Dilip Kumar once called her the 'greatest actress' he worked with. But she died alone

She was one of the highest-paid actresses in the 50s and had successful pairings with leading stars such as Dilip Kumar, Devanand, and Ashok Kumar. Dilip Kumar once described her as the “greatest actress” he worked with. Yet, despite the immense fame and adulation she enjoyed at her peak, her final years unfolded in heartbreaking isolation.

A Lonely End
When Nalini Jaywant passed away in December 2010, the news revealed the tragic reality of her life’s final chapter. Reports from The Hindu and Times of India stated that her body was discovered only after three days, as no one had checked on her during that period. By then, she had withdrawn entirely from public life, her relatives remained estranged, and most of her colleagues from the film fraternity had either passed on or lost touch with her. Eventually, her remains were quietly taken away by a distant family member, a stark contrast to the fanfare of her stardom.

Early Life and Breakthrough

Born in Bombay in 1926, Nalini hailed from a cultured family background. Her cherubic features and natural charm attracted attention early. At the age of 14, she was spotted by a producer during actor Nutan’s birthday celebration and was offered a role in the 1941 film Radhika. Soon after, she appeared in Mehboob Khan’s Behen, marking her entry into mainstream cinema. In the years leading up to the 1950s, she shared screen space with actors such as Balraj Sahni and Trilok Kapoor.

The Ashok Kumar Era

Nalini’s professional and personal life changed dramatically with her association with Ashok Kumar. Their chemistry struck a chord with audiences, beginning with Samadhi and Sangram and extending to a string of popular films such as Jalpari (1952), Kafila (1952), Nau Bahar (1952), Lakeeren (1954), and Naaz (1954). Their collaboration lasted over a decade, culminating in projects like Mr. X (1957), Sheroo (1957), and Toofan Mein Pyar Kahan (1963). In 1959, Nalini’s career was crowned with a Filmfare Award for her powerful performance in Raj Khosla’s Kala Pani, starring opposite Dev Anand.

Marriage, Affairs, and Controversy

Nalini’s personal life was often turbulent. According to the Hindustan Times (2009), she married filmmaker Virendra Desai when she was still a teenager. He was much older and already a father, leading to him being dismissed from his studio and her being distanced from her own family. Their marriage ended, and Nalini returned to acting. Later, she reportedly became romantically involved with Ashok Kumar, with plans to elope to Nepal. However, the attempt was thwarted by his brother-in-law. Her personal insecurities extended to her family ties as well, as she was said to harbor jealousy toward her cousin, actor Shobhana Samarth, who was the grandmother of today’s star Kajol.

Decline and Retirement

By the mid-1960s, Nalini decided to leave the limelight. Her final film before retirement was Bombay Race Course (1965). Nearly two decades later, she made a brief return in the Amitabh Bachchan starrer Nastik (1983), where she portrayed his mother. She later confessed to Eastern Eye that accepting the role was a mistake, as the part turned out very different from what was promised, leaving her deeply disillusioned.

Tragic Final Years

Nalini’s later years were marked by solitude. Her cousin, journalist Pranay Gupte, writing for The Hindu after her passing, described her struggles with alcoholism, loneliness, and regret over being childless. He mentioned that Nalini often confided in his mother about her failed marriages—first to Virendra Desai and later to filmmaker Prabhu Dayal—both of which left her emotionally scarred.

Neighbours recalled to the Times of India that she had grown increasingly withdrawn after her husband’s death, avoiding visitors and refusing help. One neighbor recounted seeing her injured from a fall shortly before her death but noted that she refused assistance, preferring to remain in seclusion.

The Forgotten Luminary

Nalini Jaywant’s story encapsulates the ephemeral nature of stardom in Indian cinema. Once celebrated as one of the most radiant actresses of her generation, she ultimately died in obscurity, her life a poignant reminder of how fleeting fame can be.