Sad that Neecha Nagar didn`t get a mention at Cannes: Kaushal

New Delhi: Veteran actress Kamini Kaushal is upset that her film `Neecha Nagar`, the first Indian film to get recognition at the Cannes Film Festival, did not got any mention at this year`s carnival, which celebrated 100 years of Indian cinema.

"My debut film `Neecha Nagar` was the first Indian movie to get the best film award at Cannes and when this year they celebrated the 100 years of Indian cinema and were talking about the contribution of each film, they didn`t even mention my film," the 86-year-old actress lamented. "I really feel sad about it because I have become old now and can understand it very well that once you have taken a back seat, you are forgotten," Kaushal said on the sidelines of presenting the repertoire of her films in the Capital. Directed by Chetan Anand, `Neecha Nagar` was the film with which Kaushal, started her film career. Thereafter, she starred in films including `Ziddi`, `Shaheed`, `Biraj Bahu` among many others. In her illustrious 67-year-long career, Kaushal has shared screen space with actors like Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand and Raj Kapoor. But among the three, she said she was most comfortable to work with her `Shaheed` co-star, Dilip Kumar. "Each of my heroes were different from each other. Raj was very extrovert and always used to bluff a lot on the set. He was a fun-loving guy. Dev was sincere and passionate about his craft. Dilip, like me, was quiet and I was most comfortable to work with him. We did many films together," said Kaushal, who never wanted to have a career in films. Kaushal also remembered playback legend Manna Dey, who had lent his voice in her film `Upkaar`. "I am sad about his demise. He was such a good singer. He had sung a song `Kasme Vaadein` in film `Upkaar`. He had such rich and vibrant voice. Everybody has to go and it is very unfortunate. But what they leave behind is the legacy of gorgeous music and uplifting moments," she said. Kaushal has also worked with several young Bollywood actors including Salman Khan, Rani Mukherjee, Ajay Devgn. Her last stint on the big screen was with Shah Rukh Khan in `Chennai Express`, where she played the superstar`s grandmother. "I don`t do films now because I am not keeping well these days. But when Shah Rukh came to me with his film, I couldn`t say no. Wish I had done Hrithik`s film also. My health didn`t permit me," she said. Pic Courtesy: www.india-forums.com