Nirmal Rishi
A Punjabi actress of stage and screen for six decades, loved as Gulabo Massi in Long Da Lishkara, honoured with the Padma Shri in 2024.
Nirmal Rishi is an actress who has worked in Punjabi theatre and cinema for more than sixty years. She was named for the Padma Shri in 2024 in the field of art, from Punjab [1].
Education
She was born on 1 November 1943 and earned a BA from the University of Rajasthan in 1966, an MEd in Patiala, and an MPhil in physical education in 1989 [2].
On stage
From 1967 she acted with Harpal and Neena Tiwana’s Punjab Kala Manch repertory company in plays such as Kanak Di Balli, Hind Di Chadar and Sirhind Di Deewar [2]. She helped set up the Harpal Tiwana Foundation and is a life trustee [2].
On screen
Her role as Gulabo Massi in the film Long Da Lishkara made her a favourite with Punjabi audiences around the world [2]. She has also acted in Hindi films and in television serials such as Diva Bale Saari Raat and Suneha [2].
Her honours include an award presented by President Pranab Mukherjee, and awards from the Punjab Languages Department and the Punjab Arts Council for her work in theatre [2].
Sources
- [1] Padma Awards 2024: list of awardees — Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Accessed 15 October 2026.
- [2] Padma Awards 2024: citation for Nirmal Rishi — Padma Awards, Government of India. Accessed 15 October 2026.
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