Padma Awards 2024: Punjabi actors Nirmal Rishi, Pran Sabharwal conferred with prestigious award
Nirmal Rishi is a proud recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri Award 2024 for her outstanding contribution to the world of Art.
Padma Awards 2024 For Punjabi actors Nirmal Rishi, Pran Sabharwal News: Punjabi actress Nirmal Rishi, and actor Pran Sabharwal, have been conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri award, this year. With an amazing career spanning six decades in theatre and films, the legendary actress Nirmal Rishi (80) has been making an impact in the Punjabi film industry.
This year, Nirmal Rishi is a proud recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri Award 2024 for her outstanding contribution to the world of Art.
“I’ve lost count of the plays I’ve been a part of. Stepping onto the stage has always felt like a cathartic moment,” said Nirmal Rishi, who also earned the 2012 Sangeet Natak Akademi award for her exceptional acting skills. She is prominently known for her compelling performances in social, religious, and adapted plays. Her artistic journey started under the mentorship of Punjab’s acclaimed theatre figures, Harpal and Neena Tiwana.
She rose to fame with her role as 'Gulabo Maasi' in her debut movie “Long Da Lishkara” (1983). She was also a part of big hits such as “Nikka Zaildar” and its sequel, “Nikka Zaildar 2.”
Who is Nirmal Rishi?
Nirmal Rishi was born in 1943 into a Brahmin family in the village of Khiva Kalan in Mansa district. Her father, Sarpanch Baldev Krishan Rishi, and her mother, Bachni Devi, played significant roles in her upbringing and her passion for theatre emerged during her school days. She opted for a career as a physical education instructor. She enrolled in Government College Patiala for Physical Education. She has, so far, acted in over 60 films.
Who is Pran Sabharwal?
Born in Jalandhar, Punjab on December 9, 1930, Pran Sabharwal was a former employee of Punjab State Electricity Board. He was inspired by Prithviraj Kapoor. He didn't have any formal qualifications or training in acting. Despite this, Sabharwal went on to make theatre and radio his life. He was also one of the founder faculty members of the Department of Speech, Drama & Music, at Punjabi University, Patiala.