By Sonu Tyagi, Founder, Approach Bollywood & Approach Entertainment
In the ever-spinning reel of life, some faces flicker across our screens and embed themselves in the quiet corners of our hearts, only to resurface like forgotten melodies when the world delivers a somber note. Today, as the news of veteran actress Nazima’s passing at the age of 77 washes over the Bollywood landscape, I find myself pausing amid the hustle of Approach Bollywood and Approach Entertainment to reflect on one such face—a face I had almost let slip into the archives of my youth, until this tragic reminder brought it rushing back.
Nazima, born Mehrunnisa in Nashik on March 25, 1948, wasn’t just an actress; she was the embodiment of warmth, the quintessential sister and friend who lit up the golden era of Hindi cinema in the 1960s and ’70s. Her journey began as a child artist, Baby Chand, in Bimal Roy’s poignant Do Bigha Zamin (1953), where she played the elder sister with an innocence that tugged at heartstrings. She graced classics like Devdas and Biraj Bahu, evolving into a supporting star whose presence was as comforting as it was compelling. Over 47 films, she shared the screen with legends—Sanjeev Kumar in Nishan and Raja Aur Runk, Rajesh Khanna in Aurat and Doli, Manoj Kumar in the Filmfare-nominated Beimaan (1972). But it was her roles as the playful friend or devoted sister that made her Bollywood’s “Resident Sister”—a title that captured her essence perfectly.
For me, the connection traces back to my own growing years, when cinema was my escape and discovery. I was just a teenager—or perhaps even a wide-eyed kid—when I first encountered Nazima in Aaye Din Bahaar Ke (1966), that vibrant romance starring Dharmendra and Asha Parekh. There she was, as Asha Parekh’s sister, tumbling down staircases in a bid for attention, her expressions a mix of mischief and vulnerability. I remember sitting in a dimly lit theater, the scent of popcorn mingling with the magic on screen, and feeling an inexplicable pull. It wasn’t the grandeur of the leads that captivated me entirely; it was Nazima’s face—those expressive eyes, that gentle smile that radiated kindness and relatability. In that moment, I fell in love. Not the dramatic, star-struck kind, but something purer, more instantaneous. It was my age, perhaps—the awkward phase of adolescence where faces become ideals, crushes form from mere glimpses. But looking back, I know it was more than that. Sometimes, you just make an instant connection with a face, a presence that feels familiar, like a long-lost friend you’ve never met. Nazima was one of the very few who sparked that in me during those formative years.
As the years rolled on, I watched her in other films—Arzoo (1965), where her bloodcurdling scream upon discovering Rajendra Kumar’s tragedy became iconic; Abhinetri (1970) as Hema Malini’s impish companion; Manchali (1973) alongside Leena Chandavarkar. Each time, she brought a layer of authenticity to her characters, making the sisters and friends she portrayed feel like extensions of our own families. Her performances weren’t about stealing the spotlight; they were about enhancing it, infusing stories with heart and humanity. Yet, life moved forward, and amid the whirlwind of building Approach Bollywood and Approach Entertainment—platforms dedicated to celebrating the stories and stars of our industry—her face faded into the background of my memories. I had forgotten, or so I thought, until this news arrived on August 11, 2025, like a gentle yet piercing reminder from the universe.
The tragedy of her passing in Dadar, Mumbai, where she lived quietly with her two sons after retiring post her last film Dayar-e-Madina (1975) to embrace marriage and spirituality, hits harder because of that rediscovered connection. It’s a poignant irony: without this sorrowful headline, her image might have remained dormant in my mind. But now, it’s vivid again, stirring a wave of nostalgia and regret. Sad that I never met her—never had the chance to tell her how her on-screen warmth shaped a young boy’s view of cinema and connection. In an industry often defined by glamour and grandeur, Nazima reminded us of the quiet power of subtlety, the enduring appeal of faces that feel like home.
As we at Approach Bollywood and Approach Entertainment continue to honor the legacies of our cinematic icons, Nazima’s story serves as a timeless lesson: some faces you never truly forget. They linger, waiting for the right moment to remind us of the magic they once sparked. Rest in peace, dear Nazima. Your smile will forever bloom in the spring of our memories.
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Sonu Tyagi Intro: Sonu Tyagi is a renowned writer, director, producer, and founder of Go Spiritual and Approach Entertainment. Through Go Spiritual, he promotes spiritual awareness, mental health, wellness, and social causes via media, events, and a dedicated news magazine and app. Approach Entertainment leads in celebrity management, film production, advertising & corporate films productions, films marketing and events, while Approach Communications excels in PR & Integrated Communications and Approach Bollywood covers entertainment news. With expertise in psychology, journalism, and filmmaking, Tyagi blends creativity and leadership, collaborating with top Indian media and advertising agencies.
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