7 Everlasting Kamini Kaushal Films To Remember Her By

Born as Uma Kashyap on February 24, 1927, Kamini Kaushal is one of Bollywood’s most iconic actresses.

Over a career that spanned seven decades, she cemented her position as a revered star.

Beginning her career in the mid-1940s, Kamini Ji enjoyed immense popularity as a leading lady.

She performed with many top stars of her time, under the baton of several skilled directors.

In the 1960s, she successfully transitioned to character roles, proving her versatility and range as an artist.

Along with veteran stars including Madhubala, Meena Kumari, and Nargis Dutt, Kamini Ji also deserves a place in the histrionics of the Golden Era.

Paying tribute to this glorious actress, DESIblitz proudly presents seven films of Kamini Kaushal that should not be missed.

Neecha Nagar (1946)

Director: Chetan Anand
Stars: Rafiq Anwar, Kamini Kaushal, Uma Anand, Zohra Seghal

It is fitting to begin this list from where it all began for Kamini Kaushal.

In Chetan Anand’s Neecha Nagar, Kamini Ji makes her acting debut as Rupa.

The film is an expressionist viewpoint, analysing the bridge between poverty and wealth.

Kamini Ji’s sterling performance gives the audience a taste of the sensational actress.

Neecha Nagar was the first Indian film to be recognised at the Cannes Film Festival.

It also won a Palme d’Or accolade, but was never released in India.

In 2013, as Indian cinema marked its centenary, Kamini Ji expressed her disappointment at Neecha Nagar not being mentioned in the celebrations.

She said: “I really feel sad about it because I have become old now and can understand it very well that once you have taken a back seat, you are forgotten.”

Although Neecha Nagar was not mentioned, one cannot deny the uniqueness of the film or Kamini Ji’s wonderful performance.

Aag (1948)

Director: Raj Kapoor
Stars: Raj Kapoor, Nargis, Prem Nath, Kamini Kaushal

Aag marks the production and directorial debut of none other than Raj Kapoor.

In this gritty drama, Kamini Ji plays Miss Nirmala.

Although this is a supporting role, Kamini Ji leaves a lasting impact on the film.

Aag tells the story of Kewal Khanna (Raj), who is deserted by various women in his life and has a disfigurement.

The film begins the everlasting association between Raj Sahab and Mukesh, who enthralled moviegoers with their actor-singer combination.

Divulging Raj Sahab’s passion for filmmaking, Kamini Ji says:

“He was full of life, just the way Ranbir Kapoor is. He wanted to make it big from his first film.”

Aag would not be the same without Kamini Kaushal, and the film exists as evidence.

Shaheed (1948)

Director: Ramesh Saigal
Stars: Dilip Kumar, Kamini Kaushal, Chandra Mohan, Leela Chitnis

Based on India’s struggle for independence, Shaheed is the first film to star Kamini Ji opposite Dilip Kumar.

Dilip Sahab plays the freedom fighter, Ram, who competes for the affection of Sheila, played by Kamini Ji.

The chemistry between the two actors is infectious and original, adorning Shaheed with an unforgettable spark.

During the making of the film, Kamini Ji and Dilip Sahab fell in love.

However, things never went any further, owing to her marriage to Braham S Sood.

Talking about this, Kamini Ji said: “We were both shattered. We were very happy with each other. But that’s life.

“I can’t dump people and say, ‘Enough now, I’m going!’

“My husband, a fine human being, understood why it happened. Everyone falls in love.”

Nevertheless, Shaheed is a great film that cemented Dilip Sahab’s position as an intense artist and Kamini Ji as an admirable star.

Ziddi (1948)

Director: Shaheed Latif
Stars: Dev Anand, Kamini Kaushal, Pran

Produced by Ashok Kumar, Shaheed Latif’s Ziddi is a launchpad for many incredible talents.

The evergreen actor, Dev Anand, had made his acting debut with Hum Ek Hain (1946).

However, Ziddi not only brought him into the spotlight, but it also gave the veteran star, Pran, a chance to shine.

In the film, Kamini Ji portrays Asha. The film is based on Ismat Chughtai’s 1941 novella.

Asha and Puran (Dev) are deeply in love. However, cruel circumstances force them apart, paving the way for an emotional and impressive drama.

With Ziddi, Kamini Ji became the first leading lady for whom Lata Mangeshkar sang.

The film also features the first duet of Lata Ji and Kishore Kumar – ‘Yeh Kaun Aaya Re‘.

While reviewing Ziddi, Ankur Ahuja describes Kamini Ji as “the role model we all need”.

Ziddi is not only a showcase of Kamini Ji’s talent, but it is also the starting point of many prominent artists.

Biraj Bahu (1954)

Director: Bimal Roy
Stars: Kamini Kaushal, Abhi Bhattacharya, Pran

In this enduring classic, Kamini Ji joins hands with the legendary director, Bimal Roy.

Biraj Bahu sees the actress as Biraj Chakravorty.

Biraj must contend with a life of poverty with her husband, Nilambar Chakravorty (Abhi Bhattacharya).

All hell breaks loose when Deodhar (Pran) kidnaps her after becoming besotted with her.

The film shows Kamini Ji at her finest. For her impeccable performance, she won the Filmfare Award for ‘Best Actress’ in 1956.

Praising her acting, Shoma A Chatterji writes:

“Kamini Kaushal’s flawless central performance as Biraj, with its low-key smiles, its shades of anger, hurt, humiliation and shock, all come across beautifully, holding the film together.

“The scene where she looks into the mirror, is shocked to find all her beauty gone and says, ‘Achaa hi hua’ (This was for the best), is an extremely poignant moment in the film.”

Madhubala expressed regret and sadness upon missing out on the film.

However, one thing is undeniable: Nobody could have played Biraj better than Kamini Kaushal.

Do Raaste (1969)

Director: Raj Khosla
Stars: Rajesh Khanna, Mumtaz, Balraj Sahni, Prem Chopra, Kamini Kaushal, Bindu

From the mid-1960s, Kamini Ji began portraying character roles with equal fervour and dignity.

One of the films she did during this period was Raj Khosla’s Do Raaste.

The film stars her as Madhvi Gupta, the wife of Satyan Prasad Gupta’s (Rajesh Khanna) stepbrother.

At this time, Rajesh had just become a superstar with Shakti Samanta’s Aradhana (1969).

However, Do Raaste is a showcase of Kamini Ji’s talent too. Confirming this, MemsaabStory says:

“Although Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz are nominally the hero and heroine, the film really belongs to the whole ensemble cast.”

Delving into her transition to character roles, Kamini Ji explains:

“I was never obsessed with the mirror. I could do a scene without looking into one.

“Also, I never smoked or consumed alcohol. That kept me fit! Even as a heroine, I never made a fuss!”

This maturity reflects in Do Raaste, which Kamini Ji decorates with grace and elegance.

Kabir Singh (2019)

Director: Sandeep Reddy Vanga
Stars: Shahid Kapoor, Kiara Advani, Kamini Kaushal, Suresh Oberoi

In Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Kabir Singh, Kamini Kaushal proves that age is not an obstacle to an artist’s talent.

In her mid-nineties, Kamini Ji plays Sadhna Kaur – the grandmother of Dr Kabir Rajdheer Singh (Shahid Kapoor).

She commands respect and tenderness in every frame.

Sadhna is the voice of reason when Kabir’s life shatters and offers poignant advice to both him and Dr Preeti Sikka (Kiara Advani).

Her gentle, soothing words provide solace in an otherwise intense and dramatic story.

Reminiscing on her role, Kamini Ji said: “It was a very nice role, and I think it was honest and straightforward.”

Kamini Ji is the backbone of Kabir Singh. As a nonagenarian, she earned a Filmfare nomination for the movie in 2020.

Kamini Kaushal remains one of the most talented and graceful stars of Indian cinema.

From her reign as a leading actress to a dignified character artiste, she epitomises the Golden Era of Bollywood.

Her roles are a representation of feminism and societal support.

She was never afraid to do the work she believed in, and it is this confidence that enabled her to be the respected figure she is.

Her work will be celebrated and applauded for generations to come.