Kamini Kaushal Passes Away At 98

MUMBAI- Veteran actress Kamini Kaushal, a towering presence in Indian cinema and widely regarded as India’s oldest living film actress, has passed away at the age of 98 in Mumbai. She had reportedly been battling age-related health complications. The family, which prefers to maintain a low profile, has requested privacy.

Kamini Kaushal is survived by her three sons, Shravan, Vidur, and Rahul Sood.

Born in Lahore as the youngest among five siblings, Kamini Kaushal’s career spanned over seven decades, featuring in over 90 films and leaving an indelible mark on both cinema and television.

Kamini Kaushal began her cinematic journey with the landmark project ‘Neecha Nagar’, which created history by winning the Palme d’Or at the 1946 Cannes Film Festival, a distinction no other Indian film has achieved.

Over the years, she delivered memorable performances in celebrated classics such as ‘Shaheed’, ‘Nadiya Ke Paar’, ‘Shabnam’, ‘Arzoo’, and ‘Biraj Bahu’. Her extensive body of work also included acclaimed titles like ‘Do Bhai’, ‘Ziddi’, ‘Paras’, ‘Jailor’, and ‘Godaan’. Beyond films, she also made her mark on television, most notably with the popular Doordarshan show ‘Chand Sitare’.

The senior actress collaborated with Indian cinema’s greatest stars, including Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, Ashok Kumar, and notably, Dilip Kumar. Her final screen appearance was in Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor’s film ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’, released in 2022.

Kamini Kaushal’s professional life was frequently intertwined with legendary actor Dilip Kumar, with whom she shared widespread admiration for their on-screen chemistry in films like ‘Nadiya Ke Paar’, ‘Shaheed’, ‘Shabnam’, and ‘Aarzoo’.

Years after their iconic pairing, both actors reflected on their deep personal connection. Kamini Kaushal had once candidly opened up about her past relationship with Dilip Kumar in her memoir. She revealed that they were both “shattered” when circumstances led them to part ways, despite sharing a deep bond and being very happy together. The actress explained that she could never abruptly end things due to her family commitments, but appreciated her husband’s understanding of the situation, stating, “My husband, a fine human being, understood why it happened. Everyone falls in love.”

Dilip Kumar, widely reported to have considered Kamini Kaushal his first love, also acknowledged his profound feelings for her in Bunny Reuben’s biography, ‘Dilip Kumar – Star Legend of Indian Cinema’. Recalling his first heartbreak, he said, “She (Kamini) was the only one with whom I achieved total identification. I think everybody falls in love only once… ‘Again’ – if there is an ‘again’ – is merely an imitation of the brilliant flame, the blinding light, the days of trance, the nights of impatience and waiting, and days of such happiness that one cannot believe they will last.”

Her demise marks the end of an era, leaving behind a cinematic legacy characterized by grace, versatility, and memorable performances. (IANS)