Veteran Bollywood Actress Kamini Kaushal Passes Away at 98, Leaving a Legacy of Graceful Performances
Mumbai, November 14, 2025 – Kamini Kaushal, the elegant leading lady of Hindi cinema’s golden era and one of the last surviving icons of post-independence Bollywood, passed away peacefully at her home in Mumbai today at the age of 98. A close family friend confirmed the news, noting that Kaushal had been in good spirits until recently, surrounded by loved ones in her Versova residence.
Born Prabha Devi on April 16, 1927, in Lahore (now Pakistan), Kaushal’s journey into films began in the late 1940s amid the Partition’s upheavals. She made her debut with Shaheed (1948), opposite Dilip Kumar, in what would become a landmark film depicting the freedom struggle. Her poised screen presence and nuanced portrayals of strong-willed women quickly earned her acclaim. Over a career spanning seven decades and more than 90 films, she transitioned seamlessly from romantic leads to memorable character roles, embodying the evolution of Indian cinema.
Kaushal’s accolades include the prestigious Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her riveting performance in Biraj Bahu (1954), a poignant tale of marital strife and resilience. She shared the screen with legends like Raj Kapoor in Aar Paar (1954), Dev Anand in Nau Do Gyarah (1957), and later, in her supportive roles, with Balraj Sahni in Do Raaste (1969), a family drama that captured the complexities of sibling rivalries and familial bonds. The film remains a timeless favorite among cinephiles for its emotional depth and chart-topping soundtrack.
In a heartfelt tribute, Sonu Tyagi, Editor of Approach Bollywood and Founder of Approach Entertainment, shared his personal admiration for Kaushal’s work. “Do Raaste was more than a film for me—it was a masterclass in understated elegance. Kamini ji’s portrayal of the devoted Bhabhi broke my heart and shaped my love for storytelling. Her legacy will forever inspire generations of filmmakers,” Tyagi said, reflecting on the enduring impact of her performance.
Kaushal’s later years saw her embracing grandmotherly roles with the same dignity, notably as Shahid Kapoor’s dadi in Jab We Met (2007), where her warmth added layers to the rom-com’s narrative. She also appeared in Mausam (2011) and received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2017 IIFA Awards for her contributions to Indian cinema.
Kaushal’s personal life was marked by quiet strength; she married zonal manager GD Kamra in 1949, shortly after her film debut, and stepped back from leading roles to focus on family, only to return with renewed vigor in the 1960s. Despite rumored romances, including a poignant parting from Dilip Kumar due to her sudden marriage—”We were shattered,” she once recalled in an interview—Kaushal always prioritized her art and dignity.
As Bollywood bids farewell to one of its pioneering voices, Kaushal’s films continue to remind audiences of cinema’s power to heal and unite. Funeral details are awaited, with the family requesting privacy during this time of grief. Her departure marks the end of an era, but her luminous legacy endures on the silver screen.
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