Navnindra Behl passes away at 76; son Kanu Behl pens emotional note, 'My eyes shall always seek that irrepressible smile'

Veteran actress Navnindra Behl, known for her roles in Ishqbaaaz and the film Queen, has passed away at the age of 76.Her death was confirmed by her son, filmmaker Kanu Behl, who shared an emotional tribute on social media while remembering her profound influence on his life.Sharing a photograph of his mother, Kanu wrote, “My Titan. My faith. Love. Guide. Mentor. My heart. Go well, mumma. Until you birth me again.”Remembering her warmth and spirit, he added, “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.” Soon after the post surfaced online, members of the film fraternity extended condolences to the family.Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and actors Anshuman Jha, Aahana Kumra, Rasika Dugal and Harsh Varrdhan Kapoor were among those who paid tribute and remembered the late actor.Navnindra Behl had a long association with theatre, television and films. Reports suggest she began performing on stage at the age of three and went on to build a career spanning decades.She appeared in several notable films, including Maachis directed by Gulzar, Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! by Dibakar Banerjee and the Kangana Ranaut-starrer Queen. She was also part of international projects such as The Pride and The Guru.Television viewers remember her for portraying the grandmother of Nakuul Mehta’s character in Ishqbaaaz and Dil Boley Oberoi. She also appeared in shows such as Viji and Sadaa-E-Vaadi. Navnindra was married to veteran actor and filmmaker Lalit Behl, who passed away in 2021 due to COVID-19-related complications in Delhi.Her body of work across theatre, cinema and television continues to be remembered by audiences and colleagues alike.