Kamini Kaushal (born Uma Kashyap) stood as one of Indian cinema’s most respected veterans, with a career that spanned seven decades. She began with a landmark debut in a Cannes-recognized film, then moved through memorable lead roles, character parts and television appearances—always bringing intelligence and poise to her performances. In late 2025, Indian cinema mourned her passing, closing a long chapter of screen history.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Uma Kashyap (screen name: Kamini Kaushal) |
| Date of Birth | 24 February 1927 |
| Date of Death | 13 November 2025 |
| Birthplace | Lahore |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Actress, Producer |
| Years Active | 1946 – 2020s |
| Known For | Over 100 films, classical and character roles |
| Personality Traits | Elegant, disciplined, intellectual, resilient, dignified, graceful, humble |
Family Background
| Relation | Name / Notes |
|---|---|
| Father | Family roots in Punjab/Lahore; youngest of five siblings in pre-Partition India. |
| Spouse | Brahm S. Sood (married) — survived by her three sons. |
| Children | Sons: Shravan Sood, Vidur Sood, Rahul Sood. |
Kamini Kaushal was born Uma Kashyap into a family in Lahore and later migrated during the era of Partition. She married and raised a family while building a prolific film career. Her children and close relatives survived her, and her family confirmed her passing to media outlets.
Extended Family
Her public profile focused primarily on her own work rather than celebrity kinship networks; nevertheless, she carried connections across generations of film professionals because of long-standing collaborations with major actors and directors. Over time, younger actors and filmmakers cited her early work as influential in shaping Hindi-film character roles.
Education
| Level | Details |
|---|---|
| Highest formal education | BA (Honours) in English Literature — a rarity for actresses of her generation. |
Kamini earned a college degree in English literature, which critics and historians often note as contributing to the intelligence she brought to her roles. Unlike many contemporaries, she combined formal education with a professional acting career from an early age.
Career Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1946 | Debut as Roopa in Neecha Nagar (film later recognised at Cannes). |
| 1940s–1950s | Starred in major Hindi films such as Shaheed, Shabnam, Arzoo, Do Bhai. |
| 1960s–1980s | Moved into strong supporting and character roles in mainstream cinema. |
| 1980s–2000s | Continued to work in films and television; adapted to evolving screen roles. |
| 2010s–2020s | Appeared in modern mainstream films in senior character roles, connecting classic cinema to new generations. |
Kamini Kaushal started on an extraordinary note with Neecha Nagar (1946), a film that achieved historic recognition at Cannes. Subsequently, she established herself as a leading lady in the 1940s and 1950s, delivering performances in socially relevant and mainstream films alike. As the industry shifted, she transitioned into character and senior roles—remaining visible on screen in films and television across later decades. Her adaptability allowed her to work with multiple generations of stars, and she credited rigorous training, a formal education and a disciplined work ethic for her longevity.
Controversies
| Year | Issue |
|---|---|
| — | Public records do not list major controversies; her career remained comparatively controversy-free compared with many peers. |
Kamini Kaushal cultivated a reputation for professionalism, and unlike several contemporaries, she avoided major public scandals. Her public image remained centered on craft and dignity rather than tabloid drama.
Awards & Achievements
| Year / Honor | Award / Recognition |
|---|---|
| 1946 onward | Neecha Nagar — Cannes recognition (film) which launched her career. |
| Multiple years | Recognition for long service and contribution to Indian cinema in retrospectives and film festivals. |
Kamini’s debut association with a Cannes-recognized film marked a rare and early international imprimatur for Indian cinema. Over decades, film festivals, critics and film bodies acknowledged her body of work and the consistency of her performances, often honouring her in retrospectives and lifetime recognition platforms.
Personal Life
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Marital status | Married to Brahm S. Sood |
| Children | Three sons (Shravan, Vidur, Rahul) |
| Lifestyle | Lived privately in Mumbai in later years; maintained connections with film colleagues and family. |
Kamini balanced a private family life with a public career. In later years, she preferred quietude, receiving visitors from the industry and spending time with family. Her death at home in Mumbai marked the close of a life that bridged pre- and post-Independence cinema.
Favourites
| Category | Known Preferences |
|---|---|
| Hobbies | Reading, theatre, mentoring younger actors (reported). |
| Film Style | Varied—social dramas, family dramas, character pieces. |
Net Worth
| Estimate | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Latest public estimates | Not reliably documented; media biographies focus on career rather than wealth. |
Public sources emphasise Kamini Kaushal’s artistic legacy rather than financial metrics. Consequently, no well-verified net-worth figure stands out in mainstream references; most profiles concentrate on her filmography and influence.
Lesser-Known Facts
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She debuted in Neecha Nagar (1946), a film that won a top prize at Cannes—an extraordinary start for a debutante at the time.
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She held a BA (Honours) in English Literature, which distinguished her among peers in early Indian cinema.
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She worked across eras, appearing with stars from Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor to later-generation actors like Aamir Khan and Shahid Kapoor.
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She remained active on screen well into her nineties, making occasional appearances that linked classic cinema to contemporary films.
Key Takeaways
| Kamini Kaushal began with *Neecha Nagar* (1946), a Cannes-recognised film, and went on to act in over 100 films across seven decades. |
| She combined formal education (BA Honours) with acting, making her an unusually educated actress of her generation. |
| She worked with multiple generations of stars—from Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor to Aamir Khan and Shahid Kapoor—bridging eras of Indian cinema. |
| She passed away at her Mumbai residence at the age of 98, leaving behind children and a long cinematic legacy. |
Social Media Handles
| Platform | Official / Notes |
|---|---|
| None listed | Kamini Kaushal belonged to a generation with limited or no official social-media presence; no verified official profiles are widely reported. |
Latest News
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Veteran actress Kamini Kaushal passed away at age 98 at her home in Mumbai; a family friend confirmed her demise to news agencies. Her passing appeared on major Indian news portals on 14 November 2025.
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News coverage highlighted her debut in Neecha Nagar, her status as one of India’s earliest college-educated actresses, and tributes from film circles that emphasised her long service to cinema.
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Kamini Kaushal passes away: Dilip Kumar’s ‘first love’ and her emotional past
Veteran actress Kamini Kaushal — once described as Dilip Kumar’s “first love” — died at 98. She later married her brother-in-law, keeping a promise she made to her dying sister.
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Throwback moment: Dharmendra recalls first meeting with Kamini Kaushal
A throwback photo of Kamini Kaushal and Dharmendra went viral after her death, showing them at their first meeting. Dharmendra’s heartfelt caption on Instagram described the moment as “a love-filled introduction.”
Conclusion
Kamini Kaushal embodied a rare combination of formal education, artistic discipline and screen versatility. From a Cannes-recognised debut to enduring character roles, she connected classical film values with successive cinematic generations. Her death in 2025 marked the end of a luminous chapter in Indian film history, and she leaves behind a legacy defined by dignity, craft and cultural continuity.
FAQs
Q1: When was Kamini Kaushal born?
A1: She was born on 24 February 1927.
Q2: What was Kamini Kaushal’s debut film?
A2: Her debut was Neecha Nagar (1946), which won top recognition at Cannes.
Q3: How many films did Kamini Kaushal act in?
A3: She acted in over 100 films across a career spanning seven decades.
Q4: When did Kamini Kaushal pass away?
A4: Major Indian outlets reported her passing in mid-November 2025; family confirmation and media coverage placed the announcement on 14 November 2025, reporting she died the previous night at home in Mumbai at age 98.
Q5: Did Kamini Kaushal receive international recognition?
A5: Her debut film Neecha Nagar won the Palme d’Or (Cannes), giving her an early international association.
