Kumkum View Biography 56 Views

Zaibunnissa was born into royalty in Bihar, learnt Kathak under Shambhu Maharaj and gained prominence in films by dancing to very some famous songs. She is Kumkum, the actress.

Now 85 years old ( b April 22, 1934), she had spent 20 active years in the industry and quit once she got married.

In 1954 Guru Dutt picturised a small song on her for the film Aar Paar and followed it up with the Geeta Dutt hit song Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan in CID. Small role ( Mem Saheb), dance roles ( Madhuban Mein Radhika Naachey Re), big roles ( Char Dil Char rahein), Kumkum was much sought after by filmmakers.

She had paired with Kishore Kumar for a number of films starting with Mr X in Bombay, Shriman Fantoosh, many of which are popular even today. Kumkum also featured in a number of block busters like Ek Kuwara Ek Kuwari and was the female lead in the first Bhojpuri film, Ganga Maiyya Teri Pyari Chadaibo.

She will be remembered for the picturisation of some of the evergreen songs of the fifties and sixties.