She started her carrier as a journalist with the Northern India Patrika in 1983. She then joined the Times of India and worked with it for the next 14 years. Kulsum also worked with the Indian Express, where she was looking at political issues. She has been associated with Doordarshan and All India Radio as well, where she scripted programmes on youth, women and social issues. She also regularly contributes to BBC, the German Radio and the Voice of America and was a stringer for the Associated Press.