Mumbai, March 17 (NationPress) Television stars Nakuul Mehta and Shrenu Parikh paid tribute to the esteemed actress Navnindra Behl, who was cherished for her portrayal of "Dadi" in the series Ishqbaaaz, following her demise at the age of 76 on March 16.

Shrenu Parikh expressed her grief on social media, sharing a heartfelt photo of the late actress and writing,

“Daadi… hum jawano ko peeche rakh de waisi thi hamari daadi! It was a true honor to collaborate with you! Rest in peace dear daadi!”

In a touching tribute, Nakuul Mehta posted a collection of photographs capturing the precious moments they shared while filming Ishqbaaaz. The images reveal the warm rapport they had, including behind-the-scenes snaps and personal moments that showcase their deep connection.

He reflected, “The beauty of long-running television shows lies in their ability to connect you with individuals from diverse backgrounds, who ultimately help shape significant parts of your life. Even after the experience concludes, their essence remains with you.”

Nakuul reminisced, “We spent countless days on set and shared many lunches over the three years of our collaboration on Ishqbaaaz. I often teased her about the uneventful sabzis (like lauki and karela) she brought, yet she persistently encouraged me to savor her cooking. She never relented. I never yielded.”

“My first memory of her is from filming my initial scene in Ishqbaaaz at midnight in Turbhe—a poignant moment between the matriarch and her grandson. Her presence made every scene feel significant.”

“She enjoyed rehearsals, as did I. It felt like a cosmic match because, in television, it’s rare to have the time and discipline for multiple rehearsals.”

Nakuul noted, “Her background in the rich tradition of Punjabi theatre was commendable. Despite her extensive experience, she never let it overshadow her humility on set. While she occasionally voiced her concerns about the hectic filming schedules, she was one of the lightest co-actors to work with.”

He added, “I often drove her home after work, and those journeys are among my cherished memories of her. She was eager to respond to every fan message on Instagram, fully embracing technology. She was excited about collaborating with Vishal Bhardwaj and often shared delightful anecdotes about her husband and their romance, as well as her pride in her son, @kanubehl, whom she believed was a brilliant filmmaker.”

Nakuul expressed his gratitude for attending her 75th birthday celebration a few years back, stating, “We maintained our connection long after the show wrapped up, and @jank_ee and I were fortunate to celebrate her 75th birthday in October 2024. I don’t think I ever called her ‘Ma’am’—it was always ‘Dadi.’ We will forever miss you, Dadi.”

Navnindra Behl, a revered actress, built a distinguished career across theatre, television, and cinema.

She was adored for her role as the nurturing matriarch in Ishqbaaaz and appeared in films like Queen.

Her son, filmmaker Kanu Behl, confirmed the heartbreaking news and penned a touching tribute on social media. He wrote, “My Titan. My faith. Love. Guide. Mentor. My heart. Go well, mumma. Until you are reborn, my eyes will always search for that indomitable smile, that warm chuckle, those bear hugs, and those inquisitive eyes. Forever shining bright. Thank you for illuminating my soul.”