Actress Nanda Karnataki known for her roles in iconic films such as Chhoti Bahen Dhool Ka Phool Bhabhi and Gumnaam had a tragic life and love story. She was engaged to filmmaker Manmohan Desai. Her world fell apart in 1992 when she got engaged to Manmohan. After two years of engagement Nanda was left devastated and decided never to bring colors into her life again. In an interview with Pinkvilla Nandas brother Jayprakash Vinayak opened up about the challenging journey of Nanda’s love story with Manmohan Desai. He shared how their love story unfolded starting with the efforts of Manmohans son from his first marriage to Jeevanprabhaji who sought actress Waheeda Rehmans help to unite the couple. Jayprakash explained “Waheedaji organized a small dinner. After dinner they left Didi and Manji alone. Manji then revealed his feelings to Didi saying ‘I want to marry you.’” Nanda touched by the gesture said that she first needed to discuss the proposal with her family. On her return that night I was the first one with whom she discussed the proposal. I said Manji was a respected filmmaker a wonderful person and a charming personality and that she should go ahead. ‘I want to see you settled’ I said. After her family gave her the green signal Nanda called Waheeda to confirm her acceptance. During the second meeting which was arranged at their home Nanda expressed her desire for a traditional wedding. However tragedy struck in 1994 when Manmohan Desai passed away unexpectedly. Overwhelmed with grief Nanda chose never to marry again. Jayprakash recalled a touching memory of Nandas profound grief following Manmohans passing saying “Didi was shattered. After that day she never wore colored clothes. She’d say ‘Maine unko pati maana hai aur woh hamesha mere pati rahenge’ (In my mind I was already married to him. He will always be my husband).” Nandas grief was so extreme that she left behind all worldly pleasures. Her brother recalled that she withdrew from society wearing only white garments. He said “The white libaas (garment) was her answer to all those who in the coming years suggested that she get married again. She stopped meeting people because she didn’t want any discussion on the same topic.” Nandas life after Manmohan’s death was proof of her undying love for him. She chose to live a life of solitude like a sanyasi (saint).