Lesser known facts about Nanda

Nanda was a popular Indian actress who primarily worked in Hindi cinema during the 1960s and 1970s.

Here are some lesser-known facts about Nanda:

1. Real Name and Early Life: Nanda’s real name was Nanda Karnataki. She was born on 8th January 1939 in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India. She belonged to a Marathi-speaking family and grew up in Mumbai.
2. Film Debut: Nanda made her acting debut as a child artist in the film “Jaggu” (1952) at the age of 8. She played the role of Raj Kapoor’s daughter in the film. However, she gained recognition as an adult actress later in her career.
3. Breakthrough Film: Nanda’s breakthrough film was “Kala Bazar” (1960), directed by Vijay Anand. Her performance as a bubbly and innocent girl in the film was highly appreciated and established her as a leading actress.
4. Successful Pairings: Nanda was known for her on-screen chemistry with popular actors of her time. She shared successful pairings with actors like Dev Anand, Rajendra Kumar, and Shashi Kapoor. Some of their notable films together include “Hum Dono” (1961), “Gumnaam” (1965), and “Jab Jab Phool Khile” (1965).
5. Award-winning Performance: Nanda won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for her powerful performance in the film “Aanchal” (1960). Her portrayal of a troubled sister caught in a complex family dynamic was highly acclaimed.
6. Talented Singer: Nanda was not only a talented actress but also had a melodious singing voice. She showcased her singing skills in films like “Chhoti Bahen” (1959) and “Bhabhi” (1957), where she sang playback for herself.
7. Tragic Personal Life: Nanda had a tragic personal life. She faced several setbacks, including the untimely deaths of her fiancé, filmmaker Manmohan Desai, and her brother. These incidents deeply affected her and led to a decline in her film career.
8. Reclusive Life: After the sudden death of her brother, Nanda became reclusive and withdrew from the film industry. She rarely made public appearances and preferred to maintain a private life.
9. Later Career: Nanda made a brief comeback to films in the late 1980s and early 1990s with supporting roles in films like “Prem Rog” (1982) and “Mazdoor” (1983). However, her appearances were limited.

Nanda’s talent, innocence, and versatility as an actress made her a beloved figure in the Hindi film industry. Despite facing personal challenges, she left a lasting impact on Indian cinema with her memorable performances.