'Nadiya ka Paar' fame Kamini Kaushal passes away at 98

Veteran Hindi film actor Kamini Kaushal, one of the earliest faces of Indian cinema’s golden era, passed away at the age of 98, marking the end of a storied journey that spanned more than seven decades, PTI reported citing a close family friend.

Born on February 24, 1927, Kaushal stepped into films with Neecha Nagar in 1946. The film created history by winning the top prize at the first Cannes Film Festival, making it the only Indian film to receive the Palme d’Or.

Her performance also earned her recognition at the Montreal Film Festival, positioning her as a strong new voice in Hindi cinema.

Kamini Kausha's seven decades in Bollywood

Kaushal went on to become a familiar name through the 1940s and 1950s, working with leading actors of the time, including Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor. She was admired for her calm presence and disciplined craft.

From Do Bhai and Shaheed to Nadiya Ke Paar, Ziddi, Shabnam, and Arzoo, Kaushal delivered some of the era’s most memorable performances. As cinema evolved, she shifted smoothly into character roles, earning appreciation in films such as Shaheed (1965), Do Raaste (1969), and Prem Nagar (1974).

In recent years, she appeared in Kabir Singh (2019) and Laal Singh Chaddha (2022), continuing to contribute to films well into her nineties.

Kamini Kaushal leaves behind a legacy deeply woven into the foundations of Hindi cinema.