Veteran actress Kamini Kaushal, one of Indian cinema’s oldest and most respected performers, passed away on November 14 at the age of 98 due to age-related complications. Tributes poured in from across the industry, but one of the most heartfelt came from Saira Banu, who took to Instagram to reflect on Kaushal’s rare brilliance, gentle persona, and her cherished bond with both Saira and the late Dilip Kumar.
‘A woman so rare and so ahead of her time’
Saira began her tribute with a poignant question: “While the whole internet grieved over Uma ji’s passing, I found myself wondering — what can one possibly say about a woman so rare and so ahead of her time?”She described Kaushal as a dignified, intelligent presence in an industry dominated by men. “She brought with her not just beauty, but a literary mind, and a refinement that was unmistakably her own.”According to Saira, Kaushal belonged to “that gentle world of books, poetry, and thoughtfulness,” a world she carried effortlessly into her performances.
Dilip Kumar and Uma ji
Saira recalled how profoundly Dilip Kumar admired Kaushal. “He admired that she came from a literary family…For him, Uma ji was someone who brought a certain rare substance to the studios.”Their relationship went beyond cinema — Kaushal often called seeking his advice or simply to talk, and Saira fondly remembered hosting visitors whom Kaushal sent their way.
A memorable moment from Purab Aur Pashchim
One of Saira’s fondest memories took place during the shoot of Purab Aur Pashchim. During a muddy outdoor scene where Saira had to run in pointy heels, Kaushal quietly slipped her own flats to make things easier: “Yeh pehen lo, zyada aasaan rahega.”To her surprise, they fit perfectly, and the two later laughed about the moment.Saira also remembered Kaushal calling to personally congratulate her when her engagement to Dilip Kumar was announced.Saira ended her tribute with a touching sentiment: “May we remember her not only for the films she graced, but for the dignity, gentleness, and cultured brilliance she gifted to this world.”
