End of an Era: Bollywood Bids Farewell to Kamini Kaushal
The Indian film industry mourned the passing of veteran actor Kamini Kaushal, who died at the age of 98 on Thursday, November 14. Her funeral was held on Saturday in Mumbai, marking the final farewell to India's oldest living actor whose remarkable career spanned eight decades.
Final Farewell in Mumbai
Visuals from outside her Mumbai residence showed family members and loved ones paying their last respects to the legendary star. In a touching scene that highlighted her personal life, her pet dogs were also present at the funeral, accompanying the family during this emotional moment. The veteran actor is survived by her three sons—Shravan, Vidur, and Rahul Sood.
Sajan Narain, a close family associate, confirmed to PTI that she passed away at her Mumbai home late on Thursday night. He added that she would have turned 99 in February next year, having been born in 1927.
A Storied Career That Began with Cannes Glory
Kamini Kaushal rose to prominence in the 1950s after making her spectacular debut in Chetan Anand's Neecha Nagar in 1946. This landmark film created history by winning the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival, making it India's first Palme d'Or winner and establishing her as a force in Indian cinema from the very beginning.
Over the decades, she delivered memorable performances across generations in classics such as Nadiya Ke Paar, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, and even appeared in the modern blockbuster Chennai Express. Her final screen appearance was in Aamir Khan's Laal Singh Chaddha, demonstrating her incredible longevity in an industry known for its constant evolution.
Industry Tributes Pour In
Following news of her passing, heartfelt tributes flooded in from across the film fraternity. Actors who had the privilege of working with her shared emotional messages on social media platforms.
Kiara Advani, who co-starred with Kamini Kaushal in Kabir Singh (2019), wrote on Instagram: "It was an honour to work with you. Your grace, humility, and talent inspired generations and left an unforgettable mark on Indian cinema. Rest in peace, Kamini Kaushal Ji."
Shahid Kapoor remembered the late actress with a simple yet touching message: "Rest in light, ma'am."
Throughout her illustrious career, Kamini Kaushal acted alongside legendary icons including Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, and Raaj Kumar, becoming an integral part of Indian cinema's golden era while successfully transitioning into contemporary films, thus connecting multiple generations of movie enthusiasts.
