Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Nov 14: Legendary Bollywood actress Kamini Kaushal, celebrated as one of Indian cinema’s oldest living film personalities, passed away on Thursday at the age of 98. Her demise marks the end of an era for Hindi cinema, where she reigned through the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s with her grace, versatility and naturalistic performances.
Tributes poured in from across the industry. Kareena Kapoor Khan, who worked with Kaushal in Laal Singh Chaddha (2022)—the veteran star’s final film—shared a vintage photograph of the late actress and expressed her condolences with heartfelt emojis. Shahid Kapoor, who played her on-screen grandson in Kabir Singh, posted a collage of her younger and older selves, writing, “Rest In Light, Ma'am.”
Kamini Kaushal, according to those close to the family, had been dealing with age-related ailments. The family, known for maintaining privacy, has requested space during their period of grief.
Born in Lahore, Kaushal was the youngest of five siblings and began her career with Neecha Nagar (1946)—a landmark film that won the coveted Palme d'Or at Cannes. Over the next several decades, she appeared in more than 90 films and delivered acclaimed performances in classics such as Shaheed, Nadiya Ke Paar, Shabnam, Arzoo, and Biraj Bahu. Her repertoire also featured memorable roles in Do Bhai, Ziddi, Paras, Namoona, Jhanjar, Aabroo, Bade Sarkar, Jailor, Night Club, and Godaan.
Her collaborations with titans of Indian cinema—including Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand and Ashok Kumar—cemented her place in Bollywood history. Her on-screen chemistry with Dilip Kumar in films like Shaheed, Nadiya Ke Paar, Shabnam, and Aarzoo remains especially cherished by audiences and cinephiles.
Beyond films, Kaushal made her presence felt on television as well, notably through Doordarshan’s Chand Sitare, further broadening her artistic legacy.
She is survived by her sons Shravan, Vidur, and Rahul Sood.
Kamini Kaushal leaves behind an extraordinary cinematic legacy—one that spans generations and continues to inspire actors, filmmakers and film lovers even today.