Kumkum, Zaibunnissa (22 April 1934 – 28 July 2020)
FILM DESK
Noted Bollywood actress Kumkum, who featured in over 100 Hindi films and popular songs such as ‘Kabhi aar, Kabhi paar’ and ‘Mere Mehboob Qayamat Hogi’, passed away today. She was 86.
Her sister-in-law Shenaz informed that Kumkum, whose real name was Zaibunnissa, died at around 11.30 am at her Bandra residence due to age-related issues. She said that actor Kumkum’s last rites took place at Mazgaon cemetery.
Kumkum hailed from Hussainabad in Sheikhpura in Bihar . Her father was Nawab of Hussainabad and belonged to a highly reputed family.
Her most memorable film appearances include “Mr. X in Bombay”, “Mother India”, “Kohinoor”, “Ujala”, and “Naya Daur”.
Kumkum was best known for her roles in movies like Mr. X in Bombay, Mother India, Son Of India, Kohinoor, Ujala, Naya Daur, Shreeman Funtoosh, Ek Sapera Ek Lutera, Ganga Ki Laharen, Raja Aur Runk, Aankhen, Lalkaar, Geet and Ek Kuwara Ek Kuwari.
She also starred in the first Bhojpuri film “Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo” in 1963.
But her popularity rests mostly on the songs that were picturised on her be it “Madhuban Mein Radhika Nache Re” from “Kohinoor” (1960); “Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar” from “Aar Paar” (1954) or “Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan” from 1956’s “CID”.
She was discovered by actor-director Guru Dutt in the 1950s, who cast her in “Aar Paar” song for an unaccredited role. She later earned a small role in Dutt’s “Pyaasa”.