Praveen Nair, the mother of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, has died at the age of 94. Known for her significant contributions as a social worker and philanthropist, she co-established the Salaam Baalak Trust, a New Delhi-based non-profit organization dedicated to assisting underprivileged street children. Nair’s philanthropic journey was notably influenced by her daughter’s impactful work.
Prior to co-founding the Salaam Baalak Trust, Praveen Nair had extensive experience in the development sector, spanning over twenty years. Based mainly in Odisha, she led various committees related to development for organizations such as the Red Cross, DAV Public School, and the Deaf and Dumb Association. However, it was her daughter’s Oscar-nominated 1988 film, Salaam Bombay!, that propelled her to initiate her own philanthropic efforts.
Salaam Bombay! highlighted the challenges faced by street children in Mumbai and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received the Caméra d’Or (Golden Camera) and the Audience Award. The film also made history as the second Indian feature to receive a nomination for Best International Feature at the Academy Awards in 1989.
A memorable moment from the Cannes premiere illustrates Praveen Nair’s wit. When the paparazzi mistook her for an actress and inquired about her role in the film, she humorously replied, “I’m the producer of the director!” This light-heartedness was a hallmark of her personality.
Moved by her daughter’s film, Praveen Nair co-founded the Salaam Baalak Trust in 1988 with Mira, Anjou Chopra, and Sanjoy K Roy, who is recognized for his role in the Jaipur Literature Festival. Roy recently expressed his condolences on X, stating, “End of an era! Praveen Nair passes away at the age of 94. We have cared for over 170,000 children in our homes and contact points in Delhi. Her extraordinary eye for detail, empathy, love for children, and commitment to social work will be her abiding legacy.”
Starting with just 25 children and three staff members, the Salaam Baalak Trust has expanded to operate over 25 shelter homes, impacting more than 80,000 children to date. The organization provides essential services such as shelter, nutritious meals, clothing, education, healthcare, counseling, and recreational activities for street children.
Praveen Nair’s vibrant spirit, even into her 80s, inspired her grandson, Zohran Mamdani, who aspires to be the Mayor of New York City. He wrote, directed, and produced a rap song titled “Nani” in her honor, released under his artist name Mr Cardamom. The track features acclaimed actor and chef Madhur Jaffrey, who portrays a bold version of Praveen Nair.
Mamdani’s lyrics boldly declare, “Fu*k any other Nani says they better than Praveen,” reflecting his deep admiration for his grandmother. He connected with Jaffrey over tea through mutual friend and actress Poorna Jagannathan, and she enthusiastically accepted the role, embracing the colorful language used to highlight his grandmother’s vibrant character.
