At 82, Nirmal Rishi still arrives on set with the eagerness of a debutant and the assurance of an artiste who has witnessed the evolution of Punjabi cinema firsthand. For more than fifty years, she has embodied the wit, warmth and unwavering strength of rural Punjabi women — characters who speak boldly, anchor their families, and command attention the moment they step into a frame.
Now, she carries that legacy into Hindi television with Udne Ki Aasha, produced by Rahul Kumar Tewary under the banner of Rolling Tales Production. In the show, she plays the family’s grandmother — a character rooted in tradition yet central to the emotional fabric of the story. According to her, the narrative revolves around family values and life lessons that resonate deeply with her own artistic journey. She believes the show’s heart lies in its portrayal of togetherness, something she has consistently championed through her body of work.
While many associate her primarily with Punjabi cinema, her career has extended far beyond one industry. She has been part of Hindi films such as Rajma Chawal, Arjun Patiala and Dangal, along with appearances in web content including Who’s Your Daddy?. For her, language has never been a barrier — performance and honesty have always been the priority.
When she received the Padma Shri in 2024, the honour came as an unexpected moment of humility. Rather than viewing it as a personal milestone, she described it as recognition for the larger film community and the audiences who have supported her through the decades. In her eyes, such accolades belong as much to the industry and her admirers as they do to her.
Longevity, she insists, is less about strict regimens and more about inner balance. Despite demanding shoot schedules, she does not follow elaborate fitness plans or restrictive diets. Instead, she credits faith, gratitude and a peaceful mindset for sustaining her energy. Maintaining a healthy mind, she believes, naturally nurtures the body — and that philosophy has carried her gracefully into her eighties.
Even after five decades in front of the camera, her enthusiasm remains intact. Each new project brings the same spark she felt in her early years. For her, staying curious and emotionally present is essential. As long as that excitement exists, she feels there is no reason to slow down.
