Yesteryears actress Kumkum passed away in Mumbai on Tuesday. Kumkum’s death has brought sadness to followers of classic Hindi cinema. Kumkum’s birth name was Nawabzadi Zaibunnissa, and she was introduced to Hindi films by legendary actor-filmmaker Guru Dutt in the 50s.
Her father was Nawab of Hussainabad in India, and belonged to a highly reputed family. She acted in almost 115 films in her career. She is best known for her roles in Mr. X in Bombay (1964), Mother India (1957), Son of India (1962), Kohinoor (1960), Aankhen (1968), Geet and Ek Kuwara Ek Kuwari. She paired with many film heroes of her era and was popular in roles alongside Kishore Kumar.
Late actor Jagdeep’s son, Naved Jafri, tweeted the news and stated, “We have lost another gem. I have known her since I was a kid and she was family, a superb artist and a fantastic human being, innalillahe wa innailaihe raajeoon. Rest in peace kunkum aunty”. Naved recently lost his father, Jagdeep.
Kumkum was 86 and died at her residence in Mumbai’s Bandra after battling age-related ailments, Indian media reports cited her sister-in-law Shenaz as saying, “Her last rites took place at Mazgaon cemetery”.
Veteran actor Dharmendra said his career began with Kumkum and expressed extreme sadness at her demise.
Kumkum was discovered by Guru Dutt, who gave her a break in his 1954 film Aar Paar as a dancer in the song Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar. She also played a small role in Guru Dutt’s 1957 movie Pyaasa.
Featured Photo: Kumkum in a song sequence from Mother India
