Nirmala Devi

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For the Indian freestyle wrestler, see Nirmala Devi (wrestler).

Nirmala Devi
File:Filmindia194208unse 0815.jpg
Nirmala in Sharda (1942)
Born(1927-06-07)7 June 1927
Benares, Benares State, British India (present-day Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India)
Died15 June 1996(1996-06-15) (aged 69)
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
OccupationsVocalist, Actress, Singer
SpouseArun Kumar Ahuja
Children5 (including Govinda)
RelativesAhuja family

Nirmala Devi (7 June 1927 – 15 June 1996) also known as Dulari, was an Indian actress in the 1940s and a Hindustani classical vocalist of the Patiala Gharana.[1][2][3][4] Bollywood actor Govinda is her son.

Early life

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Nirmala Devi was born as Nazim on 7 June 1927, in Varanasi (then known as Banares), Uttar Pradesh.[5] Her father was Vasudev Narayan Singh, a well known Hindu tabla maestro in Varanasi of that time. However, Nirmala was raised as a Muslim by her aunt Mannan Jan, who was a tawaif by profession.[6] Nirmala's siblings include musician Lachhu Maharaj and actress Kumkum.[7]

At a young age, Nirmala was enrolled by her aunt into music classes from Ustad Ata Mohammad Khan of the Patiala gharana, who had previously taught high-profile figures such as Begum Akhtar.[8]

Career

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Nirmala made her film debut in Savera (1942), with actor Arun Kumar Ahuja as co-star. She went on to marry him the same year. Nirmala subsequently starred in Sharda (1942) and Gaali (1944). The latter, also featuring Karan Dewan, was a popular release.[9] In 1945, she played Motilal's leading lady in S. M. Yusuf's Piya Milan, in which Baburao Patel described her as the only good performer in the film.[10] She received similar reviews for her performance in Nanabhai Bhatt's comedy Chalis Karod (1946).[11]

In 1948, she reunited with her husband in their home production, Sehra, which was unsuccessful at the box office.[12] Her subsequent release Anmol Ratan (1950) also turned out to be a critical and commercial failure.[13] Nirmala's final screen appearance was in Jai Mahalakshmi (1951).[14]

Before Govinda started working in films, Nirmala was the sole earning member of her family.[15]

Personal life and death

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Nirmala Devi was raised as a Muslim. In 1942, she converted to Hinduism and eloped with her first co-star, Arun Kumar Ahuja.[16][17][18] The marriage was opposed by her aunt Mannan Jan; Nirmala ultimately severed ties with her aunt.[19]

Nirmala and Arun had five children: three daughters—Padma, Kamini and Pushpa—and two sons—Kirti and Govinda.

Nirmala died on 15 June 1996, at the age of 69, in Mumbai.[20][21]

Work

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As actor

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Source:[14]

  • Savera (1942)
  • Sharda (1942)
  • Kanoon (1943)
  • Geet (1944)
  • Gaali (1944)
  • Jeevan (1944)
  • Piya Milan (1945)
  • Chalis Karod (1946) as Muniya
  • Ghunghat (1946)
  • Sehra (1948) — produced by her husband[22]
  • Janamashtami (1950)
  • Anmol Ratan (1950)
  • Jai Mahalakshmi (1951)

As playback singer

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  • Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985)
  • Bawarchi (1972) – one of the performers on the track "Bhor Aai Gaya Andhiyara"
  • Zara Bachke (1959)
  • Shama Parwana (1954)

Music albums

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Genre: Hindustani Classical / Music Label: His Master's Voice

Singles:

  • Banaa Banaa Ke Tamanaa & Gham Ki Nishani (Ghazal)
  • Jaadu Bhare Tore Nainava Ram & Mori Baali Umar Beeti Jaye (Thumri)

Full Albums:

  • Saavan Beetaa Jaye (Thumri) (With Ms Laxmi Shankar, contemporary singer)
  • Weekend Pleasure (Thumri)
  • Thumriyan by Nirmala Devi (Thumri)
  • Laakhon Ke Bol Sahe (Thumri)
  • Ghazals by Nirmala Devi (Ghazal)

Bibliography

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References

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  6. ^ Dewan 2023, p. 449.
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  8. ^ Dewan 2023, p. 449–450.
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  14. ^ a b Dewan 2023, p. 455–456.
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  19. ^ Dewan 2023, p. 456.
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