Nirmal Rishi, affectionately nicknamed Munni, was born on 27 August 1943 in Khiva Kalan village, Bathinda (now Mansa), Punjab, British India. Her father, Baldev Krishan Rishi, was a sarpanch, and her mother was Bachni Devi. From a young age, she was passionate about theatre and pursued her education in physical education at Government College for Physical Education, Patiala, later completing her M.Phil. degree. Before entering films, she worked as a physical education instructor and lecturer, balancing academics with her love for acting.
Her acting career began with Long Da Lishkara (1983), where she played the iconic role of Gulabo Maasi. Over the decades, she became a household name in Punjabi cinema, appearing in films like Nikka Zaildar (2016), Nikka Zaildar 2 (2017), and The Great Sardar (2017). She has also been active in theatre and television. In recognition of her immense contribution, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the PTC Film Awards (2017), Filmfare Awards (Punjabi) for Best Supporting Actress (2017 & 2018), and the Padma Shri (2024).