‘And… KUMKUM’

Nobody would have thought the year 2020, would be so devastating, depressing and sorrowful. As if the shock of covid 19 pandemic was not enough, the deaths of Hindi film industry stalwarts kept piling up. After Rishi Kapoor, Irfan Khan, Basu Chatterjee, Jagdeep, and Saroj Khan, now it is Kumkum. I was shocked with the sudden news of her sad demise. My humble tribute to the popular dancer actress of the yesteryear with a few of her songs, including dance numbers of course.

Kumkum is one of my favourite actresses of old Hindi cinema. She was not conventionally beautiful by Hindi movie standards, but she had something magical in her personality. Her charming smile and expressive eyes were her weapons. Her lively and energetic presence was enough to attract the audience. Dance was her main strength. She was a part of many popular Hindi films and has a number of popular dance numbers to her credit. Though she couldn’t grab lead roles in big banner films, her dance numbers in those films were immensely popular. I remember Basant Bahar, for Kumkum’s dances than for Nimmi and for me her dances from the movie Ujala score more than the other songs. Along with the dances, she would also be a supporting actress in the movie.

Kali Topi Lal Rumal: Credits

But her charisma was so much that she used to be credited at the end with a tag, ‘And’ Kumkum. Of course it’s there only for a few selected films. Such popularity was experienced only by a few superstars. But Kumkum achieved it, even if she was never at the top.

She was a trained Kathak dancer, a disciple of Pandit Shambhu Maharaj. I think all the Kathak dancers are excellent in facial expressions and Kumkum wasn’t an exception. Born as Zebunissa, in the 1930s, she took the screen name, Kumkum. There is no exact information about her first appearance in Hindi films. She used to agree that she came into limelight in 1954, when Guru Dutt offered her the title track of the movie, Aar Paar. The song sung by Shamshad Begum was a huge hit. The same year saw her acting in Sohraab Modi’s ‘Mirza Ghalib’, where again Shamshad Begum lent her voice to Kumkum.

Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar Laga Teer e Nazar – Aar Paar (1954) Shamshad Begum / O P Nayyar – Majrooh
Kumkum’s first popular Hindi film appearance was with this song. She portrayed a labourer lady working at a construction site. The story goes like this, the song was supposed to get picturised on an actress, but no one was easily available for such a small role. Finally the newcomer Kumkum was finalized and it opened the gates of success for her. Though her role was not credited, she got instant recognition with the song. And then there was no looking back. See how perfect she looks in the simple attire.

Chali Pee Ke Nagar – Mirza Ghalib (1954) Shamshad Begum / Ghulam Mohhamad – Shakeel Badayuni
A good dance number from one of her earlier films.

Afterwards, Guru Dutt offered her small supporting roles in Mr and Mrs 55, C I D, Pyaasa etc. While she played a supporting role in Memsahib (1956), she was opposite Shammi Kapoor in Char Dil Char Raahen (1959). She was also a part of Naya Daur, which became a hit movie.

Ae Dil Hai Muskhil Jeena Yahan – C I D (1956) Rafi & Geeta Dutt / O P Nayyar – Majrooh
Kumkum appears a little late in the song, but she is confident in front of Johnny Walker. Her simple attire does enhance her beauty. And her expressions are spot on.

Reshmi Shalwar Kurta Jali Ka – Naya Daur (1957) Shamshad Begum & Asha Bhosle / O P Nayyar – Sahir
A stage performance in a Nautanki. Meenu Mumtaz and Kumkum sing and dance on a typical Punjabi tune. Both the ladies do a fantastic job as apparent from the responses of the audience, which goes completely crazy about them. With her good expressions Kumkum steals the show.

I’ve already mentioned the films Basant Bahar and Ujala. Kali Topi Lal Rumal and Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere can also be cited as her popular films in the late 1950s.

Ja Ja Re Ja Balamwa – Basant Bahar (1956) Lata Mangeshkar / Shankar Jaikishan – Shailendra
Kumkum plays a court dancer in the movie (or so I think), and the song showcases her Kathak talent. Fortunately the camera has captured closeups of her facial expressions, which seem apt. Full marks to her dancing, and of course to the tune and Lata Mangeshkar.

Tera Jalwa Jisne Dekha – Ujala (1959) Lata Mangeshkar / Shankar Jaikishan – Shailendra
As I said already, the songs picturised on Kumkum are more popular than the ones picturised on the lead actress of the movie. Her graceful dancing, smiling face and innocence capture your mind. She’s in full swing in the song.

Daga Daga Wai Wai Wai – Kali Topi Lal Rumal (1959) Lata Mangeshkar / Chitragupt – Majrooh
Kumkum played a simple village girl who sells toys. Her energetic and pleasant screen presence makes the film more crisp. She helps Shakila gain entry into Chandrashekhar’s home by distracting the guards and other servants. All of them fall prey to her luring expressions and easily enter the house. The song has an infectious rhythm and Kumkum dances exactly to the beats.
The song was extremely popular and continues to be. It was one of the major highlights of the film,which was otherwise forgettable.

Chhed Na Sajna Kuchh to Samajhna – Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960) Suman Kalyanpur & Chorus / Kalyanji Anandji – K L Pardesi
Kumkum in typical Maharashtrian Sari (नऊवारी साडी) dancing on a tune sounding somewhat like a लावणी. She looks good and of course dances good. I think for most of her songs, she was dressed up in a simple Saree or Ghagra.

Kohinoor (1960) added a feather to her cap when she showcased her dancing talent in a couple of songs from the movie.

Madhuban Mein Radhika Nache – Kohinoor (1960) Rafi / Naushad – Shakeel Badayuni
Jugalbandi between the singer, Dilip Kumar and the dancer, Kumkum. Kumkum’s training in Kathak dance can be well appreciated in the song. Her facial expressions on the lyrics are superb! I wish there were more closeups of her in the song, than Dilip Kumar’s face.

Mehboob offered her a supporting role opposite Rajendra Kumar in Mother India and later offered her a main lead in Son Of India in 1962.

Dil Todanewale Tujhe Dil Dhoondh Raha Hai – Son Of India (1962) Lata Mangeshkar & Rafi / Naushad – Shakeel Badayuni
I have loved the song since school days, and though Kumkum doesn’t dance in it, her expressions of anguish are perfect.
I think at least some of the readers would expect Diya Na Bujhe Re at this position. But I remember it more for the set, and the music and Lata’s rendition, than for Kumkum.

But for most of her career, she was a supporting actress, though she always remained popular.
In the films, Ganga Ki Lehren and Mr X in Bombay, her pairing with Kishore Kumar was very popular and both the films are still remembered for songs and Kumkum’s dances.

Machalti Hui Hawa Mein – Ganga Ki Lehren (1963) Lata Mangeshkar & Kishore Kumar / Chitragupt – Majrooh
Though not a romantic song, it’s one of the most popular songs in the movie. It talks about the playful waves of the river Ganga, which is considered a sacred river. The music also exudes cheerfulness. Kishore Kumar and Kumkum travelling on different boats, salute the river. A thoroughly enjoyable song.

Khubsoorat Haseena Jaan e Jaa – Mr X in Bombay (1964) Lata Mangeshkar & Kishore Kumar / Laxmikant Pyarelal – Anand Bakshi 
And for a change, Kumkum appears in chic outfits in the song. No simple Saree or Ghagra Choli! She looks glamorous and beautiful. Look at her expressions of joy and astonishment when the car flies in the air. Also look at the disappointment on her face, when Kishore Kumar says, तू नहीं तू नहीं वो हसीन तो सनम कोई और ही हैं.
The song is very catchy and melodious. The journey of Laxmikant Pyarelal in the 1960s is very interesting, I should think of it as a topic for future posts.

She did act as main lead in B grade movies, but despite her successful career, she was unfortunately never considered a top heroine.

Zulfen Ulajhi Hai Mere Kangana Se – Burma Road (1962) Lata Mangeshkar / Chitragupt – Majrooh
The song has appeared on one of my earlier lists. Under the influence of alcohol, Kumkum tries to seduce Suresh Kumar. The expressions in Lata’s voice and on Kumkum’s face match so well. There is a sensuous aura about the song, but it never turns vulgar.

Mera Naam Hai Chameli – Raja Aur Runk (1968) Lata Mangeshkar / Laxmikant Pyarelal – Anand Bakshi
Kumkum lays a trap for daroga babu, who very easily falls for it. Kumkum and the team achieve the ultimate aim to free Sanjeev Kumar from jail. It all appears too easy, but it’s a film after all. Kumkum’s expressions are good as usual.

With her good facial expressions, she was a good actress as well. She was acclaimed for dancing and acting both.
In addition to Hindi films, she also acted in Bhojpuri films. In fact she featured in the first ever Bhojpuri film, Ganga Maiya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo (1963). She worked in a couple of films more in Bhojpuri films.
She acted in a few of the movies by Ramanand Sagar, Aankhen, Geet, Lalkaar, Jalte Badan are a few of the examples.

I’ll end the list with a devotional song from Aankhen, in contrast to her usual bubbly, happy characters in other films, we see a sad Kumkum requesting help from Lord Krishna. Her facial expressions are good in the song as well. She played the character of Dhamendra’s sister.

Meri Sun Le Araj Banwari – Aankhen (1968) Lata Mangeshkar / Ravi – Sahir

In 1973, Ek Kunwari Ek Kunwara was also successful. Her last film, Bombay By Night was released sometime in the late 70s, where she was opposite Sanjeev Kumar. But the film is now forgotten.

After her marriage in 1975, she settled abroad and lost touch with the industry for nearly two decades. In 1995 she came back to Mumbai with her family. She was very happy with her husband and only daughter. She was totally away from the glamour world.
She had a huge fan following and she was adored for memorable dance numbers and her natural acting. I am sure her fans still remember her bubbly, lively screen image in their souls.

We will miss you Kumkum. Rest in peace.

Please share your favourite songs or dances by Kumkum.

Disclaimer –
Mehfil Mein Meri, claims no credit for any image, screenshots or songs posted on this site. Images on this blog are posted to make the text interesting. The images and screenshots are the copyright of their original owners. The song links are shared from YouTube, only for the listening convenience of music lovers. The copyright of these songs rests with the respective owners, producers and music companies.