Veteran Actor Kamini Kaushal Passes Away at 98 in Mumbai

Mumbai, November 14, 2025: Veteran actor Kamini Kaushal, a pioneer of Hindi cinema whose career spanned more than seven decades, passed away at her Mumbai home on Thursday night at the age of 98. Her death was confirmed by a close family friend, marking the end of a remarkable journey in Indian films. Kaushal would have turned 99 in February next year. Kamini Kaushal began her cinematic journey with the critically acclaimed film Neecha Nagar in 1946, which is remembered as one of the first Indian films to receive international recognition. Her talent and screen presence quickly made her one of the leading female actors of her time. She went on to feature in classic films such as Do Bhai (1947), Shaheed (1948), Nadiya Ke Paar (1948), Ziddi (1948), and Shabnam (1949), building a strong reputation in the early years of Hindi cinema. During her prime, Kaushal was among the highest-paid actresses in the industry and shared screen space with legendary actors like Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, and Raj Kapoor. Her ability to portray a range of emotions with subtlety and depth earned her both critical acclaim and popular admiration. As the film industry evolved, she smoothly transitioned from lead roles to character roles during the mid-1960s, continuing to captivate audiences with performances in films such as Shaheed (1965), Do Raaste (1969), Anhonee (1973), and Prem Nagar (1974). Her work reflected not only her versatility but also her dedication to the craft of acting. Even in her later years, Kaushal remained connected to cinema. She made her final on-screen appearance at the age of 95 in the 2022 film Laal Singh Chaddha, proving her enduring commitment to storytelling and her ability to adapt to changing cinematic styles. Throughout her life, Kaushal maintained a private lifestyle, avoiding the limelight and focusing on her family. A source close to her family emphasized that they prefer privacy during this time of mourning. Kamini Kaushal is survived by her three sons, Shravan, Vidur, and Rahul. Her passing marks the loss of a true pioneer whose contributions shaped the foundation of Indian cinema. From her early breakthrough roles to her lasting presence in films over seven decades, Kamini Kaushal’s life and career remain a testament to her talent, dedication, and love for the art of acting. She will be remembered as one of the iconic figures who helped define the golden era of Hindi cinema and inspired generations of actors and audiences alike. Veteran Actor Kamini Kaushal Passes Away at 98 in Mumbai Veteran actor Kamini Kaushal, one of the pioneers of Hindi cinema, passed away at her Mumbai home on Thursday night at the age of 98. Her career spanned over seven decades, during which she became a beloved and respected figure in Indian films. Kamini Kaushal made her debut with the acclaimed film Neecha Nagar in 1946, which earned international recognition. She quickly rose to fame and starred in classics like Do Bhai (1947), Shaheed (1948), Nadiya Ke Paar (1948), Ziddi (1948), and Shabnam (1949). She acted alongside legendary actors such as Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, and Raj Kapoor, becoming one of the highest-paid actresses of her time. Even as she moved from lead roles to character parts in the 1960s, Kamini Kaushal continued to shine in films like Shaheed (1965), Do Raaste (1969), Anhonee (1973), and Prem Nagar (1974). Her final appearance was in Laal Singh Chaddha (2022) at the age of 95, showcasing her enduring love for cinema. Kamini Kaushal is survived by her three sons, Shravan, Vidur, and Rahul. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy as a trailblazer in Indian cinema will be remembered forever.