By Jagmohan Singh Barhok
बचपन की याद
धीरे धीरे प्यार बन गयी
आ देख एक फुलवारी
अब गुलज़ार बन गयी
A favorite of Manoj Kumar, Kamini Kausahal has been heroine of several films with thespian Dilip Kumar like- Shaheed, Nadia Ke Paar,Shabnam & Arzoo.I had purchsed her photograph from a vendor at Chandni Chowk in 1962. It was a 2B size still from 1950 film ‘Arzoo’ showing both lying on a pile of hay. I also wached her film “Shaheed” at either Kumar or Majestic cinema in Delhi.The film featuring Dilip Kumar & Chandra Mohan had some lovely numbers rendered by Surinder Kaur like ‘Badnamm Na Ho Jaye’, ‘Hum Kahan Aur’ & ‘Aana Hai To Aa Jao. It highlighted struggle for independence.
Dilip was infatuated with her and wanted to marry the actress but she denied as she was already married.She later became a permanent feature in Manoj Kumar films like-Shaheed,Upkar,Purab Aur Paschim, Sanyasi, Shor, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan & Dus Numbari. She also featured as a glamorous vamp in Sanjeev Kumar, Leena Chandavarkar starrer ‘Anhonee'(1973) directed by Ravi Tandon.
In mid 1960s the actress started playing side roles beginning with “Shaheed” starring Manoj Kumar,Prem Chopra & Pran.Her other notable films include – Vishwas, Yakeen, Aadmi Aur Insaan & Kabeela.She featured in “Prem Nagar” starring Rajesh Khanna & Hema Malini as the former’s mother. Khanna played a womanizer & alcoholic in the film. The film was successful at the Box office.
