Veteran Hindi film actress Kamini Kaushal, regarded as one of the foundational talents of Indian cinema, passed away at her Mumbai residence on Thursday night at the age of 98. The news of her death was confirmed by a close family associate to PTI, who said the actor would have turned 99 in February. The family has not released an official statement, and the cause of her death remains undisclosed.

A Legendary Journey in Indian Cinema

Born in Lahore, Kamini Kaushal, daughter of renowned botanist Prof. Shiv Ram Kashyap, celebrated as the Father of Indian Bryology, entered films in 1946 when Chetan Anand cast her in Neecha Nagar. The film not only won international acclaim, including the prestigious Palme d’Or at Cannes, but also established Kaushal as one of the most promising newcomers of her era.

Through the late 1940s and early 1950s, Kaushal delivered a string of memorable performances in films such as Do Bhai, Shaheed, Ziddi, Aag, Nadiya Ke Paar and Shabnam. Her naturalistic acting style and expressive performances helped shape the early vocabulary of Hindi cinema. She soon became one of the highest-paid actresses of her time, starring opposite leading actors like Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand and Raj Kapoor.

Transition to Character Roles and Continued Relevance

In the 1960s, Kaushal smoothly transitioned from lead roles to strong supporting and character parts, appearing in acclaimed films such as Do Raaste, Prem Nagar and Maha Chor. Despite the generational shifts in the industry, she continued to remain relevant, appearing in major films even in her later years.

Her more contemporary audiences remember her from popular titles like Chennai Express, Kabir Singh, and Laal Singh Chaddha, the latter featuring her final on-screen appearance at the age of 95.

A Private Life and a Timeless Legacy

Known for maintaining a quiet and private personal life, Kaushal preferred staying away from public attention. A family source told PTI that the family values privacy and has requested space during this period of loss.

Kamini Kaushal is survived by her three sons, Shravan, Vidur and Rahul. Her contribution to Indian cinema, spanning more than seven decades, has left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire generations of performers and filmmakers.

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