Family bids tearful goodbye to Shukla Kumar, Rajendra Kumar’s wife; prayer meet details inside

New Delhi: Bollywood is in mourning as a key figure from one of its golden families bids farewell. Shukla Kumar, the quiet strength behind “Jubilee Kumar” Rajendra Kumar and devoted mother to star son Kumar Gaurav, has passed away.

Fans wonder, how did she shape their iconic legacy? A prayer meeting is set for January 10—details inside on her private life and family’s heartfelt loss.

Shukla Kumar’s prayer meet details

Shukla Kumar, wife of legendary actor Rajendra Kumar and mother of actor Kumar Gaurav, passed away recently, leaving the Hindi film fraternity and Kumar family admirers in deep sorrow. A prayer meeting in her memory will take place on January 10. Venue of the meet is 7 Pali Hills, Nargis Dutta Road in Bandra.

Though she stayed out of the spotlight, Shukla was the backbone of a respected Bollywood dynasty, watching Hindi cinema’s rise and changes up close during her marriage to Rajendra Kumar, known as “Jubilee Kumar” for his box-office hits.

Rajendra Kumar’s stardom era

Rajendra Kumar earned his nickname for a golden streak of silver-screen successes in the 1960s, a time when his films packed theatres across India. Shukla supported him through fame’s peaks and industry shifts, remaining a steady presence amid stardom’s ups and downs. Her low-key role highlighted family strength in Bollywood’s high-pressure world.

Kumar Gaurav’s meteoric rise

Shukla’s son Kumar Gaurav burst onto screens with the 1981 blockbuster Love Story opposite Vijeta Pandit, creating one of Hindi cinema’s biggest debuts and making him an overnight sensation. Fans thronged theatres, hailing him as the next superstar in an era defined by real crowd frenzy over media hype. He worked with top directors and stars, but later chose a quieter path.

Career fade and low profile

Unlike peers chasing constant fame, Kumar Gaurav’s career slowed due to personal choices, shifting tastes, and Bollywood’s evolution, leading him to step back from the limelight. Today, he keeps a low profile, yet remains a nostalgic favourite for film buffs recalling his brief reign.

Family’s enduring bond

Shukla’s life wove through Bollywood’s history, from Rajendra’s jubilee runs to Kumar Gaurav’s flash of glory, all while she nurtured from behind the scenes. Her departure marks the end of an era for the Kumar family, with the January 10 prayer meet inviting industry well-wishers to pay respects.