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Punjabi Veterans Nirmal Rishi, Pran Sabharwal awarded Padma Shri
Punjabi cinema and theater veteran, Nirmal Rishi, along with prominent theatrical actor from Patiala, Pran Sabharwal, have been awarded the prestigious Padma Shri this year.
Nirmal Rishi, aged 80, boasts a remarkable career spanning six decades, defining acting not merely as a profession but as the essence of her life. Her recent acknowledgment with the Padma Shri celebrates her profound contributions to the realm of art, cementing her profound association with Punjab’s rich artistic and cultural milieu.
Renowned for her captivating portrayals in social, religious, and adapted plays, Rishi’s artistic odyssey commenced under the guidance of Punjab’s esteemed theatre stalwarts, Harpal and Neena Tiwana. Her cinematic journey soared with her memorable portrayal of Gulabo Maasi in her debut film "Long Da Lishkara" (1983), followed by notable performances in contemporary hits like "Nikka Zaildar" and its sequel, "Nikka Zaildar 2", and "Buhe Bariyan", among others.
Asserting that films sustain her livelihood while theatre nourishes her soul, Rishi avows to continue acting for as long as she lives.
Born in 1943 into a Brahmin family in Khiva Kalan village, Mansa district, Rishi's upbringing was shaped by her father, Sarpanch Baldev Krishan Rishi, and mother, Bachni Devi. Her passion for theatre blossomed during her school days. Despite initially pursuing a career in physical education, she found her calling in acting and eventually starred in over 60 films.
Pran Sabharwal, aged 93, the other Padma Shri awardee from Punjab, is a veteran theatre performer based in Patiala, credited with over 5,000 performances across seven decades. His accolade will be commemorated during the Republic Day festivities in Patiala, with Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit as the chief guest.
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