It was an honour to work with you: Kamini Kaushal’s ‘Kabir Singh’ co-stars Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani pay heartfelt tribute
In a poignant moment for Indian cinema, veteran actress Kamini Kaushal, a bridge between Bollywood’s golden era and its modern age, passed away at her Mumbai home on Thursday night. She was 98. The news sparked an immediate outpouring of respect and admiration from across the film industry, with heartfelt tributes from her recent co-stars in the blockbuster film Kabir Singh.
A Final Goodbye
Kamini Kaushal died peacefully at her residence, as confirmed by a close family friend, Sanjay Narain. He noted that the beloved actress would have turned 99 this coming February. While the family maintained a famously private profile, they have requested privacy as they mourn their loss.
A Bond Forged on Screen: Remembering ‘Kabir Singh’
The news of her passing prompted moving social media posts from Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani, who had the privilege of working with Kaushal in the 2019 hit Kabir Singh.
- Kiara Advani’s Tribute: Sharing a throwback picture of the legendary actress, Kiara penned a touching note on her Instagram stories. She wrote, “It was an honour to work with you. Your grace, humility, and talent inspired generations and left an unforgettable mark on Indian cinema. Rest in peace, Kamini Kaushal Ji”.
- Shahid Kapoor’s Tribute: Shahid, who played the titular role in the film, shared a heartfelt collage featuring Kaushal. His message, “Rest in light maam,” accompanied the image, reflecting the deep respect he held for his on-screen grandmother.
In Kabir Singh, Kaushal played the poignant role of Shahid Kapoor’s grandmother, Sadhna Kaur. Her performance, though brief, was filled with a warmth and grace that left a lasting impression on audiences and her co-stars alike.
More Than a Co-Star: A Living Legacy
For younger stars like Shahid Kapoor and Kiara, working with Kamini Kaushal was more than just a film role; it was an opportunity to share the screen with a foundational pillar of Indian cinema. Her career was a living history lesson, spanning an incredible 76 years from her debut in 1946 to her final appearance in 2022.
Kaushal wasn’t just a character actor to them; she was one of Hindi cinema’s earliest female stars, having shared the screen with legendary actors like Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, and Raj Kapoor during the industry’s formative years. She was even among the industry’s highest-paid actresses in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Her debut film, Neecha Nagar (1946), is a landmark in Indian film history, having won the Grand Prix (now known as the Palme d’Or) at the inaugural Cannes Film Festival—a feat no other Indian film has repeated. Over her long career, she appeared in over 90 films, including classics like Shaheed, Shabnam, Biraj Bahu, and Godaan.
Even in her 90s, she remained connected to contemporary cinema, appearing not only in Kabir Singh but also in Shah Rukh Khan’s Chennai Express and her final film, Aamir Khan’s Laal Singh Chaddha in 2022. Kareena Kapoor Khan, who worked with Kaushal in Laal Singh Chaddha, also paid her respects by sharing a picture of the veteran actress from her younger days.
An End of an Era
Kamini Kaushal‘s passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Bollywood. She was widely considered India’s oldest living film actress. Her journey mirrored the evolution of Indian cinema itself, seamlessly transitioning from a leading lady to revered character roles, most notably playing the mother to star Manoj Kumar in a series of hit films starting when she was just 40.
She is survived by her three sons, Shravan, Vidur, and Rahul. As the industry mourns, the simple, powerful words from stars like Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani underscore a profound truth: Kamini Kaushal’s legacy is not just in the classic films she left behind, but in the generations of artists she inspired with her talent and grace.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kamini Kaushal
1. How old was Kamini Kaushal when she passed away?
Kamini Kaushal was 98 years old when she died. She would have turned 99 in February 2025.
2. What was Kamini Kaushal’s last film?
Her final on-screen appearance was in Aamir Khan’s 2022 film Laal Singh Chaddha, where she played an elderly woman travelling on a train at the age of 95.
3. Which famous actors did Kamini Kaushal work with in her career?
Her career spanned generations. She starred with golden era icons like Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, and Raj Kapoor, and later worked with modern stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Shahid Kapoor, and Aamir Khan.
4. What was so special about her debut film, Neecha Nagar?
Neecha Nagar (1946) is a landmark film in Indian history. It won the Grand Prix at the first-ever Cannes Film Festival (now equivalent to the Palme d’Or), and it remains the only Indian film to have ever won this top prize.
5. Did Kamini Kaushal only work in movies?
No, her versatility extended to television as well. She appeared in several TV shows, with one of her most iconic roles being in the Doordarshan show Chand Sitare.
Kamini Kaushal’s journey reminds us that true artistry is timeless. Her work continues to be a source of inspiration, accessible to anyone with a love for cinema. Have you seen any of her classic films or her memorable roles in modern movies? Share your favorite Kamini Kaushal memory and keep her legacy alive.
