Actor Nirmal Pandey, best remembered for his work in films like 'Bandit Queen' and 'God Mother' died on 18 February'2010,Thursday following a cardiac arrest.

He was 46 and is survived by his wife and two children, the actor was not keeping well for sometime and the end came at a private hospital this afternoon.

The actor established a niche playing negative characters on the big screen as well as on television, and his last project was the Telugu film 'Kedi', where he again played a villain.

A graduate from the National School of Drama, the actor is best known for films like, 'Iss Raat Ki Subah Nahin, 'Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya', 'One 2 ka 4' and 'Shikari'.

Pandey also held the rare distinction of winning an award in the 'Best Actress' category when he received the Valenti award in France in 1996 for his turn as a transvestite in Amol Palekar's 'Daayra'

A National School of Drama alumnus, Pandey began his career on the stage. He was associated with London-based theatre group Tara, and did plays like "Heer Ranjha", and "Antigone". He acted in around 125 plays. After doing bit roles in movies, he got his big break in Shekhar Kapur's acclaimed film "Bandit Queen" (1996) and in the same year featured in Amol Palekar's "Daayra" and Sudhir Mishra's "Is Raat Ki Subah Nahi". In 1998, he did "Train To Pakistan" and next year featured in "Hum Tum Pe Marte Hain". He also acted in several television serials including "Hatim" and "Princess Dollie Aur Uska Magic Bag".

He was not just a good actor but also an excellent singer,

Pandey had released an album called 'Jazba' in 2002 and . directed, 'Andhayug', a Hindi play, written by noted playwright Dharamveer Bharati.


I liked his style, voice and acting very much, one song from his album "Heer Ranjha" is a sufi song and is my most favorite song.

"May God Rest him in Peace."