957HindiSupportingNot specifiedNot widely documentedG.P. PawarLesser-known film; limited info available
11Chhoti Bahen1959HindiLeadMeenaBalraj Sahni, RehmanL.V. PrasadBreakout lead role; blind sister character; box office hit
12Barkha1959HindiLeadNot specifiedJagdeep, David AbrahamKrishnan-PanjuEarly lead role; emotional drama
13Kala Bazar1960HindiSupportingSapnaDev Anand, Waheeda RehmanVijay AnandIconic film; began friendship with Waheeda
14Aanchal1960HindiSupportingNot specifiedAshok Kumar, Nirupa RoyVasant JoglekarWon Filmfare Best Supporting Actress
15Kanoon1960HindiSupportingMeenaRajendra Kumar, Ashok KumarB.R. ChopraSongless courtroom drama; critically acclaimed
16Usne Kaha Tha1960HindiLeadKamlaSunil DuttMoni BhattacharjeeUnderrated war romance; Nanda’s favorite
17Apna Ghar1960HindiSupportingNot specifiedNot widely documentedRam PahwaLesser-known family drama
18Hum Dono1961HindiSupportingRumaDev Anand, SadhanaAmarjeetClassic war drama; memorable role
19Char Diwari1961HindiLeadLakshmiShashi KapoorKrishan ChopraFirst pairing with Shashi Kapoor; hit
20Amar Rahe Yeh Pyar1961HindiLeadNot specifiedRajendra KumarPrabhu DayalEmotional drama; moderate success
21Dhool Ka Phool1961HindiSupportingNot specifiedRajendra Kumar, Mala SinhaYash ChopraSocial drama; supporting role
22Aashiq1962HindiSupportingRenuRaj Kapoor, PadminiHrishikesh MukherjeeRomantic drama with Raj Kapoor
23Mehndi Lagi Mere Haath1962HindiLeadNot specifiedShashi KapoorH.S. RawailRomantic hit with Shashi
24Nartaki1963HindiLeadNot specifiedSunil DuttNitin BoseDance drama; critical praise
25Aaj Aur Kal1963HindiSupportingNot specifiedAshok Kumar, Sunil DuttVasant JoglekarUnderrated medical drama
26Kaise Kahoon1964HindiLeadNot specifiedBiswajitKanak MukherjeeRomantic drama; lesser-known
27Mera Qasoor Kya Hai1964HindiLeadNot specifiedDharmendraNaresh SaigalCrime drama; moderate success
28Naach1964HindiSupportingNot specifiedNot widely documentedNot specifiedDance-themed; limited info
29Gumnaam1965HindiLeadRituManoj Kumar, PranRaja NawatheSuspense thriller; box office hit; iconic song “Gumnaam Hai Koi”
30Jab Jab Phool Khile1965HindiLeadRita KhannaShashi KapoorSuraj PrakashCareer-defining hit; glamorous role; “Yeh Samaa” song
31Teen Deviyan1965HindiSupportingNandaDev Anand, Simi GarewalAmarjeetRomantic comedy; played herself
32Mohabbat Isko Kahete Hain1965HindiLeadNot specifiedShashi KapoorAkhtar MirzaRomantic hit with Shashi
33Rishte Naate1965HindiSupportingNot specifiedRaaj KumarK.S. GopalakrishnanFamily drama; supporting role
34Bedaag1965HindiLeadNot specifiedManoj KumarR. BhattacharyaRomantic drama; moderate success
35Akashdeep1965HindiSupportingNot specifiedDharmendra, MehmoodPhani MajumdarMulti-starrer; limited prominence
36Pati Patni1966HindiLeadNot specifiedShashi KapoorRaghunath JhalaniComedy-drama; hit with Shashi
37Neend Hamari Khwab Tumhare1966HindiLeadNot specifiedShashi KapoorShiv SahniRomantic drama; moderate success
38Parivar1967HindiSupportingNot specifiedJeetendra, Nirupa RoyKewal KashyapFamily drama; ensemble cast
39Ittefaq1969HindiLeadRekhaRajesh KhannaYash ChopraSongless suspense hit; Filmfare nomination (Best Actress)
40Dharti Kahe Pukar Ke1969HindiSupportingNot specifiedJeetendraDulal GuhaRural drama; supporting role
41The Train1970HindiSupportingNeetaRajesh KhannaRavikant NagaichSuspense thriller; hit
42Rootha Na Karo1970HindiLeadNot specifiedShashi KapoorSunder DarRomantic drama; moderate success
43Adhikar1971HindiSupportingNot specifiedDeb MukherjeeS.M. SagarSocial drama; limited role
44Woh Din Yaad Karo1971HindiLeadNot specifiedSanjay KhanK. AmarnathRomantic drama; lesser-known
45Kati Patang1971HindiSupportingNot specifiedRajesh Khanna, Asha ParekhShakti SamantaBlockbuster; minor role
46Shor1972HindiSupportingRaat Ki RaniManoj KumarManoj KumarSocial drama; memorable song “Ek Pyar Ka Nagma”
47Joru Ka Ghulam1972HindiSupportingNot specifiedRajesh KhannaA. BhimsinghComedy hit; supporting role
48Parineeta1972HindiSupportingNot specifiedNot widely documentedNot specifiedLesser-known adaptation; limited info
49Chhalia1973HindiSupportingNot specifiedNavin NischolMukul DuttDrama; minor role
50Naya Nasha1973HindiSupportingReenaManmohan KrishnaHari DuttCrime drama; supporting role
51Pratiggya1975HindiSupportingNot specifiedDharmendraDulal GuhaAction drama; minor role
52Prayashchit1977HindiSupportingNot specifiedNot widely documentedKamal MajumdarLesser-known film; limited info
53Saal Solvan Chadya1977HindiSupportingNot specifiedVinod KhannaSuraj PrakashFamily drama; minor role
54Ek Aur Ek Gyarah1981HindiSupportingNot specifiedShashi KapoorAshim SamantaMulti-starrer; limited prominence
55Ahista Ahista1981HindiSupportingSagar’s MotherShammi KapoorEsmayeel ShroffTransition to mother roles
56Prem Rog1982HindiSupportingChhoti MaaRishi Kapoor, Padmini KolhapureRaj KapoorBlockbuster; played Padmini’s mother
57Mazdoor1983HindiSupportingRadha’s MotherDilip Kumar, Rati AgnihotriRavi ChopraLast film; mother role
58DeogharUnknown (1950s)MarathiSupportingNot specifiedNot widely documentedNot specifiedMarathi film; exact year unclear
59Zalegele Visrun JaaUnknown (1950s)MarathiSupportingNot specifiedNot widely documentedNot specifiedMarathi film; limited info
60Aai Wina BaalUnknown (1950s)MarathiSupportingNot specifiedNot widely documentedNot specifiedMarathi film; details scarce
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