A hybrid nanophosphor includes red silicon nanoparticles in a homogenous mixture blue and green phosphors. A preferred hybrid nanophosphor uses ZnS: Ag, and ZnS: Cu, Au, Al for blue and green conversion, respectively, and mono dispersed 3 nm Si nano particles as a red phosphor. Wide emission profiles are provided by all components, and predetermined color characteristics in terms of CCT and CRI can be achieved simultaneously for excitation. A preferred lighting device includes a nanophosphor thin film of the invention on a UV or near UV-LED.