Meena Kumari

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Meena Kumari

Name	Meena Kumari
Birth name
Birth date	1 August 1933
Birth place	Bombay, Bombay Presidency, British India
Death date	31 March 1972
Death place	Bombay, Maharashtra, India
Alma mater
Occupation	Actress, Poet
Years active	1939–1972
Organization
Known for
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Meena Kumari (born Mahjabeen Bano; 1 August 1933 – 31 March 1972) was an iconic Indian actress and poet, often referred to as "The Tragedy Queen" of Hindi cinema. Her career spanned over three decades, during which she appeared in more than 90 films. Meena Kumari is celebrated for her emotive performances and is considered one of the most talented actresses in the history of Indian cinema.

Early Life

Meena Kumari was born in Bombay, British India, into a family with a background in the performing arts. Her father, Ali Bux, was a veteran of Parsi theatre, and her mother, Iqbal Begum, was a stage actress and dancer. Meena Kumari began her career as a child artist at the age of six, appearing in the film Leatherface (1939).

Career

Meena Kumari's breakthrough role came with the film Baiju Bawra (1952), which established her as a leading actress in the Hindi film industry. Her portrayal of emotionally complex characters in films such as Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962), Pakeezah (1972), and Phool Aur Patthar (1966) earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards.

Notable Films

• Baiju Bawra (1952)
• Parineeta (1953)
• Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962)
• Pakeezah (1972)
• Phool Aur Patthar (1966)

Personal Life

Meena Kumari's personal life was marked by tumultuous relationships and health issues. She married filmmaker Kamal Amrohi in 1952, but the marriage was fraught with difficulties, leading to their separation. Her struggles with alcoholism and depression were well-documented, and she often channeled her personal pain into her performances.

Poetry

In addition to her acting career, Meena Kumari was a talented poet, writing under the pseudonym "Naaz." Her poetry, often reflective of her personal experiences and emotions, was published posthumously in a collection titled Tanha Chand.

Death

Meena Kumari passed away on 31 March 1972, at the age of 38, due to cirrhosis of the liver. Her death marked the end of an era in Hindi cinema, and she left behind a legacy of unforgettable performances.

Legacy

Meena Kumari's contribution to Indian cinema is celebrated to this day. Her films continue to be studied for their artistic merit, and she remains an inspiration for actors and filmmakers. Her life and career have been the subject of numerous books and documentaries.

Also see

• Bollywood
• Kamal Amrohi
• Hindi cinema
• Indian actresses