Meena Kumari

Meena Kumari in Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam

Meena Kumari with her father & sister

Baby Meena as Child Artist in 1941

Meena Kumari in Baiju Bawra

Kishore Kumar with Meena Kumari in Naya Andaz(1956)

Meena Kumari with Dilip Kumar in Yahudi

Meena Kumari (1 August 1933 – 31 March 1972) was an iconic Indian film actress, singer, and poet, who worked in Hindi cinema from the 1930s to the early 1970s. Born as Mahjabeen Bano, she is often remembered as the "Tragedy Queen" due to her frequent portrayal of sorrowful and dramatic roles in her films. Her performances have been acclaimed and celebrated in a variety of films, ranging from romantic dramas to complex tragedies.

Early Life

Meena Kumari was born into a poor theatre family in Bombay (now Mumbai), India. Her father, Ali Bux, was a veteran theatre actor, and her mother, Iqbal Begum, was a stage actress. Facing financial difficulties, her parents started her in films at a very young age for financial support. Kumari's introduction to the film industry was as a child actress in the film Leatherface (1939) under the name Baby Meena.

Career

Kumari's career spanned over three decades, during which she appeared in more than 90 films. Her breakthrough role came with the film Baiju Bawra (1952), for which she won her first Filmfare Award for Best Actress. This success was followed by a series of hit films, including Parineeta (1953), Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai (1960), Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962), and Kaajal (1965). Kumari was known for her ability to portray complex characters and her performances were often praised for their depth and emotion.

Personal Life

Meena Kumari's personal life was as tumultuous as the roles she portrayed on screen. She married director Kamal Amrohi in 1952, but their marriage was fraught with difficulties, leading to a separation in 1964. Kumari struggled with alcoholism, which ultimately affected her health.

Death

Meena Kumari passed away on 31 March 1972, shortly after the release of her film Pakeezah, which has since become a cult classic. Her death was attributed to liver cirrhosis, a result of her long-standing battle with alcoholism.

Legacy

Meena Kumari's legacy in Indian cinema is unparalleled. She is remembered not only for her exceptional acting skills but also for her contributions to poetry under the pen name "Naaz". Kumari's life and career have been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and a source of inspiration for many actors. Her portrayal of strong, suffering women has left an indelible mark on the industry, making her one of the most celebrated actresses in the history of Indian cinema.