| Nirmal Rishi was born in Mansa, Punjab, and grew up in a middle-class family. |
| Her name was given to her by the village Patwari when she was two years old, initially as Nirmala, later changed to Nirmal. |
| Nirmal developed a passion for acting during her school days and participated in various school plays, starting with Kabuli Wala. |
| Aside from acting, she actively engaged in sports, singing, shooting, and dancing, earning 18 certificates in co-curricular activities by 10th grade. |
| She aspired to join the Indian Army as a child and was part of the NCC team in school, obtaining J1 and J2 certificates. |
| Nirmal was known for her exceptional talent in shooting, excelling as one of the best shooters in her district during her school years. |
| Her achievements in sports led her to pursue a career as a physical education instructor at Government College Patiala. |
| Despite societal norms restricting girls from leaving their homes, Nirmal received unwavering support from her family to pursue her career goals. |
| While working as a lecturer, Nirmal's mono acting piece at Government College Patiala garnered widespread acclaim. |
| Nirmal joined theatre artist Harpal Tiwana's group 'Punjab Kala Manch' in 1966 and made her debut in the play Aduhre Sapne. |
| She featured in various plays like Kanak Di Bali, Loha Kut, and Hind di Chaadar, as well as the Punjabi adaptation of And in the Dry Mountains alongside Om Puri. |
| Nirmal relocated to Ludhiana with the theatre group, participating in plays such as Diwa Bale Sari Raat, Chandigarh Musibet Da Ghar, Garam Bazaar, and Behrupiya. |
| Her play 'Maa Menu Mari Naa' evolved from a 10-minute performance to a 2-hour success due to overwhelming audience appreciation. |
| During the early nineties, Nirmal and her theatre group performed in London, Canada, and the USA, staging numerous plays. |
| She gained popularity for her role as Gulabo Maasi in the film 'Long Da Lishkara,' based on the group's play of the same name. |
| Nirmal starred in several Punjabi films, including Ucha Dar Babe Nanak Da, Qurbani Jatt Di, Mela, Akhiyaan Udeekdian, and Oh My Pyo! |
| Her notable Punjabi film appearances include Angrej, Love Punjab, Nikka Zaildar, Lahoriye, Rabb Da Radio, Guddiyan Patole, and Godday Godday Chaa. |
| In 2016, Nirmal Rishi had a minor role in the Bollywood film Dangal. |
