Veteran Bollywood actress Kumkum passed away on Tuesday. She was 86 years old. Her notable films are Mother India, Kohinoor, Ujala, Ek Sapera Ek Lootera, Naya Daur, Raja Aur Runk, Geet, Aankhen, Lalkar etc She was also the leading lady of first Bhojpuri film Ganga Maiya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo in 1963.

Kumkum, whose real name was Zaibunnissa, she hailed from Hussainabad in Sheikhpura district, Bihar. She died at around 11.30 am at her Bandra residence due to age-related issues, her sister-in-law Shenaz told a news agency.”Her last rites took place at Mazgaon cemetery,” Shenaz told to the news agency.

Mourning Kumkum’s death, singing legend Lata Mangeshkar tweeted, “I just got to know about the passing away of popular actor Kumkum. I’m really sad. May her soul rest in peace.”

Jagdeep’s son Naved Jafri had shared on Twitter, “We have lost another gem. I have known her since I was a kid and she was family, a superb artist and a fantastic human being, innalillahe wa innailaihe raajeoon. Rest in peace kunkum aunty.”

She was discovered by actor-director Guru Dutt in the 1950s, who cast her in ‘Aar Paar’ song for an uncredited role. She later earned a small role in Dutt’s ‘Pyaasa’ and ‘Mr & Mrs 55’.

Kumkum was one of those rare female stars of the classic era who did not shy away from playing supporting parts.

She also remembered for featuring in songs like ‘Madhuban Mein Radhika Nache Re’ from ‘Kohinoor’ (1960); ‘Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar’ from ‘Aar Paar’ (1954), ‘Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan’ from 1956’s ‘CID’ or ‘Reshmi Salwar Kurta Jaali Ka’ from ‘Naya Daur’ in 1957.

After her marriage to Sajjad Akbar Khan, Kumkum left the industry.