Govind Ram Nirmalkar Biography 
Govind Ram Nirmalkar was an actor and folk theatre artist from Chhattisgarh, who has been honoured with Padma Shri, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Tulsi Samman and Dau Mandarji Samman at different occasions for his contributions towards art. He is a renowned stage artist, who the protagonist in Habib Tanveer’s celebrated play, Charan Das Chor. He lived during the period, 1935–2014. An auditorium at Rajnandgaon is named after him. He was honoured with a honorary doctorate by Indira Kala Sangeet University in 2013.
Govind Ram Nirmalkar was born on 10 October 1935 in Mohara, Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh. He studied acting under Madanlal Nishad during his formative years. He learnt the traditional folk theatre from the guru and was also associated with theatre group, Nacha Theatre. He also learnt to play music instruments such as Dholak and Manjira, and joined the group for their Nacha shows as an accompanist. After his stint with Nacha theatre, he joined Kheli Nacha Party, a known Nacha theatre troupe, in 1947, and had a long term association of 23 years with the group.
In 1971 he joined Naya Theatre of Habib Tanvir, and played protagonist in many of his plays. He was associated with this group till his retirement in 2005, working around 35 years. His title role in Charandas Chor is a celebrated work. The play was staged at many festivals and considered to be one of the major art pieces of the play director. As a stage actor, some of his magnificent roles with Tanvir include - ala Shoharat Rai, Mitti ki Gaadi, Bahadur Kalarin, Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya, Hirma ki Amar Kahani, Ponga Pundit and Agra Bazar. Though he remained a celebrated actor throughout his active years, he was in debts during his later years and died in poverty.
Published: October 16, 2018
Updated: October 16, 2018
