End of an Era: Bollywood's Oldest Living Star Passes Away
The Indian film industry has lost one of its most enduring icons as Kamini Kaushal passed away at the age of 98. The veteran actor, often celebrated as the oldest living personality in Hindi cinema, breathed her last at home. A source close to the family confirmed this heartbreaking news to SCREEN, marking the end of a remarkable journey that spanned over seven decades in Indian cinema.
A Trailblazing Career That Made History
Kamini Kaushal's cinematic journey began with a groundbreaking debut that would forever cement her place in Indian film history. She first appeared in Chetan Anand's 1946 classic Neecha Nagar, which created history by becoming the first Indian film to win the prestigious Palm d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. This remarkable beginning set the stage for an extraordinary career that would see her become one of the most popular actors of the 1950s.
Her filmography reads like a timeline of Indian cinema's evolution, featuring memorable performances in Nadiya Ke Paar (1948), Ziddi (1948), Shabnam (1949), Biraj Bahu (1954), Jailor (1958) and Shaheed (1965). What makes her career truly extraordinary is its incredible longevity - from her debut in 1946 to her final appearance in Aamir Khan's 2022 film Laal Singh Chaddha, with her role as Shahid Kapoor's grandmother in the 2019 blockbuster Kabir Singh showcasing her enduring talent.
Personal Life and Industry Relationships
Born as Uma Sood, Kamini Kaushal had an unexpected entry into the world of cinema. In a 2017 interview with SCREEN, she revealed that she was 'bullied' into films after completing her graduation in English honours from Lahore's Kinnaird College for Women. Her initial reluctance stemmed from concerns about the film industry's reputation for young women at that time.
Her personal life included significant relationships that became part of industry lore. Rumors persisted about her romance with legendary actor Dilip Kumar, though neither ever publicly addressed these speculations. In a touching display of family commitment, Kamini married her brother-in-law to honor a promise made to her dying sister to care for her two daughters.
She shared professional relationships with other cinema greats, working with Raj Kapoor in his first film Jail Yatra in 1947 and later appearing in RK Films' inaugural production Aag. Reflecting on her co-stars, she once told PTI: 'Each of my heroes were different from each other. Raj was very extrovert and always used to bluff a lot on the set. He was a fun-loving guy. Dev was sincere and passionate about his craft. Dilip, like me, was quiet and I was most comfortable to work with him.'
Evolution and Lasting Legacy
By the mid-1960s, Kamini Kaushal demonstrated remarkable adaptability by transitioning to character roles that showcased her depth as an actor. Films like Do Raaste (1969), Prem Nagar (1974) and Maha Chor (1976) highlighted this successful phase of her career. Even after semi-retirement, she continued to make selective appearances, including a memorable role in Shah Rukh Khan's Chennai Express in 2013.
Her explanation for taking the Chennai Express role perfectly captured her enduring passion for cinema: 'I couldn't say no. I thought I must do a film with Shah Rukh.' This statement reflects the same spirit that kept her connected to the industry she loved for nearly eight decades.
Kamini Kaushal's passing marks the end of a golden chapter in Indian cinema. Her journey from India's first Cannes-winning film to modern blockbusters represents a bridge between different eras of Bollywood, making her an irreplaceable part of India's cinematic heritage. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations of actors and film enthusiasts who value dedication, versatility, and timeless talent.
