Mumbai: Veteran Bollywood actor Kamini Kaushal passed away at the age of 98 at her Mumbai residence on Thursday night.
While the family of the veteran is yet to issue an official statement, a close family friend, Sajan Narain confirmed the news of her death. “She died at her Mumbai home late on Thursday night. She would have turned 99 in February,” Narain was quoted as saying by PTI on Friday.
According to media reports, she was battling age-related complications.
Sharing the news on Instagram, Journalist Vickey Lalwani quoted a source close to her family saying, “Kamini Kaushal’s family is extremely low profile, and needs privacy.”
Regarded as one of the finest actress’ in Indian cinema, Kamini enjoyed a remarkable seven-decade-long career in the industry. She featured in Chennai Express (2013) and Kabir Singh (2019), besides playing a cameo in 2022’s Laal Singh Chaddha, which was her last screen appearance.
She was born in Lahore to Prof. Shiv Ram Kashyap, a renowned botanist from the University of Punjab, also recognised as the Father of Indian Bryology.
She made her Bollywood debut with Chetan Anand’s ‘Neecha Nagar’ in 1946, which created history by winning the top prize at the first Cannes Film Festival, making it the only Indian film to receive the Palme d’Or.
Kaushal rose to prominence in the 1940s and 1950s, collaborating with top actors like Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor. Known for her serene demeanor and disciplined artistry, she gave unforgettable performances in films like Do Bhai, Shaheed, Nadiya Ke Paar, Ziddi, Shabnam, and Arzoo. Later, she seamlessly transitioned to character roles, earning praise in movies such as Shaheed (1965), Do Raaste (1969), and Prem Nagar (1974).
Interestingly, it was the 1948 film Shaheed, starring Dilip Kumar and Kamini Kaushal, which inspired Dharmendra to become an actor.
In August 25, 2021, Dharmendra shared a post with a black-and-white photograph from their first encounter and wrote, “Pehli film ‘Shaheed’ ki heroine Kamini Kaushal Ke saath pehli mulaqat ki pehli tasvir Donon ke chihron par massart ikk pyaar bhari introduction (My first meeting with the heroine of first film ‘Shaheed’, Kamini Kaushal. There is happiness on both our faces, it was an introduction full of love) (sic).”
The late actor is survived by her three sons, Shravan, Vidur, and Rahul.