Among Hindi cinema’s timeless treasures, Nimi stands out – birth name Nawab Bano, a nod to her grandfather’s bold vision. With February 18 as her jayanti, explore this heartwarming name story alongside her iconic Mangla in ‘Aan’.
From Agra’s modest Muslim roots, her nana, an aspiring aristocrat, chased British ‘Nawab’ status in vain. Baby Nimi’s cries heralded family bliss. Nani shared the news; nana beamed, ‘Make her Nawab now!’ Gender be damned, the name was set. Lovingly, nani appended ‘Bano’.
Raj Kapoor, enchanted by her simplicity, dubbed her Nimi. Hits followed: ‘Barsaat’, ‘Deedar’, ‘Aan’, ‘Udan Khatola’, ‘Kundan’, ‘Basant Bahar’. In 1952’s ‘Aan’ by Mehboob Khan, Mangla’s earthy allure, embodied by Nimi, mesmerized viewers. Premiering abroad as ‘Savage Princess’ in London’s Rialto, it propelled her globally.
Principles defined her: no on-screen kisses led to ‘India’s Unkissed Girl’ fame. At the premiere, she spurned a director’s gesture. Hollywood deals? Rejected for values. Orphaned early, unschooled, yet unstoppable – Raj Kapoor’s rakhi gesture during ‘Barsaat’ casting melted her apprehensions.
Nimi’s saga celebrates unyielding spirit. She redefined stardom with authenticity, her light undimmed.