A return photo of Kumkum (courtesy Hollywood_memories)
Strong points
- Kumkum was born as Zaibunnissa
- She died of age-related illnesses
- His last rites took place at Mazgaon cemetery
New Delhi:
Veteran actress Kumkum, who was introduced to Hindi films by legendary actor-filmmaker Guru Dutt in the 1950s, died in Mumbai on Tuesday, PTI news agency reported. Kumkum was 86 and died at her Bandra residence in Mumbai after battling age-related illnesses, according to the PTI report, citing her sister-in-law Shenaz. “Her last rites took place at Mazgaon cemetery,” she added. Kumkum, who was a popular actor in the 1950s and 1960s, has appeared in over 100 films over a career spanning more than two decades. Kumkum, who was from Hussainabad in Bihar, was born as Zaibunnissa and was discovered by Guru Dutt, who gave him 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 the 1957 Guru Dutt film Pyaasa.
Kumkum was also featured in popular songs such as Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan from the 1956 movie C.I.D), Madhuban Mein Radhika Nache Re from the 1960 movie Kohinoor and Mere Mehboob Qayamat Hogi from the 1964 film Mr X in Bombay. Kumkum co-starred with Shammi Kapoor in a brief role in the 1956 film Mem Saheb and starred as the female lead opposite Shammi Kapoor in the 1959 film Char Dil Char Raahein. Kumkum worked with Dilip Kumar in Kohinoor.
Kumkum has starred alongside Kishore Kumar in several movies and songs such as Sultana Sultana of Shreeman Funtoosh, Ijazat Ho Toh of Haaye Mera Dil and Machalti Hui of Ganga Ki Lahren, are some of their popular screen appearances. Kumkum was also a favorite of writer-director Ramanand Sagar, who chose her in films such as the 1968 film. Ankhen, 1970 movie Geet, 1972 movie Lalkar and 1973 Jalte Badan.
Kumkum also starred in a few Bhojpuri films – 1963 Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo was his first. She was last seen in 1973 Ek Kunwari Ek Kunwara.
(With PTI inputs)
