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{{short description|Indian actress}}
{{Short description|Indian actress (1934–2020)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2016}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name              = Kumkum
| name              = Kumkum
| image              = File:Kumkum.jpeg
| image              = Kumkum Actress.jpeg
| imagesize          =  
| imagesize          =  
| caption            =  
| caption            =  
| birth_name        = Zaibunnisa Khan
| birth_name        = Zaibunnisa Khan
| birth_date        = {{birth date|1934|4|22|df=y}}
| birth_date        = {{birth date|1934|4|22|df=y}}
| birth_place        = [[Hussainabad (Jharkhand)|Hussainabad]], [[Bihar and Orissa Province|Bihar]], [[British India]]
| birth_place        = Hussainabad of [[Sheikhpura]], [[Bihar and Orissa Province|Bihar]], [[British India]]
| death_date        = {{death date and age|2020|7|28|1934|4|22|df=y}}
| death_date        = {{death date and age|2020|7|28|1934|4|22|df=y}}
| death_place        = [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]], [[India]]
| death_place        = [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]], [[India]]
Line 15: Line 15:
| occupation        = Actress
| occupation        = Actress
| spouse            = Sajjad Akbar Khan
| spouse            = Sajjad Akbar Khan
|children           = Hadi Ali Abrar - son (film director)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://m.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/actress-kumkum-biography-1595936166-1|title='Mother India' Actress Kumkum Biography: Birth, Death, Family, Films, Bollywood and Bhojpuri Career|date=28 July 2020|website=Jagranjosh.com}}</ref>
| children           = 1
}}
}}


'''Kumkum''', born '''Zaibunnisa''' (22 April 1934 – 28 July 2020),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amarujala.com/entertainment/bollywood/kumkum-actress-passes-away-at-the-age-of-86|title=86 की उम्र में अभिनेत्री कुमकुम का निधन, किशोर कुमार और गुरु दत्त के संग किया था काम|website=Amar Ujala|language=hi}}</ref> was an [[India]]n film actress.
'''Kumkum''' (born '''Zaibunnisa Khan'''; 22 April 1934 – 28 July 2020)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.amarujala.com/entertainment/bollywood/kumkum-actress-passes-away-at-the-age-of-86 |title=86 की उम्र में अभिनेत्री कुमकुम का निधन, किशोर कुमार और गुरु दत्त के संग किया था काम |website=Amar Ujala |language=hi}}</ref> was an Indian actress.


She acted in approximately 115 films during her career. She is best known for her roles in ''Mr. X in Bombay'' (1964), ''Mother India'' (1957),<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.screenindia.com/fullstory.php?content_id=7034|title=In the name of the father|date=16 January 2004|work=[[Screen Weekly]]|access-date=31 August 2010}}</ref> ''Son of India'' (1962), ''Kohinoor'' (1960), ''Ujala'', ''Naya Daur'', ''Shreeman Funtoosh'', ''Ek Sapera Ek Lutera'', ''Ganga Ki Laharen'', ''Raja Aur Runk'', ''Aankhen'' (1968), ''Lalkaar'', ''Geet'' and ''Ek Kuwara Ek Kuwari''. She paired with many film heroes of her era and was popular in roles alongside [[Kishore Kumar]].
She is best known for her roles in ''[[Ankhen (1968 film)|Ankhen]]'' (1968), ''[[Lalkaar]]'' (1972), ''Mother India'' (1957), ''Mr. X in Bombay'' (1964),<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.screenindia.com/fullstory.php?content_id=7034 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040223174440/http://www.screenindia.com/fullstory.php?content_id=7034 |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 February 2004 |title=In the name of the father |date=16 January 2004 |work=[[Screen Weekly]] |access-date=31 August 2010}}</ref> ''[[Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere]]'' (1960), ''Son of India'' (1962), ''Kohinoor'' (1960), ''Ujala'', ''Naya Daur'', ''Shreeman Funtoosh'', ''Ek Sapera Ek Lutera'', ''Ganga Ki Laharen'', ''Raja Aur Runk'', ''Geet'' and ''Ek Kuwara Ek Kuwari''. She paired with many film heroes of her era and was popular in roles alongside [[Kishore Kumar]].


Kumkum also acted in [[Bhojpuri film]]s, starting with ''[[Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo]]'' (1963), which was also the first ever [[Bhojpuri]] film.<ref name="exp">{{cite news |title=Strong at 50, Bhojpuri cinema celebrates |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/strong-at-50-bhojpuri-cinema-celebrates/749762/0 |publisher=[[Indian Express]] |date=14 February 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/actor-kumkum-dead-652740/|title=Actor Kumkum passes away|date=28 July 2020}}</ref>
Kumkum also acted in [[Bhojpuri film]]s, starting with ''[[Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo]]'' (1963), which was also the first ever [[Bhojpuri language|Bhojpuri]] film.<ref name="exp">{{cite news |title=Strong at 50, Bhojpuri cinema celebrates |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/strong-at-50-bhojpuri-cinema-celebrates/749762/0 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=14 February 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/actor-kumkum-dead-652740/ |title=Actor Kumkum passes away |date=28 July 2020}}</ref>


== Early life ==
== Personal life ==
Kumkum's birth name is Zaibunnisa Khan. She was born in a prestigious [[Muslims|Muslim]] family to father, Sayed Manzoor Hassa,n [[Nawab]] of [[Hussainabad, Jharkhand|Hussainabad]]
Kumkum's birth name is Sayyeda Zaibunnisa. She was born in a [[Shia Islam]] family to Sayyed Manzoor Hassan [[Nawab]] of Hussainabad in [[Sheikhpura]] district of [[Bihar]] and Sayyeda Khursheeda Bano.
and mother, Khursheed Bano.


Kumkum's married Ahmed Khan and after giving birth to a daughter, her family moved to Saudi Arabia.
Kumkum married Sayyed Sajjad Akbar Khan who hailed from Lucknow, India and worked in Saudi Arabia. Kumkum shifted to Saudi Arabia after her marriage and returned to India after 23 years in 1995. The couple have only one child— Sayyeda Andaleeb Sajjad Khan (daughter).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/actress-kumkum-biography-1595936166-1 |title='Mother India' Actress Kumkum Biography: Birth, Death, Family, Films, Bollywood and Bhojpuri Career |date=28 July 2020 |website=Jagranjosh.com}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
Kumkum was discovered by [[Guru Dutt]]. Guru Dutt was to picturise the song "Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar Laaga Teere Nazar" for his movie ''[[Aar Paar (1954 film)|Aar Paar]]'' (1954) on his friend [[Jagdeep]] (father of Javed Jaffery, Naved Jaffery), but later decided to picturise this song on a female actor. But at that time, no one agreed to do a small song. Then Guru Dutt finally picturised this song on Kumkum. Later, Kumkum was seen in a small role in ''[[Pyaasa]]'' (1957). The famous song "Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan" from ''[[C.I.D. (1956 film)|C.I.D]]'' (1956), sung by [[Geeta Dutt]] was picturised on her. She was also paired alongside Shammi Kapoor in a side role in ''Mem Saheb'' (1956) and also in lead opposite Shammi Kapoor in ''Char Dil Char Raahein'' (1959).
Kumkum was discovered by [[Guru Dutt]]. Guru Dutt was to picturize the song "Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar Laaga Teere Nazar" for his movie ''[[Aar Paar (1954 film)|Aar Paar]]'' (1954) on his friend [[Jagdeep]] (father of Javed Jaffery, Naved Jaffery), but later decided to picturize this song on a female actor. But at that time, no one agreed to do a small song. Then Guru Dutt finally picturized this song on Kumkum. Later, Kumkum was seen in a small role in ''[[Pyaasa]]'' (1957). The famous song "Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan" from ''[[C.I.D. (1956 film)|C.I.D]]'' (1956), sung by [[Geeta Dutt]] was picturized on her. She was also paired alongside Shammi Kapoor in a side role in ''Mem Saheb'' (1956) and also in lead opposite Shammi Kapoor in ''[[Char Dil Char Rahen|Char Dil Char Raahein]]'' (1959). She became the first heroine to be cast opposite [[Dharmendra]] in his debut film ''[[Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere]]'' in 1960.


She was trained in Kathak by the noted [[Pandit]], [[Shambhu Maharaj]]. She showed her dancing talents in the film ''[[Kohinoor (1960 film)|Kohinoor]]'' (1960) with Dilip Kumar. "Madhuban Mein Radhika Nache Re" and "Haye Jaadugar Qaatil, Haazir Hai Mera Dil", sung by [[Asha Bhosle]] for [[Naushad]] were picturised on Kumkum. She was paired opposite Kishore Kumar in films like ''Ganga Ki Laharen, Shreeman Funtoosh, Haaye Mera Dil'' and ''Mr. X in Bombay''. She was leading heroin in all-time favorite Hindi Sad song "[https://hindisong.info/2021/06/22/sad-song-kishore-kumar-mere-mehbub-kayamat-hogi/?preview_id=1251&preview_nonce=061b18b7bc&preview=true&_thumbnail_id=1274 mere mehboob kayamat hogi]" from mr. x in Bombay. This was science fixation movie of that time and Kum kum ji was a great star.  The songs like "Khoobsurat Haseena" from ''Mr. X in Bombay'', "Ijazat Ho Toh" from ''Haaye Mera Dil'', "Sultana Sultana" from ''Shreeman Funtoosh'' and "Machalti Hui" from ''Ganga Ki Lahren'', which were picturised on the pair Kishore-Kumkum remain popular since their release to this day.
She was trained in Kathak by the noted [[Pandit]], [[Shambhu Maharaj]]. She showed her dancing talents in the film ''[[Kohinoor (1960 film)|Kohinoor]]'' (1960) with Dilip Kumar. "Madhuban Mein Radhika Nache Re" and "Haye Jaadugar Qaatil, Haazir Hai Mera Dil", sung by [[Asha Bhosle]] for [[Naushad]] were picturized on Kumkum. She was paired opposite Kishore Kumar in films like ''Ganga Ki Laharen, Shreeman Funtoosh, Haaye Mera Dil'' and ''Mr. X in Bombay''. She was leading heroine in all-time favorite Hindi Sad song "[https://hindisong.info/2021/06/22/sad-song-kishore-kumar-mere-mehbub-kayamat-hogi/?preview_id=1251&preview_nonce=061b18b7bc&preview=true&_thumbnail_id=1274 mere mehboob kayamat hogi]{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}" from mr. x in Bombay. This was a science fiction movie of that time and Kumkum was a great star.  The songs like "Khoobsurat Haseena" from ''Mr. X in Bombay'', "Ijazat Ho Toh" from ''Haaye Mera Dil'', "Sultana Sultana" from ''Shreeman Funtoosh'' and "Machalti Hui" from ''Ganga Ki Lahren'', which were picturized on the pair Kishore-Kumkum remains popular since their release to this day.


Kumkum was a favourite choice for writer director Ramanand Sagar. Sagar decided to cast Kumkum as Dharmendra's sister in ''Ankhen'', a super hit film of 1968. In 1970, for ''Geet'', Kumkum was Ramanand Sagar's choice for a small role. But in ''Lalkar'' (1972), she was paired with Dharmendra, while Rajendra Kumar was paired with Mala Sinha. Kumkum was paired with Kiran Kumar in ''Jalte Badan'' (1973), produced, directed and written once again by Sagar. She was paired opposite [[Vinod Khanna]] in ''Dhamkee'' in 1973 and the duet song "Chand Kya Hai Roop Ka Darpan" became hugely popular. She was paired opposite [[Pran (actor)|Pran]] in the comedy film ''Ek Kuwara Ek Kuwari'', directed by Prakash Mehra, which was a blockbuster.
Kumkum was a favorite choice for writer director [[Ramanand Sagar]]. [[Ramanand Sagar|Sagar]] decided to cast Kumkum as Dharmendra's sister in ''[[Ankhen (1968 film)|Ankhen]]'', a super hit film of 1968. In 1970, for ''Geet'', Kumkum was Ramanand Sagar's choice for a small role. In the 1972 hit film ''[[Lalkar]]'', she was one of the four main leads and was paired opposite [[Dharmendra]]. Kumkum was paired with [[Kiran Kumar]] in ''[[Jalte Badan]]'' (1973), produced, directed and written once again by Sagar. She was paired opposite [[Vinod Khanna]] in ''[[Dhamkee]]'' in 1973 and the duet song "Chand Kya Hai Roop Ka Darpan" became hugely popular. She was paired opposite [[Pran (actor)|Pran]] in the comedy film ''Ek Kuwara Ek Kuwari'', directed by [[Prakash Mehra]], which was a blockbuster.


After her marriage, she left the industry.
After her marriage, Kumkum left the industry.
 
==Bhojpuri Films==
 
Kumkum was one of the top stars in the first phase of [[Bhojpuri cinema|Bhojpuri films]] which began with [[Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo]] (1962). In his book, Cinema Bhojpuri, Avijit Ghosh writes that she also acted in [[Laagi Nahi Chhute Ram]] (1963), Balma Bada Nadaan (1964), Naihar Chhutal Jaye (1964), Bhauji (1965) and Ganga (1965), which was also her home production. "Two heroines who ruled the first phase of Bhojpuri films were Kumkum and Naaz. Scripts were often written around their characters and to their credit, they often proved equal to the task," Ghosh writes in the same book.


==Death==
==Death==
Kumkum died on 28 July 2020 at her residence in [[Mumbai]], aged 86.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/mother-india-actress-kumkum-passes-away-at-86/amp_articleshow/77218393.cms|title='Mother India' actress Kumkum passes away at 86|work=Times of India|date=28 July 2020|access-date=2 February 2021}}</ref>
Kumkum died on 28 July 2020 at her residence in [[Mumbai]], aged 86.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/mother-india-actress-kumkum-passes-away-at-86/articleshow/77218393.cms |title='Mother India' actress Kumkum passes away at 86 |work=The Times of India |date=28 July 2020 |access-date=2 February 2021}}</ref>


==Filmography==
==Filmography==
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* ''[[Aar Paar]]'' (1954) as dancer in song "Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar" (Uncredited Role)
# ''[[Aar Paar]]'' (1954) as dancer in song "Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar" (Uncredited Role)
* ''[[Mirza Ghalib (film)|Mirza Ghalib]]'' (1954)
# ''Amar Kirtan'' (1954)
* ''[[Mr. & Mrs. '55]]'' (1955)
# ''[[Mirza Ghalib (film)|Mirza Ghalib]]'' (1954)
* ''[[House No. 44]]'' (1955)
# ''Gawaiya'' (1954)
* ''[[Kundan (1955 film)|Kundan]]'' (1955)
# ''Noor Mahal'' (1954)
* ''[[Funtoosh]]'' (1956)
# ''Haseena'' (1955)
* ''[[Mem Sahib]]'' (1956)
# ''[[Mr. & Mrs. '55]]'' (1955)
* ''[[Naya Andaz]]'' (1956)
# ''Jasoos'' (1955)
* ''[[C.I.D. (1956 film)|C.I.D.]]'' (1956)
# ''[[Milap (1955 film)|Milap]]'' (1955)
* ''[[Basant Bahar (film)|Basant Bahar]]'' (1956)
# ''Musafirkhana'' (1955)
* ''[[Naya Daur (1957 film)|Naya Daur]]'' (1957)
# ''Society'' (1955)
* ''[[Mother India]]'' (1957)
# ''[[Pyaara Dushman (1955 film)|Pyaara Dushman]]'' (1955)
* ''[[Pyaasa]]'' (1957)
# ''Joru Ka Bhai'' (1955)
* ''[[Baarish (film)|Baarish]]'' (1957)
# ''[[House No. 44]]'' (1955)
* ''[[Ghar Sansar (1958 film)|Ghar Sansar]]'' (1958)
# ''Bindiya'' (1955)
* ''[[Char Dil Char Rahen (1959)|Char Dil Char Rahen]]'' (1959)
# ''[[Rukhsana (film)|Rukshana]]'' (1955)
* ''[[Shararat (1959 film)|Shararat]]'' (1959)
# ''Sati Madalasa'' (1955)
* ''Kali Topi Lal Rumal'' (1959)
# ''Navratri'' (1955)
* ''[[Ujala]]'' (1959)
# ''Hatimtai Ki Beti'' (1955)
* ''[[Kohinoor (1960 film)|Kohinoor]]'' (1960)
# ''[[Kundan (1955 film)|Kundan]]'' (1955)
* ''[[Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere]]'' (1960)
# ''[[Funtoosh]]'' (1956)
* ''[[Son of India (1962 film)|Son Of India]]'' (1962)
# ''[[Mem Sahib]]'' (1956)
* ''King Kong'' (1962)
# ''Bhagam Bhag'' (1956)
* ''Sher Khan'' (1962)
# ''Hamara Watan'' (1956)
* ''[[Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo]]'' (1963, Bhojpuri)
# ''[[Ek Hi Raasta (1956 film)|Ek Hi Raasta]]'' (1956)
* ''[[Laagi Nahi Chhute Ram]]'' (1963, Bhojpuri)
# ''Lalkaar'' (1956)
* ''[[Mr. X in Bombay]]'' (1964)
# ''Malika'' (1956)
* ''[[Ganga Ki Lahren]]'' (1964)
# ''Zindagi Ke Mele'' (1956)
* ''[[Ek Sapera Ek Lutera]]'' (1965)
# ''[[Naya Andaz]]'' (1956)
* ''[[Shreeman Funtoosh]]'' (1965)
# ''Kar Bhala'' (1956)
* ''[[Raja Aur Runk]]'' (1968)
# ''Dhasehra'' (1956)
* ''[[Aankhen (1968 film)|Ankhen]]'' (1968)
# ''Dhola Maru'' (1956)
* ''[[Gunah Aur Kanoon]]'' (1970)
# ''[[C.I.D. (1956 film)|C.I.D.]]'' (1956)
* ''[[Geet (1970 film)|Geet]]'' (1970)
# ''Sipahsalar'' (1956)
* ''[[Aan Baan (1972 film)|Aan Baan]]'' (1972)
# ''Naqaab Posh'' (1956)
* ''[[Lalkar]]'' (1972)
# ''Mr. Chakram'' (1956)
* ''[[Dhamkee]]'' (1973)
# ''Gauri Puja'' (1956)
* ''[[Jalte Badan]]'' (1973)
# ''Basant Panchami'' (1956)
* ''[[Ek Kunwari Ek Kunwara]]'' (1973)
# ''[[Basant Bahar (film)|Basant Bahar]]'' (1956)
# ''Samundari Daku'' (1956)
# ''[[Naya Daur (1957 film)|Naya Daur]]'' (1957)
# ''Bada Bhai'' (1957)
# ''[[Mother India]]'' (1957)
# ''[[Pyaasa]]'' (1957)
# ''Patal Pari'' (1957)
# ''Anjali'' (1957)
# ''[[Dushman (1957 film)|Dushman]]'' (1957)
# ''[[Baarish (film)|Baarish]]'' (1957)
# ''Bansari Bala'' (1957)
# ''Ustad'' (1957)
# ''[[Ghar Sansar (1958 film)|Ghar Sansar]]'' (1958)
# ''Mr. Qartoon M.A'' (1958)
# ''Bhala Aadmi'' (1958)
# ''[[Char Dil Char Rahen (1959)|Char Dil Char Rahen]]'' (1959)
# ''Do Gunde'' (1959)
# ''[[Shararat (1959 film)|Shararat]]'' (1959)
# ''Commander'' (1959)
# ''[[Madhu (1959 film)|Madhu]]'' (1959)
# ''Kali Topi Lal Rumal'' (1959)
# ''[[Ujala (film)|Ujala]]'' (1959)
# ''Gokul Ka Chor'' (1959)
# ''[[Kohinoor (1960 film)|Kohinoor]]'' (1960)
# ''Duniya Jhukti Hai'' (1960)
# ''[[Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere]]'' (1960)
# ''Barood'' (1960)
# ''Nache Nagin Baje Been'' (1960)
# ''Rangeela Raja'' (1960)
# ''Shan-E-Hind'' (1960)
# ''Tu Nahin Aur Sahi'' (1960)
# ''Aplam Chaplam'' (1961)
# ''Karorepati'' (1961)
# ''Salam Memsaab'' (1961)
# ''Shola Jo Bhadke'' (1961)
# ''Tel Malish Boot Polish'' (1961)
# ''[[Son of India (1962 film)|Son Of India]]'' (1962)
# ''King Kong'' (1962)
# ''Sher Khan'' (1962)
# ''Burmah Road'' (1962)
# ''[[Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo]]'' (1962, Bhojpuri)
# ''[[Laagi Nahi Chhute Ram]]'' (1963, Bhojpuri)
# ''[[Mr. X in Bombay]]'' (1964)
# ''[[Ganga Ki Lahren]]'' (1964)
# ''Baghi Shehzada'' (1964)
# ''Qawwali Ki Raat'' (1964)
# ''Ek Sapera Ek Lutera'' (1965)
# ''Shreeman Funtoosh'' (1965)
# ''[[Sau Saal Baad]]'' (1966)
# ''Labela'' (1966)  
# ''[[Main Wahi Hoon]]'' (1966)
# ''Shera Damu'' (1966)
# ''Smuggler'' (1966)
# ''Duniya Nachegi'' (1967)  
# ''[[Raja Aur Runk]]'' (1968)
# ''[[Aankhen (1968 film)|Ankhen]]'' (1968)
# ''[[Gunah Aur Kanoon]]'' (1970)
# ''[[Geet (1970 film)|Geet]]'' (1970)
# ''[[Aan Baan (1972 film)|Aan Baan]]'' (1972)
# ''[[Lalkar]]'' (1972)
# ''[[Dhamkee]]'' (1973)
# ''[[Jalte Badan]]'' (1973)
# ''[[Ek Kunwari Ek Kunwara]]'' (1973)
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}


Latest revision as of 21:06, 21 March 2026


Kumkum
Born
Zaibunnisa Khan

(1934-04-22)22 April 1934
Hussainabad of Sheikhpura, Bihar, British India
Died28 July 2020(2020-07-28) (aged 86)
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
OccupationActress
Years active1954–1973
Spouse(s)Sajjad Akbar Khan
Children1

Kumkum (born Zaibunnisa Khan; 22 April 1934 – 28 July 2020)[1] was an Indian actress.

She is best known for her roles in Ankhen (1968), Lalkaar (1972), Mother India (1957), Mr. X in Bombay (1964),[2] Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960), Son of India (1962), Kohinoor (1960), Ujala, Naya Daur, Shreeman Funtoosh, Ek Sapera Ek Lutera, Ganga Ki Laharen, Raja Aur Runk, Geet and Ek Kuwara Ek Kuwari. She paired with many film heroes of her era and was popular in roles alongside Kishore Kumar.

Kumkum also acted in Bhojpuri films, starting with Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo (1963), which was also the first ever Bhojpuri film.[3][4]

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Kumkum's birth name is Sayyeda Zaibunnisa. She was born in a Shia Islam family to Sayyed Manzoor Hassan Nawab of Hussainabad in Sheikhpura district of Bihar and Sayyeda Khursheeda Bano.

Kumkum married Sayyed Sajjad Akbar Khan who hailed from Lucknow, India and worked in Saudi Arabia. Kumkum shifted to Saudi Arabia after her marriage and returned to India after 23 years in 1995. The couple have only one child— Sayyeda Andaleeb Sajjad Khan (daughter).[5]

Career[edit | edit source]

Kumkum was discovered by Guru Dutt. Guru Dutt was to picturize the song "Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar Laaga Teere Nazar" for his movie Aar Paar (1954) on his friend Jagdeep (father of Javed Jaffery, Naved Jaffery), but later decided to picturize this song on a female actor. But at that time, no one agreed to do a small song. Then Guru Dutt finally picturized this song on Kumkum. Later, Kumkum was seen in a small role in Pyaasa (1957). The famous song "Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan" from C.I.D (1956), sung by Geeta Dutt was picturized on her. She was also paired alongside Shammi Kapoor in a side role in Mem Saheb (1956) and also in lead opposite Shammi Kapoor in Char Dil Char Raahein (1959). She became the first heroine to be cast opposite Dharmendra in his debut film Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere in 1960.

She was trained in Kathak by the noted Pandit, Shambhu Maharaj. She showed her dancing talents in the film Kohinoor (1960) with Dilip Kumar. "Madhuban Mein Radhika Nache Re" and "Haye Jaadugar Qaatil, Haazir Hai Mera Dil", sung by Asha Bhosle for Naushad were picturized on Kumkum. She was paired opposite Kishore Kumar in films like Ganga Ki Laharen, Shreeman Funtoosh, Haaye Mera Dil and Mr. X in Bombay. She was leading heroine in all-time favorite Hindi Sad song "mere mehboob kayamat hogi[permanent dead link]" from mr. x in Bombay. This was a science fiction movie of that time and Kumkum was a great star. The songs like "Khoobsurat Haseena" from Mr. X in Bombay, "Ijazat Ho Toh" from Haaye Mera Dil, "Sultana Sultana" from Shreeman Funtoosh and "Machalti Hui" from Ganga Ki Lahren, which were picturized on the pair Kishore-Kumkum remains popular since their release to this day.

Kumkum was a favorite choice for writer director Ramanand Sagar. Sagar decided to cast Kumkum as Dharmendra's sister in Ankhen, a super hit film of 1968. In 1970, for Geet, Kumkum was Ramanand Sagar's choice for a small role. In the 1972 hit film Lalkar, she was one of the four main leads and was paired opposite Dharmendra. Kumkum was paired with Kiran Kumar in Jalte Badan (1973), produced, directed and written once again by Sagar. She was paired opposite Vinod Khanna in Dhamkee in 1973 and the duet song "Chand Kya Hai Roop Ka Darpan" became hugely popular. She was paired opposite Pran in the comedy film Ek Kuwara Ek Kuwari, directed by Prakash Mehra, which was a blockbuster.

After her marriage, Kumkum left the industry.

Bhojpuri Films[edit | edit source]

Kumkum was one of the top stars in the first phase of Bhojpuri films which began with Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo (1962). In his book, Cinema Bhojpuri, Avijit Ghosh writes that she also acted in Laagi Nahi Chhute Ram (1963), Balma Bada Nadaan (1964), Naihar Chhutal Jaye (1964), Bhauji (1965) and Ganga (1965), which was also her home production. "Two heroines who ruled the first phase of Bhojpuri films were Kumkum and Naaz. Scripts were often written around their characters and to their credit, they often proved equal to the task," Ghosh writes in the same book.

Death[edit | edit source]

Kumkum died on 28 July 2020 at her residence in Mumbai, aged 86.[6]

Filmography[edit | edit source]

  1. Aar Paar (1954) as dancer in song "Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar" (Uncredited Role)
  2. Amar Kirtan (1954)
  3. Mirza Ghalib (1954)
  4. Gawaiya (1954)
  5. Noor Mahal (1954)
  6. Haseena (1955)
  7. Mr. & Mrs. '55 (1955)
  8. Jasoos (1955)
  9. Milap (1955)
  10. Musafirkhana (1955)
  11. Society (1955)
  12. Pyaara Dushman (1955)
  13. Joru Ka Bhai (1955)
  14. House No. 44 (1955)
  15. Bindiya (1955)
  16. Rukshana (1955)
  17. Sati Madalasa (1955)
  18. Navratri (1955)
  19. Hatimtai Ki Beti (1955)
  20. Kundan (1955)
  21. Funtoosh (1956)
  22. Mem Sahib (1956)
  23. Bhagam Bhag (1956)
  24. Hamara Watan (1956)
  25. Ek Hi Raasta (1956)
  26. Lalkaar (1956)
  27. Malika (1956)
  28. Zindagi Ke Mele (1956)
  29. Naya Andaz (1956)
  30. Kar Bhala (1956)
  31. Dhasehra (1956)
  32. Dhola Maru (1956)
  33. C.I.D. (1956)
  34. Sipahsalar (1956)
  35. Naqaab Posh (1956)
  36. Mr. Chakram (1956)
  37. Gauri Puja (1956)
  38. Basant Panchami (1956)
  39. Basant Bahar (1956)
  40. Samundari Daku (1956)
  41. Naya Daur (1957)
  42. Bada Bhai (1957)
  43. Mother India (1957)
  44. Pyaasa (1957)
  45. Patal Pari (1957)
  46. Anjali (1957)
  47. Dushman (1957)
  48. Baarish (1957)
  49. Bansari Bala (1957)
  50. Ustad (1957)
  51. Ghar Sansar (1958)
  52. Mr. Qartoon M.A (1958)
  53. Bhala Aadmi (1958)
  54. Char Dil Char Rahen (1959)
  55. Do Gunde (1959)
  56. Shararat (1959)
  57. Commander (1959)
  58. Madhu (1959)
  59. Kali Topi Lal Rumal (1959)
  60. Ujala (1959)
  61. Gokul Ka Chor (1959)
  62. Kohinoor (1960)
  63. Duniya Jhukti Hai (1960)
  64. Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960)
  65. Barood (1960)
  66. Nache Nagin Baje Been (1960)
  67. Rangeela Raja (1960)
  68. Shan-E-Hind (1960)
  69. Tu Nahin Aur Sahi (1960)
  70. Aplam Chaplam (1961)
  71. Karorepati (1961)
  72. Salam Memsaab (1961)
  73. Shola Jo Bhadke (1961)
  74. Tel Malish Boot Polish (1961)
  75. Son Of India (1962)
  76. King Kong (1962)
  77. Sher Khan (1962)
  78. Burmah Road (1962)
  79. Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo (1962, Bhojpuri)
  80. Laagi Nahi Chhute Ram (1963, Bhojpuri)
  81. Mr. X in Bombay (1964)
  82. Ganga Ki Lahren (1964)
  83. Baghi Shehzada (1964)
  84. Qawwali Ki Raat (1964)
  85. Ek Sapera Ek Lutera (1965)
  86. Shreeman Funtoosh (1965)
  87. Sau Saal Baad (1966)
  88. Labela (1966)
  89. Main Wahi Hoon (1966)
  90. Shera Damu (1966)
  91. Smuggler (1966)
  92. Duniya Nachegi (1967)
  93. Raja Aur Runk (1968)
  94. Ankhen (1968)
  95. Gunah Aur Kanoon (1970)
  96. Geet (1970)
  97. Aan Baan (1972)
  98. Lalkar (1972)
  99. Dhamkee (1973)
  100. Jalte Badan (1973)
  101. Ek Kunwari Ek Kunwara (1973)

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "86 की उम्र में अभिनेत्री कुमकुम का निधन, किशोर कुमार और गुरु दत्त के संग किया था काम". Amar Ujala (in हिन्दी).
  2. ↑ "In the name of the father". Screen Weekly. 16 January 2004. Archived from the original on 23 February 2004. Retrieved 31 August 2010.
  3. ↑ "Strong at 50, Bhojpuri cinema celebrates". The Indian Express. 14 February 2011.
  4. ↑ "Actor Kumkum passes away". 28 July 2020.
  5. ↑ "'Mother India' Actress Kumkum Biography: Birth, Death, Family, Films, Bollywood and Bhojpuri Career". Jagranjosh.com. 28 July 2020.
  6. ↑ "'Mother India' actress Kumkum passes away at 86". The Times of India. 28 July 2020. Retrieved 2 February 2021.

External links[edit | edit source]

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