Celebrated actor Kamini Kaushal, one of the pioneering faces of early Indian cinema, passed away at her Mumbai residence late Thursday night. She was 98. The news was confirmed by Sanjay Narain, a close family friend, who told PTI that the actor “would have turned 99 in February,” India Today reported.
Kaushal, whose career spanned more than seven decades, made her unforgettable debut with the critically acclaimed Neecha Nagar in 1946. She quickly emerged as one of Hindi cinema’s earliest female stars, delivering notable performances in films such as Do Bhai (1947), Shaheed (1948), Nadiya Ke Paar (1948), Ziddi (1948), and Shabnam(1949).
During her prime, she was among the highest-paid female actors and shared the screen with legendary names including Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, and Raj Kapoor.
By the mid-1960s, Kaushal transitioned seamlessly from lead roles to impactful character portrayals. Her performances in Shaheed (1965), Do Raaste (1969), Anhonee (1973), and Prem Nagar (1974) earned wide acclaim, further cementing her legacy as an artist of immense depth and versatility.
Even in her later years, Kaushal remained connected to cinema. Her final on-screen appearance came in the 2022 film Laal Singh Chaddha, marking a rare longevity in an industry known for constant change.
Known for her grace and humility, Kaushal maintained a deliberately private life. “Kamini Kaushal’s family is extremely low profile and needs privacy,” a source close to the family told the news agency, reported India Today.
She is survived by her three sons, Shravan, Vidur, and Rahul.
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