Kamini Kaushal, one of the highly celebrated stars from the early years of Hindi cinema, has died at the age of 98. She passed away at her Mumbai residence on Thursday night. A close family friend has confirmed news of her demise.
“She died at her Mumbai home late on Thursday night. She would have turned 99 in February,” Sajan Narain, a close associate of the family, told PTI.
Her career stretched from the 1940s to recent mainstream releases, making her one of the industry’s longest-working performers. Here is taking a look at five major points from a life that witnessed several phases of the film industry.
5 facts about Kamini Kaushal
1. A debut that made history
Her entry into films came with Chetan Anand’s Neecha Nagar (1946). The film went on to win the Grand Prix at the first Cannes Film Festival, an award now known as the Palme d’Or. Few Indian titles had found international attention then, and her debut became part of that early moment.
2. Among the first well educated actresses
Born Uma Kashyap in Lahore, she grew up in a family steeped in academics. Her father, Prof. Shiv Ram Kashyap, was a noted botanist and later became known as the “father of Indian Botany.”
She completed a B.A. in English Literature from Kinnaird College before joining Bollywood. It was something unusual for leading actresses at the time, who often entered the industry with little formal higher education.
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3. A rare career path after marriage
In an era when actresses used to step away from the screen after marriage, Kaushal kept working. She married BS Sood, her late sister’s husband, and helped raise her sister’s children along with her own three sons. She continued to take up leading roles, while balancing family responsibilities, which was not common in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
4. Her association with Dilip Kumar
Her on-screen pairing with actor Dilip Kumar in films like Shaheed (1948) and Nadiya Ke Paar (1948) led to a widely discussed off-screen bond. Many described Kamini as his first significant romantic attachment. In his autobiography, Dilip Kumar revealed “he was shattered,” after their relationship ended. But the late actress remained committed to her family and did not pursue the relationship further.
5. Seven decades across films and TV
Her on-screen journey did not end with the golden era. Kaushal moved into character roles, television projects, and children’s programming. She appeared in mainstream titles well into the 2010s, including appearances in Kabir Singh and Laal Singh Chaddha. She marked more than seventy years in front of the camera.
From its early post-Independence form to today’s large-scale productions, Kamini Kaushal leaves behind a long catalogue of work that mirrors the changing face of Hindi cinema.
FAQs
Who was Kamini Kaushal?
Kamini Kaushal was a veteran Indian actor from Hindi cinema’s golden era, with a career spanning more than seven decades.
What made Kamini Kaushal’s debut film historic?
Her debut film, Neecha Nagar (1946), became the first Indian film to win the Grand Prix at the inaugural Cannes Film Festival.
What are some key Kamini Kaushal films from her later years?
Her later credits include Kabir Singh (2019) and Laal Singh Chaddha (2022), alongside appearances on TV.
