Mumbai, Nov 15 : Veteran actress Kamini Kaushal, celebrated as one of Indian cinema’s earliest and most influential performers, has passed away at the age of 98. According to reports, the legendary actress had been battling age-related health complications. A family friend confirmed the news and requested privacy, noting that her family prefers to remain low-profile during this period of grief.
Born in Lahore and the youngest of five siblings, Kamini Kaushal’s impact on Indian cinema was profound and lasting. Over a career spanning more than seven decades, she appeared in over 90 films, becoming a defining figure of the golden era of Bollywood.
Her cinematic journey began with Neecha Nagar (1946), a film that made history by winning the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. She went on to deliver powerful performances in acclaimed films such as Shaheed, Nadiya Ke Paar, Shabnam, Arzoo, and Biraj Bahu. Her extensive filmography also includes classics like Do Bhai, Ziddi, Paras, Namoona, Jhanjar, Aabroo, Bade Sarkar, Jailor, Night Club, and Godaan.
Kamini Kaushal worked with some of the biggest legends of Indian cinema, including Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, and Ashok Kumar. Her on-screen chemistry with Dilip Kumar in films like Aarzoo, Nadiya Ke Paar, Shabnam, and Shaheed remains etched in the memories of Hindi film lovers.
She also made an important mark on Indian television with her popular Doordarshan show Chand Sitare. Even in her later years, she continued her association with cinema her final appearance being in the 2022 film Laal Singh Chaddha, starring Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor.
Kamini Kaushal is survived by her sons Shravan, Vidur, and Rahul Sood.
Her passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of actors and cinephiles alike.