Nirmala Devi

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]

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]

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]

• Dewan, Saba (3 November 2023). Tawaifnama. Context. ISBN 978-93-95073-59-2.