"She brought life to countless films."
The veteran Bollywood actress, Nazima, died on Monday, August 11, 2025. She was 77 years old.
Nazima was known for her roles as a sister in classic films. She was affectionately known as the ‘Resident Sister’ of the industry.
The actress began her career as a child artist in Patita (1953), which starred Dev Anand and Usha Kiran in the lead roles.
She also acted as a child in classics including Biraj Bahu (1954) and Devdas (1955).
In 1964, Nazima starred opposite the legendary star Bharat Bhushan as a leading lady in Vidyapati.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, she played iconic sister roles in several acclaimed films.
She gained notability for her role in Manoj Kumar’s Be-Imaan (1972), for which she was nominated for the Filmfare ‘Best Supporting Actress’ Award in 1973.
On X, several users paid tribute to Nazima following her death.
One fan wrote: “Nazima, known to most Hindi film lovers as the cheerful sister in the 1960s and 1970s, passed away in Mumbai on Monday.
“Not many know she also starred as a leading lady opposite Sanjeev Kumar and Rajesh Khanna.
“Aurat, with Padmini in the title role, was a big-budget film made by SS Vasan’s famous Gemini Pictures.
“The film flopped, like Rajesh Khanna’s other early movies.”
“However, Raja Aur Runk (1968), a kings and palace yarn made under the banner of the reputed Prasad Productions, was a major box-office success.
“But Nazima was to be remembered primarily for her sister roles in golden jubilee hits such as Rajendra Kumar’s Arzoo (1965).”
Nazima, known to most Hindi film lovers as the cheerful sister in the 1960s and 1970s, passed away in Mumbai on Monday.
Not many know she also starred as a leading lady opposite Sanjeev Kumar (Nishan, Raja Aur Runk) and Rajesh Khanna (Aurat).
Aurat (1967), with Padmini in the… pic.twitter.com/qio3hjOR2g— Avijit Ghosh (@cinemawaleghosh) August 12, 2025
Another account shared: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of actress Nazima, fondly remembered as the ‘Resident Sister’ of Hindi cinema.
“With her warm screen presence and expressive performances, she brought life to countless films of the 1960s and 1970s, including Arzoo and Be-Imaan.”
Nazima was born as Mehr-un-Nissa in Nashik, India on March 25, 1948.
Her penultimate film was Love and God (1986). The film was originally started in 1963 by Guru Dutt.
However, it remained in development hell until K Asif revived it in the 1970s.
Nazima’s final film was Khooni Darinda (1987).
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