Another Sanju loyalist

Actor Nimai Bali, also Sanjay Dutt’s cousin, has a soft corner for the generous star. Know why? 

TV actor Nimai Bali (of Bhabhi, Kumkum and Amber Dhara fame) presently seems to be enamoured by a  sports utility vehicle (SUV). “Whenever I am driving my vehicle, I am stopped by curious gazers. They overlook my presence and ask me about the car,” says Nimai, an auto freak.

Apart from his fascination for cars, what most don’t know is his connection to the Dutts. Nimai, who made his mark with the show CID Special Bureau as a suave sleuth, happens to be Sanjay Dutt’s first cousin (his mother is late Sunil Dutt’s younger sister).

“Duttsaab would often advise us that it’s not just dedication but a modest attitude that allows an actor to survive,” recalls Nimai who also shares a close rapport with Sanjay.

“Regardless of the mixed reactions to his recent marriage (to Maanyata), I congratulated Sanjay and wished him all the best. He has gone through such trauma. He deserves an emotional anchor who can restore stability in his life,” says Nimai adding,

“During my schooldays, Baba (Sanjay) had gifted me a pair of cowboy boots. I still have them.”

Incidentally, Nimai is married to former Miss India and actress Sahila Chadha. They have a daughter named Princess.  

Nimai has always shied away from the big screen. “Somehow TV has always been my forte, particularly negative roles such as the ones I have been playing in Bhabhi, Kumkum and  Doli Sajaa Ke Rakhna. I have never gone out of my way to grab movies although there have been occasional offers,” insists Nimai, who has also dabbled in positive characters as seen in Amber Dhara.

Interestingly, Nimai is a martial arts expert too and once even went to the extent of nabbing a ‘real’ thief.