Veteran actor Navnindra Behl passed away at the age of 76 on March 16, a loss confirmed by her son and filmmaker Kanu Behl through an emotional social media post. Nakuul Mehta, her co-star from the television series Ishqbaaz, also expressed his sorrow and shared fond memories of their time together.
On Instagram, Nakuul Mehta posted several throwback photos from the Ishqbaaz set, accompanying them with a heartfelt note. He reflected on the unique bond cultivated over their three years of working together, noting, “The beauty of long-running television shows is their ability to connect people from vastly different backgrounds, shaping significant parts of our lives.”
Recalling their time on set, Nakuul shared details of their daily interactions, including shared lunches and playful banter. He remembered her insistence on trying her home-cooked meals, despite his protests about the less appealing dishes. Their first scene together, filmed late at night, created a lasting impression, as he noted the importance of her presence in every scene. “Her liking for rehearsals matched my own, creating an ideal working dynamic,” he wrote.
Despite her off-screen roles as a director, writer, and producer, Nakuul found her to be a light-hearted co-star. He mentioned her occasional complaints about the hectic schedules typical of television production but shared fond memories of driving her home after their workdays.
Nakuul concluded with heartfelt reflections, noting her enthusiasm for connecting with fans online and her excitement about future collaborations. He fondly remembered her stories about family, particularly her son Kanu, and expressed how their relationship transcended formalities, referring to her as “Dadi.”
Kanu Behl’s announcement of Navnindra’s passing did not disclose the cause, leaving fans and colleagues in mourning for a cherished figure in the entertainment industry.
Ishqbaaz, the series that showcased their talent, aired from June 27, 2016, to March 15, 2019, featuring a talented cast that included Surbhi Chandna and Kunal Jaisingh, securing its place as one of the longest-running and popular shows on StarPlus.