Veteran bollywood actress Kamini Kaushal passes away at 98

Veteran Bollywood actress Kamini Kaushal, one of India’s oldest and most respected film stars, passed away at the age of 98. Known for her unforgettable performances in classics like Neecha Nagar, Biraj Bahu, and Shahid, she won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress.

Post Published By: Sona Saini
Updated : 14 November 2025, 3:29 PM IST
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Mumbai: The Bollywood industry has received yet another tragic news. India's oldest actress, Kamini Kaushal, has passed away at the age of 98. Kamini, who had long suffered from health issues, left an indelible mark on the film industry through her life and acting.

Amidst the ongoing discussions about Dharmendra's health, this news brings grief to Bollywood and its fans.

Childhood and Early Life

Kamini Kaushal was born on January 24, 1927, in Lahore. Her real name was Uma Kashyap. She was the youngest of two brothers and three sisters. Her father passed away when she was only seven years old.

Talented from childhood, Uma Kashyap excelled in her studies. At the age of ten, she created a puppet theater and performed plays for children and family. She also performed in plays on All India Radio.

Filmmaker Chetan Anand heard her melodious voice on the radio and offered her the film "Neecha Nagar." Chetan Anand changed her name to Kamini because his wife's name was also Uma and she was involved in the film.

Stardom At The Age Of 20

Kamini Kaushal made her film debut in 1946 with the film "Neecha Nagar." She played the role of Roopa.
The film premiered on September 29, 1946, at the Cannes Film Festival in France, where it won the Golden Palm Award.

At the age of 20, Kamini Kaushal became a star in the film industry. In her second career, she also became known as the on-screen mother of actor Manoj Kumar.

Major Films and Achievements

Kamini Kaushal's major films include:

Shaheed (1948)

Nadiya Ke Paar (1948)

Aag (1948)

Ziddi (1948)

Shabnam (1949)

Aarzoo (1950)

Biraj Bahu (1954)

She also received the Filmfare Award for Best Actress in 1954 for the film "Biraj Bahu."

Her acting was praised, as was her beauty. Kamini Kaushal, who has worked with stars of all eras, played the role of a grandmother in Shahid Kapoor's film "Kabir Singh" and was also highly praised for her portrayal of a grandmother in Shah Rukh Khan's film "Chennai Express."

Indelible Contribution to Bollywood

After acting as a heroine, Kamini Kaushal played memorable roles as a mother and grandmother. Her career was long and impressive. Her film roles and effortless acting earned her a distinct identity in the industry.

Her death is an irreparable loss for Bollywood and its fans. Kamini Kaushal not only graced the films of the past but also held her own alongside the stars of the new era.

Kamini Kaushal's passing marks the end of an era for Indian cinema. Her contributions and acting will always be remembered. This veteran Bollywood actress will always be remembered for her charismatic performances and memorable films.

Location : 
  • Mumbai

Published : 
  • 14 November 2025, 3:29 PM IST