Veteran actor Navnindra Behl, known for her performances in films and TV shows like Queen and Ishqbaaz, passed away at 76 on March 16. Her son, filmmaker Kanu Behl, confirmed the news and shared a heartfelt tribute on social media.
Kanu Behl posted a photograph of his mother and wrote an emotional note remembering their bond. His message read, “My Titan. My faith. Love. Guide. Mentor. My heart. Go well, mumma. Until you birth me again, my eyes shall always seek that irrepressible smile, that warm chuckle, that bear hug, those burning, curious eyes. Forever alight. Thank you for lighting my soul.”
Several members of the film industry responded to the post and expressed their condolences. Filmmaker Guneet Monga and director Anurag Kashyap sent their love and support to Kanu during this difficult time. Fans and colleagues also mourned the loss of the veteran actor.
Navnindra Behl was married to veteran actor and director Lalit Behl, who passed away in 2021. The couple shared a long association with theatre and cinema and were widely respected within the industry.
Born with a passion for the performing arts, Navnindra began acting at the young age of three and was involved in amateur theatre during her early years. She pursued academics and became a lecturer in the Drama department at Punjab University, Patiala. During her time as a lecturer, she trained and mentored several aspiring actors who later worked in theatre, television, and films.
She also served as the Director of the Audio-Visual Research Centre funded by the University Grants Commission for three years and reportedly had around 25 years of experience teaching production, direction, and acting for television. Apart from her academic contributions, she continued to act in films and on television, working with acclaimed filmmakers like Gulzar and Vishal Bhardwaj.
The veteran actor is survived by his son Kanu Behl, who is a director and has received critical acclaim for his films Agra and Despatch.
