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Nazima
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Nazima (née Mehr-un-Nissa; 25 March 1948 – 11 August 2025) was an Indian Bollywood actress who was most famous for her roles as a supporting actress in films in the 1960s and early 1970s. She was born in Nashik (Maharashtra) and was known as the "Resident Sister" of Bollywood.[1]
Key Information
Life and career
[edit]Nazima was born as Mehr-un-Nisa on 25 March 1948 in Nasik, Bombay Province, India. She was related to actresses Sharifa Bai (of the 1930s) and Husn Bano (of the 1940s) who happened to be her grandmother and aunt respectively. She was admitted to a high school in Mumbai (then Bombay) and being from a film background, she was soon cast as a child artist by the name Baby Chand in her early films.[2]
Then came April Fool (1964) directed by Subodh Mukerjee which was appreciated by millions. She then acted in J. Om Prakash's Aaye Din Bahar Ke (1968), which celebrated the silver jubilee in many places. She also acted in Gemini's Aurat (1967), another box-office hit. In between she acted in Vidyapati (1964) as the heroine opposite veteran Bharat Bhushan. This was a Hindi picture made in Calcutta. In a 1968 interview, Nazima said that to her it was the best role of her film career containing all facets — humour, romance and emotion. However, the picture failed at the box office. She also acted in another Hindi film, Wohi Ladki (1967), produced in Calcutta opposite a newcomer Sharvendra as a hero.[3]
She was nominated in the Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Category for playing Manoj Kumar's sister in the 1972 film Beimaan. Songs picturised on her include "Ae Kash Kisi Deewane Ko" from Aaye Din Bahar Ke, "Shola ulfat ka bhadka ke" from Aurat and "Hum behanon ke Liye" from the 1969 film Anjaana.[citation needed]
Nazima died on 11 August 2025, at the age of 77.[4]
Filmography
[edit]| Year | Film | Character/Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1953 | Patita | as Baby Chand |
| 1954 | Biraj Bahu | as Baby Chand |
| 1955 | Devdas | as Baby Chand |
| 1955 | Garam Coat | as Baby Chand |
| 1956 | Dayar-e-Habib | |
| 1957 | Ab Dilli Door Nahin | |
| 1957 | Hum Panchhi Ek Daal Ke | |
| 1958 | Princess Saaba | Debut as a heroine Stunt Film |
| 1961 | Oomar Qaid | Neela |
| 1962 | Tower House | |
| 1964 | Ziddi | Seema Singh |
| 1964 | Gazal | Kausar Ara Begum |
| 1964 | Fariyad | |
| 1964 | April Fool | Anu |
| 1965 | Nishan | Padma |
| 1965 | Arzoo | Sarla |
| 1966 | Dillagi | Lajwanti |
| 1966 | Aaye Din Bahar Ke | Rachna |
| 1967 | Aurat | Asha |
| 1968 | Raja Aur Runk | Sujata Sujjo |
| 1969 | Waris | Komal |
| 1969 | Tamanna | |
| 1969 | Doli | Shobha |
| 1969 | Anjaana | Munni |
| 1970 | Abhinetri | Ratna |
| 1971 | Adhikar | Radha |
| 1971 | Yaar Mera | Gullo |
| 1972 | Rakhi Aur Hathkadi | Shobhana |
| 1972 | Mere Bhaiya | Luxmi |
| 1972 | Do Yaar | Shanu |
| 1972 | Be-Imaan | Meena |
| 1973 | Honeymoon | Neelu |
| 1973 | Manchali | Pushpa |
| 1973 | Alam Ara | |
| 1974 | Albeli | |
| 1974 | Ujala Hi Ujala | Gita |
| 1974 | Amir Garib | Anju |
| 1975 | Sanyasi | Aarti |
| 1975 | Dayar-e-Madina | Main lead[5] |
| 1975 | Ranga Khush | Devi |
| 1975 | Badnaam | Meena[citation needed] |
| 1975 | Naatak | Uma |
| 1976 | Fauji | |
| 1977 | Mera Vachan Geeta Ki Kasam | Muniya |
| 1986 | Love And God | Starting production in 1963 released in 1986 |
| 1987 | Khooni Darinda |
Awards and nominations
[edit]- 1965 – Bengal Film Journalists Association Awards - Best Supporting Actress (Hindi), Arzoo (1965)[citation needed]
- 1972 – Filmfare nomination as Best Supporting Actress for Beimaan[citation needed]
References
[edit]- ^ Nazima - Profile and Filmography on Cineplot[dead link]
- ^ "The Magnificent Nazima". YouTube. 10 June 2019. Archived from the original on 15 December 2021. Retrieved 12 June 2019.
- ^ Nazima - Interview (1968) on Cineplot
- ^ Bella Jaisinghani (11 August 2025). "Actor Nazima, sister and friend of Hindi cinema's golden era, passes away at 77". The Times of India. India. Retrieved 19 August 2025.
- ^ "Dayar-e-Madina (1975)". The Hindu. 9 July 2015.
External links
[edit]| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
Nazima
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Early Life and Background
Family Heritage
Nazima was born Mehr-un-Nissa on March 25, 1948, in Nashik, Bombay Province (now Maharashtra), India, into a family with deep roots in the Indian film industry.[1] Her father, Nadir Shah, was the brother of actress Husn Bano, making Nazima the niece of the prominent performer known for her work in 1940s Bollywood films as both an actress and singer.[3] This paternal lineage connected her directly to the era's cinematic circles, where family members frequently collaborated on productions. Nazima was the granddaughter of Sharifa Bai, a notable silent film actress active in the 1930s, whose career in early Indian cinema further embedded the family's legacy in Bollywood's formative years.[4] Her mother, Sofia, supported this environment, though not actively in films, fostering a household steeped in discussions of scripts, sets, and performances. Growing up amid such influences, Nazima gained early exposure to acting techniques and industry dynamics, shaping her innate understanding of the profession from childhood.[4]Entry into Film Industry
Nazima began her professional journey in the Indian film industry as a child artist in the early 1950s, adopting the stage name "Baby Chand" to reflect the common practice for young performers during that era.[5] Her entry was facilitated by strong family ties to cinema, including her grandmother Sharifa Bai, a notable silent-era actress, and her aunt Husn Bano, a leading figure in 1940s Hindi films, which provided essential connections in the nepotistic landscape of Bollywood.[4][6] Her first credited appearance occurred in 1953, in Bimal Roy's landmark social realist film Do Bigha Zamin, where she played the elder of two sisters in a memorable school scene.[2] This debut marked her transition from informal family exposure to the professional sets of Bombay's burgeoning film scene, aligning with the 1950s trend of casting child artists—often from industry-connected households—in poignant, character-driven narratives that highlighted societal issues.[7] In this period, child acting norms in Bollywood emphasized natural performances in family-oriented stories, with young talents like Nazima benefiting from the era's reliance on familial networks to secure auditions and roles, thereby easing their integration into the professional environment without formal training.[8]Professional Career
Child and Early Roles
Nazima began her acting career as a child artist under the screen name Baby Chand, debuting in the 1953 film Patita, directed by Amiya Chakrabarty, where she portrayed the character Chandu in a supporting role that showcased her early presence in dramatic narratives.[9] This debut at the age of five marked her entry into Bollywood, appearing alongside leads Dev Anand and Usha Kiran in a story centered on social stigma and redemption.[10] Her subsequent role came in Bimal Roy's classic Devdas (1955), where she appeared as Baby Chand in two brief classroom scenes as a classmate of the young Devdas and Paro, including a moment where her character is slapped by the teacher, highlighting the film's exploration of childhood innocence amid societal pressures.[11] At seven years old, this appearance in the iconic adaptation of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's novel further solidified her as a recognizable child performer in prestigious productions.[2] By the early 1960s, Nazima transitioned into slightly more prominent supporting roles while still portraying youthful characters, as seen in Ziddi (1964), directed by Pramod Chakravorty, where she played Seema Singh, the younger sister of the lead Asha Parekh, demonstrating her versatility in emotional and romantic subplots involving family dynamics and unrequited affection.[12] These roles, often involving dramatic interactions with adult leads like Joy Mukherjee, allowed her to display expressive performances in tense family scenarios.[5] Through these formative appearances in acclaimed films, Nazima built a reputation as a reliable young actress capable of contributing authenticity to ensemble casts before reaching adolescence, paving the way for her later supporting roles in the industry.[13]Supporting Actress Phase
During the 1960s and early 1970s, Nazima established herself as a prominent supporting actress in Bollywood, frequently portraying sisterly or familial roles that earned her the affectionate nickname "Resident Sister."[5][2] This typecasting stemmed from her appearances in numerous films during this era, where she often embodied supportive siblings or close friends in family-oriented narratives.[13] Her transition from child roles in the late 1950s laid the groundwork for these mature supporting parts, allowing her to build on an established on-screen innocence.[4] Nazima's breakthrough came with lead supporting roles in several key films that showcased her versatility within the supporting framework. In April Fool (1964), directed by Subodh Mukerji, she played Anu, the sister of the lead character portrayed by Saira Banu, contributing to the film's light-hearted romantic comedy tone.[14][15] She followed this with a poignant role in Aurat (1967), a social drama starring Rajesh Khanna, where her character highlighted themes of familial duty and women's struggles.[13][16] In Aaye Din Bahar Ke (1966), under J. Om Prakash's direction, Nazima portrayed Rachna, Asha Parekh's sister, adding emotional depth to the comedy-drama's exploration of relationships.[17] Her performance in Anjaana (1969), a mystery thriller with Rajendra Kumar, further solidified her presence, as she delivered a nuanced familial role amid the film's suspenseful plot.[18] Notable early highlights in this phase also included Arzoo (1965), where her emotional scream scene stood out, and Nishan (1965), portraying a supportive sibling opposite Sanjeev Kumar.[1] Nazima's contributions to Bollywood during this era were marked by her expressive performances, particularly in emotional family dramas that aligned with the period's emphasis on social themes such as duty, sacrifice, and interpersonal bonds.[19] Her wide, emotive eyes and warm smile brought authenticity to these roles, often providing heartfelt support to lead actors like Rajesh Khanna and Sanjeev Kumar in films addressing societal issues.[4] Through such portrayals, she enhanced the narrative resonance of social-themed cinema, making her a staple in productions that resonated with audiences seeking relatable family stories.[20]Career Transition and Retirement
As Nazima entered the 1970s, her roles became more varied but less frequent, reflecting a shift from her earlier consistent supporting presence in the 1960s. She appeared as Ratna in Abhinetri (1970), a drama directed by K. Balachander, followed by the role of Meena in the romantic thriller Be-Imaan (1972), where she shared significant screen time alongside the leads. In 1973, she portrayed Pushpa in Manchali, a comedy-drama starring Leena Chandavarkar and Kiran Kumar, marking one of her final mainstream appearances.[21][22][23] Nazima's last film was the Urdu devotional Dayar-e-Madina (1975), after which she retired from acting, having spanned approximately two decades in the industry since her debut as a child artist in 1953. Her decision to step away was driven by a desire to prioritize marriage, family, and a spiritual life away from the public eye.[5][4][2][24] Following her retirement, Nazima maintained a low public profile, severing ties with the film industry to focus on her personal life and devotion. She did not return to acting in any capacity during the subsequent decades.[5][2]Personal Life
Relationships and Family
Nazima married Arshul Rehman, a merchant navy officer, following her retirement from acting in the mid-1970s, and the couple welcomed two sons, Rehan and Rehmat. Arshul Rehman died in 2018, after which Nazima lived with her sons.[24][13] The family settled in Mumbai's Dadar area, where Nazima focused on domestic life, maintaining a deliberate distance from the public eye and the film industry she had once been part of.[1] Throughout her later years, Nazima shared a close bond with her sons, who supported her in her quiet existence away from media attention. Her extended family included siblings such as brothers Anwar Qamal and Zafar, as well as a niece named Fahmi Rahman, though details on their interactions remain limited due to her preference for privacy.[24] Nazima was known for her scandal-free personal life, embodying a sense of tranquility and devotion that contrasted with the glamour of her early career.[6] In her personal circle, Nazima cherished enduring friendships with several Bollywood contemporaries from the golden era, often described as a beloved "sister" figure among them, fostering warm, non-professional connections that highlighted her affable nature.[1] This low-key approach extended to her family dynamics, where she provided quiet encouragement to relatives navigating their own paths, prioritizing familial harmony over public narratives.Health Challenges and Death
In her 70s, Nazima battled undisclosed age-related ailments, including weak eyesight, which contributed to her reduced public appearances in the later years of her life.[25][18] Nazima passed away on August 11, 2025, in Mumbai at the age of 77, with the cause undisclosed.[2][26][27] Her death was confirmed by her cousin Zarreen Babu via social media, prompting immediate condolences from family members and tributes from Bollywood figures who remembered her as a cherished supporter of Hindi cinema's golden era.[1][2][28]Filmography and Recognition
Key Film Roles
Nazima's most iconic performances often centered on familial bonds and emotional resilience, defining her as a staple in Bollywood's family dramas. In Be-Imaan (1972), she played Meena, the devoted sister to Manoj Kumar's character, whose unwavering loyalty and sacrifices drive key plot developments amid themes of honor and redemption.[22] Her portrayal added depth to the film's exploration of moral dilemmas, making Meena a pivotal figure in resolving family conflicts.[29] Similarly, in Aaye Din Bahar Ke (1966), Nazima embodied Rachna, a compassionate nurse and close friend to the heroine (Asha Parekh), infusing the story with heartfelt moments of friendship and unrequited affection that heightened the romantic tension. This role showcased her ability to convey subtle emotional layers, contributing to the film's success as a light-hearted yet poignant family entertainer.[5] A lighter turn came in April Fool (1964), where Nazima appeared as Anu, the playful younger sister to Saira Banu's character, injecting comic relief and sibling banter into the espionage-tinged comedy.[30] Her spirited performance balanced the film's humorous escapades, underscoring her versatility beyond dramatic roles.[4] These characters frequently propelled narratives forward in 1960s–1970s Bollywood, where family-oriented stories dominated, with Nazima's supportive figures often bridging generational gaps and reinforcing themes of unity and sacrifice.[1] Her contributions helped sustain the emotional core of these films, making her an indispensable element in ensemble casts that emphasized collective harmony over individual stardom.[2]Partial Filmography Highlights
Nazima's career spanned child roles to mature supporting parts, with selections below focusing on significant credits that highlight her evolution.| Decade | Year | Film | Role/Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 1953 | Do Bigha Zamin | Child artist (Baby Chand) in Bimal Roy's acclaimed drama.[2] |
| 1950s | 1953 | Patita | Child artist, early dramatic appearance.[4] |
| 1950s | 1954 | Biraj Bahu | Supporting child role in family saga.[4] |
| 1950s | 1955 | Devdas | Young supporter in classic tragedy.[31] |
| 1950s | 1957 | Ab Dilli Door Nahin | Supporting child role in social drama about a boy's journey to Delhi.[31] |
| 1960s | 1961 | Oomar Qaid | Debut adult heroine opposite Sudhir.[32] |
| 1960s | 1964 | Ziddi | Sister to Asha Parekh in romantic drama.[5] |
| 1960s | 1964 | April Fool | Anu, comedic sister in spy comedy.[30] |
| 1960s | 1965 | Arzoo | Key supporting role in musical romance.[1] |
| 1960s | 1965 | Nishan | Lead opposite Sanjeev Kumar.[4] |
| 1960s | 1966 | Aaye Din Bahar Ke | Rachna, emotional friend/nurse. |
| 1960s | 1967 | Aurat | Asha, in family-oriented narrative.[33] |
| 1960s | 1968 | Raja Aur Runk | Sujata, in adventure drama.[5] |
| 1970s | 1970 | Abhinetri | Ratna, prominent supporting actress.[21] |
| 1970s | 1970 | Aurat Aur Doli | Role alongside Rajesh Khanna.[5] |
| 1970s | 1972 | Be-Imaan | Meena, loyal sister.[22] |
| 1970s | 1973 | Manchali | Pushpa, in romantic drama.[23] |
| 1970s | 1974 | Prem Nagar | Supporting in family romance.[1] |
| 1970s | 1975 | Naatak | Uma, in dramatic ensemble.[34] |