Born on January 16, 1927, in Lahore, Kaushal began her film career in the 1940s and soon established herself as one of the most prominent faces of the post-independence era. Her early performances in films such as Do Bhai (1947), Shaheed (1948), and Nadiya Ke Paar (1948) brought her widespread acclaim. She went on to appear in several notable productions, including Ziddi, Shabnam, Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, and Roti, Kapda Aur Makaan.
Kaushal’s personal life drew significant public attention in her early years, particularly her relationship with actor Dilip Kumar, whom she met during the filming of Shaheed. Their bond, often described as one of Hindi cinema’s most poignant off-screen romances, ended abruptly under family pressure. Kaushal had married her late sister’s husband, B.S. Sood, after her sister’s death, a decision made to ensure the care of her sister’s young child. In later interviews, Kaushal described the emotional difficulty of ending her relationship with Kumar, saying both were “shattered” by the separation.
The two actors met briefly again in 2013 during a prayer ceremony for the late actor Pran, when Kumar, then in declining health, failed to recognise her. Kaushal later recalled the moment with sadness.
In recent decades, Kaushal continued to take on selective roles, including a memorable appearance as Shahid Kapoor’s grandmother in Kabir Singh (2019). Her passing marks the end of an era for Hindi cinema, leaving behind a legacy that spans nearly eight decades and a body of work that shaped the foundations of Indian film.
.jpg)
