Veteran actor Navnindra Behl, known for her impactful work across theatre, television, and cinema, passed away on March 16 at the age of 76. Her death marks the end of a long and respected career that spanned decades and left a lasting impression on audiences and colleagues alike.
The news of her passing was confirmed by her son, filmmaker Kanu Behl, who shared an emotional tribute on social media. Posting a photograph of his mother on Instagram, Kanu expressed his grief and deep admiration for her, remembering her as a guiding force in his life. In a heartfelt message, he described her as his “Titan,” “faith,” and “mentor,” and spoke of the enduring impact she had on his soul. His words reflected not just the loss of a parent, but of a lifelong inspiration whose presence shaped both his personal and professional journey.
Members of the film industry were quick to respond with condolences and messages of support. Filmmaker Guneet Monga and director Anurag Kashyap were among those who reached out, offering their sympathies to Kanu during this difficult time. Fans and colleagues also took to social media to mourn the loss of the veteran actor, remembering her for her grace, talent, and dedication to the craft.
Navnindra Behl shared a long and meaningful partnership with her husband, Lalit Behl, a respected figure in theatre and cinema. Lalit Behl passed away in 2021 due to COVID-19-related complications, and together the couple had built a legacy rooted in artistic excellence and mentorship. Their contributions to Indian performing arts extended beyond acting, influencing generations of artists.
Born with a passion for performance, Navnindra began acting at the remarkably young age of three. Her early exposure to theatre laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to the arts. Even as she pursued higher education, her connection to drama remained strong. After completing her graduation, she joined the Drama department at Punjab University in Patiala as a lecturer, where she played a pivotal role in nurturing young talent.
During her academic career, she trained and mentored numerous aspiring actors, many of whom went on to establish themselves in theatre, television, and film. Her influence as a teacher was as significant as her on-screen work. She also served as the Director of the Audio-Visual Research Centre, a role supported by the University Grants Commission, where she contributed to advancing media education. With nearly 25 years of teaching experience, she imparted knowledge in production, direction, and acting, leaving behind a strong educational legacy.
Alongside her academic contributions, Navnindra continued to actively work in films and television. She collaborated with some of the most acclaimed filmmakers in the industry, including Gulzar in Maachis, Dibakar Banerjee in Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, and Vishal Bhardwaj in Gubbare. Her versatility also extended to international projects such as The Pride and The Guru, showcasing her ability to adapt across diverse storytelling formats.
For television audiences, she is perhaps best remembered for her role as Kalyani Singh Oberoi in the popular series Ishqbaaz. As the matriarch of the Oberoi family, her performance brought warmth, authority, and emotional depth to the show, which starred Nakuul Mehta and Surbhi Chandna. Her portrayal resonated strongly with viewers and remains one of her most iconic roles.
She also appeared in notable films such as Queen, where she played Kangana Ranaut’s grandmother, and Khufiya, further demonstrating her range as an actor capable of delivering memorable performances in both mainstream and offbeat cinema.
Navnindra Behl is survived by her son Kanu Behl, who has carved his own path as a filmmaker. He is best known for his films Agra and Despatch. His 2023 film Agra received widespread critical acclaim and won the Best Indie Film award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, reflecting the creative legacy passed down from his parents.
Her passing leaves a void in the world of performing arts, but her contributions—as an actor, teacher, and mentor—will continue to inspire generations to come.