Meena Kumari on:
[Wikipedia]
[Google]
[Amazon]
Meena Kumari (born Mahjabeen Bano; 1 August 1933 – 31 March 1972) was an Indian actress and poet, who worked in
Hindi
Hindi (Devanāgarī: or , ), or more precisely Modern Standard Hindi (Devanagari: ), is an Indo-Aryan language spoken chiefly in the Hindi Belt region encompassing parts of northern, central, eastern, and western India. Hindi has been ...
films. Popularly known as ''The Tragedy Queen'', she was active between 1939 and 1972. Kumari is widely considered one of the greatest actress of Indian cinema
The Cinema of India consists of motion pictures produced in India, which had a large effect on world cinema since the late 20th century. Major centers of film production across the country include Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, ...
. In a career spanning 33 years, she starred in over 90 films until her premature death in 1972.
Meena Kumari won four Filmfare Awards
The Filmfare Awards are annual awards that honour artistic and technical excellence in the Hindi-language film industry of India.Al The Filmfare ceremony is one of the most famous film events in India. The awards were first introduced by th ...
in the Best Actress category. She was the recipient of the inaugural Filmfare Best Actress Award
The Filmfare Award for Best Actress is given by ''Filmfare'' as part of its annual Filmfare Awards for Hindi films, to recognise the female actor who has delivered an outstanding performance in a leading role. The award was first given in 1954 ...
for '' Baiju Bawra'' in 1954 and had a consecutive win in the second Filmfare Awards
The Filmfare Awards are annual awards that honour artistic and technical excellence in the Hindi-language film industry of India.Al The Filmfare ceremony is one of the most famous film events in India. The awards were first introduced by th ...
(1955) for '' Parineeta''. Kumari made history at the 10th Filmfare Awards (1963), by receiving all three of the Best Actress nominations, and won for her performance in ''Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam
''Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam'' () is a 1962 Indian Hindi-language drama film that was directed by Abrar Alvi and produced by Guru Dutt, who also co-stars in it alongside Meena Kumari, Rehman, and Waheeda Rehman. The film, which is based on Bimal M ...
''. In the 13th Filmfare Awards (1966), she won her last Best Actress award for ''Kaajal
''Kaajal'' () is a 1965 Bollywood film produced by Pannalal Maheshwari and directed by Ram Maheshwari. The film stars Meena Kumari, Raaj Kumar, Dharmendra, Padmini, Mumtaz, Mehmood, Durga Khote, Helen. The film's music is by Ravi.
The film i ...
''. Critics often note that her character in ''Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam'' was similar to the story of her life.
Family background
Meena Kumari's father was aSunni Muslim
Sunni Islam () is the largest branch of Islam, followed by 85–90% of the world's Muslims. Its name comes from the word '' Sunnah'', referring to the tradition of Muhammad. The differences between Sunni and Shia Muslims arose from a disagre ...
named Master Ali Bux who had migrated from Bhera
Bhera ( pa, ; ur, ) is a city and tehsil of Sargodha District, Punjab province of Pakistan. The city is known for wood-carved items, textiles (such as quilts and khussas), and certain desserts (such as pheonian and pateesa).
The city i ...
(now in Pakistan
Pakistan ( ur, ), officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan ( ur, , label=none), is a country in South Asia. It is the world's List of countries and dependencies by population, fifth-most populous country, with a population of almost 24 ...
). He was a veteran of Parsi theater, played harmonium, wrote Urdu
Urdu (;"Urdu"
'' Meena Kumari's mother Iqbal Begum, whose original name was Prabhavati Devi, was a Christian who later converted to Islam upon her marriage. Iqbal Begum was the second wife of Ali Bux. Before meeting and then marrying Ali Bux, she was a stage actress and was said to be related to the
Meena was cast under the name Meena Kumari in Ramnik Production's '' Bachchon Ka Khel'' (1946). One of the major blows in Kumari's life was the death of her mother who died on 25 March 1947.
'' Duniya Ek Sarai'' (1946), '' Piya Ghar Aaja'' (earlier titled ''Jalan'') (1948) and '' Bichchade Balam'' (1948) were some of her early films in which she not only acted but also sang songs. By the late 1940s, she shifted her focus to films belonging to either mythology or fantasy genres. '' Veer Ghatotkach'' (1949), '' Shri Ganesh Mahima'' (1950), ''
*1954: ''
*1956: '' Mem Sahib'' – directed by R.C. Talwar, featured Meena Kumari for the first time with
*1959: ''
*1962: ''
The idea of ''Pakeezah'' came into existence in 1954, followed by its muhrat in 1956. Meena Kumari was determined to complete the film and, well aware of the limited time left for her to live, went out of her way to complete it at the earliest. Despite her rapidly deteriorating health, she gave the finishing touches to her performance.
''Pakeezah'' had a grand premiere on 3 February 1972, at Maratha Mandir theatre, in central
Three weeks after the release of ''
'' Meena Kumari's mother Iqbal Begum, whose original name was Prabhavati Devi, was a Christian who later converted to Islam upon her marriage. Iqbal Begum was the second wife of Ali Bux. Before meeting and then marrying Ali Bux, she was a stage actress and was said to be related to the
Tagore family
The Tagore family (also spelled as ''Thakur''), with over three hundred years of history,Deb, Chitra, pp 64–65. has been one of the leading families of Calcutta, India, and is regarded as one of the key influencers during the Bengali Renaissa ...
of Bengal
Bengal ( ; bn, বাংলা/বঙ্গ, translit=Bānglā/Bôngô, ) is a geopolitical, cultural and historical region in South Asia, specifically in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent at the apex of the Bay of Bengal, predom ...
.
Connection with Tagore family
It is said that Meena Kumari's grandmother, Hem Sundari Tagore was either the daughter or a widow ofRabindranath Tagore
Rabindranath Tagore (; bn, রবীন্দ্রনাথ ঠাকুর; 7 May 1861 – 7 August 1941) was a Bengali polymath who worked as a poet, writer, playwright, composer, philosopher, social reformer and painter. He resh ...
's distant cousin. After the death of her husband, being forced by his family, she left for Meerut, became a nurse, married a Christian named Pyare Lal Shakir Meeruti (1880–1956) who was an Urdu journalist and embraced Christianity. Hem Sundari had two daughters; one of them was Prabhavati, Meena Kumari's mother.
Birth and childhood
Meena Kumari was born with the name Mahjabeen to Ali Bux and Iqbal Begum on 1 August 1933. This was a great disappointment to Ali Bux as he wanted a son. Meena Kumari was the second daughter and had two sisters; the elder named Khursheed Jr. (notKhursheed Bano
:''This is about the Indian performer. For people so surnamed, see Khurshid.''
Khursheed Bano ( ur, ) (14 April 1914 – 18 April 2001), often credited as Khursheed or Khurshid, was a singer and actress, and a pioneer of the Indian cinema. He ...
) and the younger Mahliqa (aka Madhu, a former child artist married to actor Mehmood
Mahmud is a transliteration of the male Arabic given name (), common in most parts of the Islamic world. It comes from the Arabic triconsonantal root Ḥ-M-D, meaning ''praise'', along with ''Muhammad''.
Siam Mahmud
*Mahmood (singer) (born 19 ...
) Her family could not afford to pay the doctor for her delivery, so her father decided to leave her at an orphanage. He changed his mind a few hours later and fetched her home.
Mahjabeen said as a child that she was not keen on a film career, and would rather attend school. Despite this, her parents started peddling her to film studios for work opportunities. Director Vijay Bhatt
Vijay Bhatt (born Vrajlal Jagneshwar Bhatt; 12 May 1907 – 17 October 1993) was a producer-director-screenwriter of Hindi cinema, who made such films as '' Ram Rajya'' (1943), ''Baiju Bawra'' (1952), ''Goonj Uthi Shehnai'' (1959) and '' Himal ...
cast Mahjabeen in the film '' Leatherface'' and on her first day she was paid Rs. 25.
''Leatherface'' was released in 1939. She became the breadwinner in the Bux family at a very young age. In an interview given in 1962, Meena Kumari explained that the fact she had been supporting her parents from the age of four gave her immense satisfaction. Mahjabeen was admitted into a regular school, but that was not for long, because the demands of work frequently interrupted her curriculum. She never went to school in any meaningful sense, and her education was the result of private tuition, and more significantly the result of individual interest; in every sense she was self-educated.
Career
Early work as Baby Meena (1939–45)
Meena Kumari began acting when she was four. She initially worked mostly inVijay Bhatt
Vijay Bhatt (born Vrajlal Jagneshwar Bhatt; 12 May 1907 – 17 October 1993) was a producer-director-screenwriter of Hindi cinema, who made such films as '' Ram Rajya'' (1943), ''Baiju Bawra'' (1952), ''Goonj Uthi Shehnai'' (1959) and '' Himal ...
productions; '' Leather Face'' (1939), '' Adhuri Kahani'' (1939), '' Pooja'' (1940) and '' Ek Hi Bhool'' (1940). Vijay Bhatt rechristened Mahjabeen as "Baby Meena" during the filming of '' Ek Hi Bhool'' (1940).
More films followed for Baby Meena, namely '' Nai Roshni'' (1941), '' Bahen'' (1941), '' Kasauti'' (1941), '' Vijay'' (1942), '' Garib'' (1942), '' Pratiggya'' (1943) and '' Lal Haveli'' (1944).
Early career (1946–52)
Meena was cast under the name Meena Kumari in Ramnik Production's '' Bachchon Ka Khel'' (1946). One of the major blows in Kumari's life was the death of her mother who died on 25 March 1947.
'' Duniya Ek Sarai'' (1946), '' Piya Ghar Aaja'' (earlier titled ''Jalan'') (1948) and '' Bichchade Balam'' (1948) were some of her early films in which she not only acted but also sang songs. By the late 1940s, she shifted her focus to films belonging to either mythology or fantasy genres. '' Veer Ghatotkach'' (1949), '' Shri Ganesh Mahima'' (1950), ''Laxmi Narayan
Lakshmi Narayana or Lakshmi-Narayan ( sa, लक्ष्मी-नारायण, IAST: ) is the dual representation of the Hindu deities Vishnu, also known as Narayana, and his consort, Lakshmi, traditionally featured in their abode, Vaikunth ...
'' (1951), '' Hanuman Patal Vijay'' (1951) and '' Aladdin Aur Jadui Chirag'' (1952) performed with credit. Other films such as '' Magroor'' (1950), '' Hamara Ghar'' (1950), ''Sanam
Sanam may refer to:
Places
* Sanam, Iran, a village in Iran
* Sanam, Niger, a commune in Niger
* Sanam, Sudan, a village in Sudan
Entertainment
* ''Sanam'' (1997 film), a 1997 Hindi drama film
* ''Sanam'' (1951 film), a 1951 Bollywood romanti ...
'' (1951), '' Madhosh'' (1951), and ''Tamasha
Tamasha ( mr, तमाशा) is a traditional form of Marathi theatre, often with singing and dancing, widely performed by local or travelling theatre groups within the state of Maharashtra, India."Tamasha", in James R. Brandon and Martin Banham ...
'' (1952) mostly had an ensemble cast. Meena Kumari's rise came with her mentor Vijay Bhatt
Vijay Bhatt (born Vrajlal Jagneshwar Bhatt; 12 May 1907 – 17 October 1993) was a producer-director-screenwriter of Hindi cinema, who made such films as '' Ram Rajya'' (1943), ''Baiju Bawra'' (1952), ''Goonj Uthi Shehnai'' (1959) and '' Himal ...
's musical, '' Baiju Bawra'' (1952).
Rising star (1952–56)
*1952: '' Baiju Bawra'' – Kumari played the female lead in the film. A series of incidents ranging from Hindustan Lever securing rising star Meena Kumari as a model for their products to being featured on the calendar of a popular beauty soap happened after the success of ''Baiju Bawra''. *1953: '' Parineeta'' – Directed byBimal Roy
Bimal Roy (12 July 1909 – 8 January 1966) was an Indian film director. He is particularly noted for his realistic and socialistic films such as '' Do Bigha Zamin'', '' Parineeta'', '' Biraj Bahu'', ''Devdas'', ''Madhumati'', '' Sujata'', '' ...
, (featuring Ashok Kumar
Kumudlal Ganguly (13 October 1911 – 10 December 2001), better known by his stage name Ashok Kumar and also by Dadamoni, was an Indian actor who attained iconic status in Indian cinema and who was a member of the cinematic Ganguly family.
He ...
and Meena Kumari in lead) the film won Kumari her second Filmfare Best Actress Award. It was based on the 1914 Bengali novel by Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay. '' Do Bigha Zamin'' – directed by Bimal Roy
Bimal Roy (12 July 1909 – 8 January 1966) was an Indian film director. He is particularly noted for his realistic and socialistic films such as '' Do Bigha Zamin'', '' Parineeta'', '' Biraj Bahu'', ''Devdas'', ''Madhumati'', '' Sujata'', '' ...
, won the International Prize at Cannes
Cannes ( , , ; oc, Canas) is a city located on the French Riviera. It is a commune located in the Alpes-Maritimes department, and host city of the annual Cannes Film Festival, Midem, and Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. The ...
in 1954, the first Indian film to do so. This film also marks the maiden guest appearance of Meena Kumari. '' Foot Path'' – directed by Zia Sarhadi
Zia Sarhadi ( ur, ضیا سرحدی; born Fazl-e-Qadir Sethi 1914 in Peshawar, North West Frontier Province – 27 January 1997 in Karachi, Sindh) was a Pakistani screenwriter and director of films in the Indian Film Industry, whose career s ...
, was Meena's first film with Dilip Kumar
Mohammed Yusuf Khan (; 11 December 1922 – 7 July 2021), better known by his stage name Dilip Kumar, was an Indian actor who worked in Hindi cinema. Credited with pioneering method acting in cinema, he dominated the Indian movie scene from ...
. This movie was featured in Avijit Ghosh's book, ''40 Retakes: Bollywood Classics You May Have Missed''. '' Daaera'' – was written and directed by Kamal Amrohi, starring Meena Kumari, Nasir Khan Nasir Khan may refer to:
* Nasir Khan (actor), Indian film actor
*Nasir Khan (Afghan cricketer), born 1998, Afghan cricketer
*Nasir Khan (Pakistani cricketer), born 1975, Pakistani cricketer
*Nasir Khan (FATA politician), Pakistani politician
* Nas ...
and Nana Palsikar in lead roles. Other films included ''Naulakha Haar
''Naulakha Haar'' is a 1953 Bollywood drama film produced by Ratnadeep Pictures and directed by Bal Chander Shuckla & Harsukh Bhatt. Bhola Srestha was the music director of this movie.
Plot
Devla (Durga Khote) is married in a prominent Rajput ...
'' and '' Daana Paani''.
*1954: ''Chandni Chowk
The Chandni Chowk, also known as Moonlight Square is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi, India. It is located close to the Old Delhi Railway Station. The Red Fort monument is located at the eastern end of Chandni Chowk. It was b ...
'' – directed by B. R. Chopra in 1954, a classic Muslim social drama film, was Chopra's second directorial venture and another success at the box office. '' Baadbaan''- directed by Phani Majumdar, had a star cast of Meena Kumari, Dev Anand
Dharamdev Pishorimal Anand (26 September 1923 – 3 December 2011), better known as Dev Anand, was an Indian actor, writer, director and producer known for his work in Hindi cinema, through a career that spanned over six decades. He was ...
, Ashok Kumar and Usha Kiran. '' Ilzaam'' – directed by R C Talwar, starring Meena Kumari and Kishore Kumar
Kishore Kumar (born as Abhas Kumar Ganguly (); 4 August 1929 – 13 October 1987) was an Indian playback singer and actor. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest, most influential and dynamic singers in the history of Indian music.
He ...
, also premiered.
*1955: In '' Azaad'', directed by Sriramulu Naidu S.M. Meena Kumari pranced gaily with Robinhood Dilip Kumar
Mohammed Yusuf Khan (; 11 December 1922 – 7 July 2021), better known by his stage name Dilip Kumar, was an Indian actor who worked in Hindi cinema. Credited with pioneering method acting in cinema, he dominated the Indian movie scene from ...
. It was the second highest-grossing Hindi
Hindi (Devanāgarī: or , ), or more precisely Modern Standard Hindi (Devanagari: ), is an Indo-Aryan language spoken chiefly in the Hindi Belt region encompassing parts of northern, central, eastern, and western India. Hindi has been ...
film that year and included hit song ''"Aplam Chaplam"'' sung by Lata Mangeshkar
Lata Mangeshkar () (born as Hema Mangeshkar; 28 September 1929 – 06 February 2022) was an Indian playback singer and occasional music composer. She is widely considered to have been the greatest and most influential singers in India. Her con ...
and Usha Mangeshkar
Usha Mangeshkar (born 15 December 1935) is an Indian singer who has recorded many Marathi, Manipuri, Hindi, Bengali, Kannada, Nepali, Bhojpuri, Gujarati and Assamese songs.
Personal life
Usha Mangeshkar is an Indian singer. She is the fou ...
. '' Adl-e-Jehangir'' – was a Hindi language historical drama film directed by G.P. Sippy, and it became a commercial success at the box office.''Bandish'' - directed by Satyen Bose starring Meena Kumari, Ashok Kumar, and Daisy Irani
Daisy Irani is an Indian television actress, director and producer from Singapore.
Biography
She was born to Gujarati film actress Padmarani and stage director Namdar Irani in Bombay, India. She is best known for appearing in the role of Dais ...
was a box office hit. '' Rukhsana'' - was directed by R.C. Talwar and starred Meena Kumari and Kishore Kumar.
*1956: '' Mem Sahib'' – directed by R.C. Talwar, featured Meena Kumari for the first time with Shammi Kapoor
Shammi Kapoor (born Shamsher Raj Kapoor; (pronounced ʌmːi kʌpuːɾ 21 October 1931 – 14 August 2011) was an Indian actor who worked in Hindi cinema. He is the recipient of two Filmfare Awards, winning in the categories of Best Actor for ...
. The modern avatar of Meena Kumari was well received by audiences and the film became a box office hit. '' Ek Hi Raasta'' – was a film based on the issue of widow remarriage, directed and produced by B. R. Chopra. It starred Meena Kumari with newcomer Sunil Dutt
Sunil Dutt (born Balraj Dutt; 6 June 1929 — 25 May 2005) was an Indian actor, film producer, director and politician. Dutt was one of the major stars of Hindi cinema in the late 1950s and 1960s and continued to star in many successful film ...
, Ashok Kumar and Daisy Irani. The film proved to be successful at the box office and was screened for more than 25 weeks, which was a "Jubilee Hit". '' Bandhan'' - directed by Hemchandra Chunder, based on the popular Bengali novel ''Mantra Shakti'', starred Meena Kumari and Pradeep Kumar
Pradeep Kumar (born Sital Batabyal; 4 January 1925 – 3 November 2001) was an Indian actor who is recognized for his work in Hindi, Bengali and English-language films.
Career
When Kumar was 17 years old, he decided to take up acting. He sta ...
as leads and was awarded with a Certificate of Merit in National Film Awards
The National Film Awards is the most prominent film award ceremony in India. Established in 1954, it has been administered, along with the International Film Festival of India and the Indian Panorama, by the Indian government's Directorat ...
. '' Naya Andaz'' – directed by K. Amarnath, starring Meena Kumari and Kishore Kumar in lead roles, was a musical hit. '' Halaku'' – a historical, was directed by D.D. Kashyap which included Meena Kumari, Pran, Minoo Mumtaz, Raj Mehra
Raj Mehra 20 May 1913 1993), was an Indian character artist and film actor in Hindi language films, especially known for his role as a father of leading actors. During his career, he worked in over 300 Hindi films. Some of his popular roles a ...
and Helen
Helen may refer to:
People
* Helen of Troy, in Greek mythology, the most beautiful woman in the world
* Helen (actress) (born 1938), Indian actress
* Helen (given name), a given name (including a list of people with the name)
Places
* Helen, ...
. It was one of the box office hits and celebrated a silver jubilee.
Tragedy Queen of Indian Cinema (1957)
*1957: '' Sharada'' – directed byL.V. Prasad
Akkineni Laxmi Vara Prasada Rao (17 January 1907 – 22 June 1994), known professionally as L. V. Prasad, was an Indian film director, producer, actor, and businessman. He was one of the pioneers of Indian cinema and is the recipient of the Da ...
, was Meena Kumari's first venture with Raj Kapoor
Raj Kapoor (pronunciation: aːd͡ʒ kəpuːɾ born Shrishti Nath Kapoor; also known as Ranbir Raj Kapoor; 14 December 1924 2 June 1988) was an Indian actor, film director and producer, who worked in Hindi cinema. He is considered one of th ...
. She won best actress at Bengal Film Journalists' Association Award for her work. The film gained great critical success and was the ninth highest grossing film at the Indian Box Office in 1957. '' Miss Mary'' – a comedy film directed by L.V. Prasad
Akkineni Laxmi Vara Prasada Rao (17 January 1907 – 22 June 1994), known professionally as L. V. Prasad, was an Indian film director, producer, actor, and businessman. He was one of the pioneers of Indian cinema and is the recipient of the Da ...
, starred Meena Kumari and Gemini Ganesan
Ramasamy Ganesan (17 November 1920 – 22 March 2005), better known by his stage name Gemini Ganesan, was an Indian actor who worked mainly in Tamil cinema. He was referred to as the ''Kaadhal Mannan'' (King of Romance) for his romantic roles ...
. The film was one of the biggest hits of that year.
*1958: For ''Sahara
, photo = Sahara real color.jpg
, photo_caption = The Sahara taken by Apollo 17 astronauts, 1972
, map =
, map_image =
, location =
, country =
, country1 =
, ...
'' – directed by Lekhraj Bhakri, Meena Kumari received a Filmfare
''Filmfare'' is an Indian English-language fortnightly magazine published by Worldwide Media. Acknowledged as one of Indian most popular entertainment magazines, it publishes pieces involving news, interviews, photos, videos, reviews, events, an ...
nomination. ''Yahudi
''Yahudi'' (), is a 1958 Hindi-language action drama film directed by Bimal Roy. It starred Dilip Kumar, Meena Kumari, Sohrab Modi, Nazir Hussain, Nigar Sultana and others. It was based on the play ''Yahudi Ki Ladki'' by Agha Hashar Kashmi ...
'', directed by Bimal Roy
Bimal Roy (12 July 1909 – 8 January 1966) was an Indian film director. He is particularly noted for his realistic and socialistic films such as '' Do Bigha Zamin'', '' Parineeta'', '' Biraj Bahu'', ''Devdas'', ''Madhumati'', '' Sujata'', '' ...
starred Meena Kumari, Dilip Kumar
Mohammed Yusuf Khan (; 11 December 1922 – 7 July 2021), better known by his stage name Dilip Kumar, was an Indian actor who worked in Hindi cinema. Credited with pioneering method acting in cinema, he dominated the Indian movie scene from ...
, Sohrab Modi, Nazir Hussain and Nigar Sultana. It was based on the play ''Yahudi Ki Ladki
''Yahudi Ki Ladki'' (The Jew's Daughter) is a historical Urdu play by Agha Hashar Kashmiri, on the theme of persecution of Jews by the Romans. It was first published in 1913. The play became his best known work, and a classic in Parsi-Urdu theatr ...
'' by Agha Hashar Kashmiri
Agha Hashar Kashmiri (born Muhammad Shah, 3 April 1879 – 1 April 1935) was an Urdu poet, playwright and dramatist. A number of his plays were Indian Shakespearean adaptations.
Early life
He started to show interest in stage dramas and mo ...
, a classic in Parsi
Parsis () or Parsees are an ethnoreligious group of the Indian subcontinent adhering to Zoroastrianism. They are descended from Persians who migrated to Medieval India during and after the Arab conquest of Iran (part of the early Muslim conq ...
– Urdu theatre, about persecution of Jews in the Roman Empire. The film was a box office hit with the famous song ''"Yeh Mera Diwanapan Hai"'' sung by Mukesh Mukesh is an epithet for the Hindu god Shiva, and literally means "conqueror of the Muka demon". It also means god of 3 worlds, heaven, hell & earth, which in turn represents Hindu god Shiva. It is commonly used as a male given name in India. Peopl ...
. ''Farishta
Fereshteh/ Fereshtah (also transliterated as Freshteh or Ferishteh or Freshta, fa, فرشته ''fereshteh'' / ''fereshtah'' ) is a feminine given name of Persian origin meaning angel, one of the most popular names in the Persian-speaking world.
...
'' – starred Ashok Kumar and Meena Kumari as protagonists. The film was rated as above average. ''Savera
''Savera'' is a Bollywood drama film directed by Virendra C. Desai. It was released in 1942
Events
Below, the events of World War II have the "WWII" prefix.
January
* January 1 – WWII: The Declaration by United Nations is s ...
'' – was directed by Satyen Bose, with Meena Kumari and Ashok Kumar in lead roles.
*1959: ''Chirag Kahan Roshni Kahan
''Chirag Kahan Roshni Kahan'' () is a 1959 Indian Hindi-language film directed and produced by Devendra Goel. The film stars Rajendra Kumar as the protagonist Dr Anand and Meena Kumari, Honey Irani and Madan Puri in pivotal roles. The film wa ...
'', directed and produced by Devendra Goel
Devendra Goel (3 March 1919 – 26 February 1979) was an Indian film director and producer of Bollywood films and best known for his work in the 1950s and early 1960s.
He directed Aankhen on his debut. Devendra Goel also directed the Marathi ...
, stars Meena Kumari with Rajendra Kumar
Rajendra Kumar Tuli (20 July 1927 – 12 July 1999) was an Indian actor who starred in Bollywood films. Starting his career in 1949, he appeared in more than 80 films in a career spanning over four decades. He was popularly known as the 'Jubil ...
and Honey Irani. The film was a huge hit at the box office and Meena Kumari received a Filmfare
''Filmfare'' is an Indian English-language fortnightly magazine published by Worldwide Media. Acknowledged as one of Indian most popular entertainment magazines, it publishes pieces involving news, interviews, photos, videos, reviews, events, an ...
nomination for her performance in the Best Actress category . '' Char Dil Char Rahen'' – was directed by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas
Khwaja Ahmad Abbas (7 June 1914 – 1 June 1987) was an Indian film director, screenwriter, novelist, and journalist in Urdu, Hindi and English. He won four National Film Awards in India. Internationally, his films won the Palme d'Or (Golden ...
, with star cast Meena Kumari, Raj Kapoor
Raj Kapoor (pronunciation: aːd͡ʒ kəpuːɾ born Shrishti Nath Kapoor; also known as Ranbir Raj Kapoor; 14 December 1924 2 June 1988) was an Indian actor, film director and producer, who worked in Hindi cinema. He is considered one of th ...
, Shammi Kapoor
Shammi Kapoor (born Shamsher Raj Kapoor; (pronounced ʌmːi kʌpuːɾ 21 October 1931 – 14 August 2011) was an Indian actor who worked in Hindi cinema. He is the recipient of two Filmfare Awards, winning in the categories of Best Actor for ...
, Kumkum
Kumkuma is a powder used for social and religious markings in India. It is made from turmeric or any other local materials. The turmeric is dried and powdered with a bit of slaked lime, which turns the rich yellow powder into a red color.
In Indi ...
and Nimmi
Nawab Bano (18 February 1933 – 25 March 2020), better known by her stage name Nimmi, was an Indian screen actress who achieved stardom in the 1950s and early 1960s in Hindi films. She was one of the leading actresses of the "golden era" of Hin ...
. The film received warm reviews from critics. '' Shararat'' – was a 1959 romantic drama film written and directed by Harnam Singh Rawail, starring Meena Kumari, Kishore Kumar
Kishore Kumar (born as Abhas Kumar Ganguly (); 4 August 1929 – 13 October 1987) was an Indian playback singer and actor. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest, most influential and dynamic singers in the history of Indian music.
He ...
, Raaj Kumar
Raaj Kumar (born Kulbhushan Pandit; 8 October 1926 3 July 1996) was an Indian actor who worked in Hindi films. He appeared in the Oscar-nominated 1957 film '' Mother India'' and starred in over 70 Hindi films in a career that spanned over fo ...
and Kumkum
Kumkuma is a powder used for social and religious markings in India. It is made from turmeric or any other local materials. The turmeric is dried and powdered with a bit of slaked lime, which turns the rich yellow powder into a red color.
In Indi ...
in lead roles, with the memorable song ''"Hum Matwaley Naujawan"'' sung by Kishore Kumar
Kishore Kumar (born as Abhas Kumar Ganguly (); 4 August 1929 – 13 October 1987) was an Indian playback singer and actor. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest, most influential and dynamic singers in the history of Indian music.
He ...
. Film '' Chand'' directed by Lekhraj Bhakri focused on the effects of polygamy
Crimes
Polygamy (from Late Greek (') "state of marriage to many spouses") is the practice of marrying multiple spouses. When a man is married to more than one wife at the same time, sociologists call this polygyny. When a woman is marr ...
prior to The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. The film stars Kumari with Balraj Sahni
Brigadier Balraj (born Balasegaram Kandiah) was a senior commander of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
Early life
Balraj was the fifth and youngest child of Kandiah and Kannagias. He received his primary education in Kokkuthoduwaai ...
, Pandari Bai
Pandari Bai (1930 – 29 January 2003) was an Indian actress who worked in South Indian cinema, mostly in Kannada cinema during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. She is considered Kannada cinema's first successful heroine. She has acted as both heroi ...
and newcomer Manoj Kumar
Harikrishan Goswami (born 24 July 1937), better known by his screen name Manoj Kumar, is an Indian actor, filmmaker, screenwriter, lyricist and editor who worked in Hindi cinema. He is known for acting and making films with patriotic theme ...
in lead roles. Her other films released in 1959 were '' Ardhangini, Satta Bazaar, Madhu'' and ''Jagir''.
*1960: ''Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai
''Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai'' () is a 1960 Indian Hindi-language romantic drama film, produced by S. A. Bagar. It was written and directed by Kishore Sahu. The film stars Raaj Kumar, Meena Kumari and Nadira as leads. The film tells the story of a ...
'' was a Hindi romantic drama written and directed by Kishore Sahu. The film starred Meena Kumari, Raaj Kumar
Raaj Kumar (born Kulbhushan Pandit; 8 October 1926 3 July 1996) was an Indian actor who worked in Hindi films. He appeared in the Oscar-nominated 1957 film '' Mother India'' and starred in over 70 Hindi films in a career that spanned over fo ...
and Nadira as leads. The film narrates the story of a surgeon who is obligated to marry the daughter of a family friend, while he is in love with a colleague nurse, played by Meena Kumari. It is one of her noted acting performances. The film's music is by Shankar Jaikishan Shankar may refer to:
People
*Shankar (name), including a list of people with the name
* Sankar (writer) (Mani Shankar Mukherjee), Bengali writer
* L. Shankar, Indian violinist
* S. Shankar, Indian film director commonly credited as Shankar
*Sanka ...
, and features hit song, the Hawaiian-themed ''"Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh"'' sung by Lata Mangeshkar
Lata Mangeshkar () (born as Hema Mangeshkar; 28 September 1929 – 06 February 2022) was an Indian playback singer and occasional music composer. She is widely considered to have been the greatest and most influential singers in India. Her con ...
.'' Bahana'' – directed by Kumar, had a star cast inclusive of Meena Kumari, Sajjan, Mehmood
Mahmud is a transliteration of the male Arabic given name (), common in most parts of the Islamic world. It comes from the Arabic triconsonantal root Ḥ-M-D, meaning ''praise'', along with ''Muhammad''.
Siam Mahmud
*Mahmood (singer) (born 19 ...
, Helen
Helen may refer to:
People
* Helen of Troy, in Greek mythology, the most beautiful woman in the world
* Helen (actress) (born 1938), Indian actress
* Helen (given name), a given name (including a list of people with the name)
Places
* Helen, ...
, Pramila, Sulochana Latkar and Sheela Vaz. '' Kohinoor'' – directed by S. U. Sunny featured Meena Kumari, Dilip Kumar
Mohammed Yusuf Khan (; 11 December 1922 – 7 July 2021), better known by his stage name Dilip Kumar, was an Indian actor who worked in Hindi cinema. Credited with pioneering method acting in cinema, he dominated the Indian movie scene from ...
, Leela Chitnis
Leela Chitnis (''née'' Nagarkar; 9 September 1909 – 14 July 2003) was an Indian actress in the Indian film industry, active from 1930s to 1980s. In her early years she starred as a romantic lead, but she is best remembered for her later role ...
and Kumkum
Kumkuma is a powder used for social and religious markings in India. It is made from turmeric or any other local materials. The turmeric is dried and powdered with a bit of slaked lime, which turns the rich yellow powder into a red color.
In Indi ...
. A film of lighter tone, it lacked the intense characterisations of earlier films of both Dilip Kumar
Mohammed Yusuf Khan (; 11 December 1922 – 7 July 2021), better known by his stage name Dilip Kumar, was an Indian actor who worked in Hindi cinema. Credited with pioneering method acting in cinema, he dominated the Indian movie scene from ...
and Meena Kumari, who are otherwise known as the Tragedy King and Tragedy Queen respectively.
*1961: '' Bhabhi Ki Chudiyan'' was a family drama directed by Sadashiv J. Row Kavi with Meena Kumari and Balraj Sahni
Brigadier Balraj (born Balasegaram Kandiah) was a senior commander of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
Early life
Balraj was the fifth and youngest child of Kandiah and Kannagias. He received his primary education in Kokkuthoduwaai ...
in the lead roles. The film was one of the highest-grossing films of the year. '' Zindagi aur Khwab'' – directed S. Bannerjee, starring Meena Kumari and Rajendra Kumar
Rajendra Kumar Tuli (20 July 1927 – 12 July 1999) was an Indian actor who starred in Bollywood films. Starting his career in 1949, he appeared in more than 80 films in a career spanning over four decades. He was popularly known as the 'Jubil ...
, was a hit at the Indian box office. '' Pyaar Ka Saagar'' – was directed by Devendra Goel
Devendra Goel (3 March 1919 – 26 February 1979) was an Indian film director and producer of Bollywood films and best known for his work in the 1950s and early 1960s.
He directed Aankhen on his debut. Devendra Goel also directed the Marathi ...
with Meena Kumari and Rajendra Kumar
Rajendra Kumar Tuli (20 July 1927 – 12 July 1999) was an Indian actor who starred in Bollywood films. Starting his career in 1949, he appeared in more than 80 films in a career spanning over four decades. He was popularly known as the 'Jubil ...
.
Critical acclaim (1962)
;Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam ''Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam
''Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam'' () is a 1962 Indian Hindi-language drama film that was directed by Abrar Alvi and produced by Guru Dutt, who also co-stars in it alongside Meena Kumari, Rehman, and Waheeda Rehman. The film, which is based on Bimal M ...
'', a film produced by Guru Dutt
Vasanth Kumar Shivashankar Padukone (9 July 1925 – 10 October 1964), better known as Guru Dutt, was an Indian film director, producer, actor, choreographer, and writer.Rajadhyaksha, Ashish, and Paul Willemen. 9941998''Encyclopedia of India ...
and directed by Abrar Alvi
Abrar Alvi (1 July 1927 – 18 November 2009) was an Indian film writer, director and actor. Most of his notable work was done in the 1950s and 1960s with Guru Dutt. He wrote some of the most respected works of Indian cinema, including ''Sahib ...
featured Meena Kumari in the role of ''Chhoti Bahu''. It is based on the Bengali novel "''Saheb Bibi Golam
''Saheb Bibi Golam'' is a 1953 Bengali novel written by Bimal Mitra (1912–1991) and is set in Calcutta, India during the last years of the nineteenth century. It was serialised in the magazine ''Desh (magazine), Desh'' in November 1952.
T ...
''" by Bimal Mitra. The film stars Meena Kumari, Guru Dutt
Vasanth Kumar Shivashankar Padukone (9 July 1925 – 10 October 1964), better known as Guru Dutt, was an Indian film director, producer, actor, choreographer, and writer.Rajadhyaksha, Ashish, and Paul Willemen. 9941998''Encyclopedia of India ...
, Rehman and Waheeda Rehman
Waheeda Rehman (born 3 February 1938) is an Indian actress and dancer. Regarded as one of Hindi cinema's finest actresses, Rehman's accolades include a National Film Award and three Filmfare Awards. Rehman was honoured with the Padma Shri by G ...
. Its music is by Hemant Kumar
Hemanta Mukhopadhyay (16 June 1920 – 26 September 1989), known professionally as Hemant Kumar and Hemanta Mukherjee, was a legendary Indian music composer and playback singer who primarily sang in Bengali and Hindi, as well as other Indian ...
and the lyrics are by Shakeel Badayuni
Shakeel Badayuni (3 August 1916 – 20 April 1970) was an Indian Urdu poet, lyricist and songwriter in Hindi / Urdu language films.
Early life
Shakeel Badayuni was born in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh. His father, Mohammed Jamaal Ahmed Sokhta Qadiri ...
. The film is also noted for its brilliant cinematography by V. K. Murthy
Venkatarama Pandit Krishnamurthy (26 November 1923 – 7 April 2014) known professionally as V. K. Murthy, was an Indian cinematographer. Murthy, a one-time violinist and jailed freedom fighter, was Guru Dutt's regular cameraman on his movies. H ...
and the famous songs ''"Na Jao Saiyaan Chhuda Ke Baiyan"'' and ''"Piya Aiso Jiya Mein"'', both sung by Geeta Dutt
Geeta Dutt (born Geeta Ghosh Roy Chowdhuri; 23 November 1930 – 20 July 1972) was an Indian playback singer and a famous Hindi and Bengali classical artist, born in Faridpur before the Partition of India. She found particular prominence as a ...
.
For ''Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam'', to support a drooping heavy look which is associated with immoderate consumption of liquor, she used to apply concentrated Eau de Cologne
Eau de Cologne (; German: ''Kölnisch Wasser'' ; meaning "Water from Cologne"), or simply cologne, is a perfume originating from Cologne, Germany. Originally mixed by Johann Maria Farina (Giovanni Maria Farina) in 1709, it has since come to be a ...
under her nose. The irritation caused by such action helped her in achieving the perfect look for the role of an alcoholic.
The film won four Filmfare Awards
The Filmfare Awards are annual awards that honour artistic and technical excellence in the Hindi-language film industry of India.Al The Filmfare ceremony is one of the most famous film events in India. The awards were first introduced by th ...
, including the Best Actress award. This movie was nominated for the Golden Bear
The Golden Bear (german: Goldener Bär) is the highest prize awarded for the best film at the Berlin International Film Festival. The bear is the heraldic animal of Berlin, featured on both the coat of arms and flag of Berlin.
History
The win ...
at the 13th Berlin International Film Festival
The 13th annual Berlin International Film Festival was held from 21 June to 2 July 1963. The Golden Bear was awarded ''ex aequo'' to the Italian film '' Il diavolo'' directed by Gian Luigi Polidoro and Japanese film '' Bushidô zankoku monogata ...
, where Meena Kumari was selected as a delegate. Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam
''Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam'' () is a 1962 Indian Hindi-language drama film that was directed by Abrar Alvi and produced by Guru Dutt, who also co-stars in it alongside Meena Kumari, Rehman, and Waheeda Rehman. The film, which is based on Bimal M ...
was chosen as India's official entry to the Oscars
India has submitted films for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film (formerly Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film) since 1957, a year after the incorporation of the category. The award is given annually by the United S ...
.Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
*1962: ''Aarti
''Arti'' (Sanskrit: Ārātrika, Hindi: Ārtī) is a Hindu ritual employed in worship, often part of '' puja'', in which light (usually from a flame) is offered to one or more deities. ''Arti(s)'' also refers to the songs sung in praise of the ...
'', directed by Phani Majumdar, stars Meena Kumari in the title role of Aarti, with Ashok Kumar, Pradeep Kumar
Pradeep Kumar (born Sital Batabyal; 4 January 1925 – 3 November 2001) was an Indian actor who is recognized for his work in Hindi, Bengali and English-language films.
Career
When Kumar was 17 years old, he decided to take up acting. He sta ...
and Shashikala
Shashikala Saigal (née Jawalkar; 4 August 1932 – 4 April 2021), better known by her first name, was an Indian film and television actress, who played supporting roles in hundreds of Bollywood films beginning in the 1940s.
Early years
Shash ...
appearing in pivotal roles. Kumari won a Best Actress award for this film from the Bengal Film Journalists' Association Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards commonly referred as BFJA Awards, is given by The Bengal Film Journalists' Association. The BFJA is the oldest association of film critics in India, founded in 1937 to serve the developing film journalism ...
. ''Main Chup Rahungi
''Main Chup Rahungi'' (English: ''I Shall Remain Silent'') is a 1962 Indian Hindi-language film directed by A. Bhimsingh and produced by A.V. Meiyappan. The film stars Meena Kumari and Sunil Dutt in lead roles. The film was a remake of 1960 Tam ...
'' – directed by A. Bhimsingh
A. Bhimsingh or Bhim Singh (1924–1978) was an Indian filmmaker who worked predominantly in Tamil cinema. Apart from Tamil, he made films in other languages that include 18 films in Hindi, 8 films in Telugu, 5 films in Malayalam and 1 film i ...
with Meena Kumari and Sunil Dutt
Sunil Dutt (born Balraj Dutt; 6 June 1929 — 25 May 2005) was an Indian actor, film producer, director and politician. Dutt was one of the major stars of Hindi cinema in the late 1950s and 1960s and continued to star in many successful film ...
in lead roles was one of the biggest hits of the year and Meena Kumari received a Filmfare nomination for Best Actress for her performance.
*1963: ''Dil Ek Mandir
''Dil Ek Mandir'' () is a 1963 Indian Hindi-language romantic drama film directed by C. V. Sridhar and written by Raj Baldev Raj.
The film stars Rajendra Kumar, Meena Kumari, Raaj Kumar and Mehmood. The film's music is by Shankar Jaikishan. A ...
'', directed by C. V. Sridhar
Chitthamoor Vijayaraghavalu Sridhar (22 July 1933 – 20 October 2008) was an Indian screenwriter and film director. He has directed nearly 60 films in Tamil, Hindi and Telugu Languages.
Early life
Sridhar hailed from Chitthamur, a villa ...
, stars Meena Kumari, Rajendra Kumar
Rajendra Kumar Tuli (20 July 1927 – 12 July 1999) was an Indian actor who starred in Bollywood films. Starting his career in 1949, he appeared in more than 80 films in a career spanning over four decades. He was popularly known as the 'Jubil ...
, Raaj Kumar
Raaj Kumar (born Kulbhushan Pandit; 8 October 1926 3 July 1996) was an Indian actor who worked in Hindi films. He appeared in the Oscar-nominated 1957 film '' Mother India'' and starred in over 70 Hindi films in a career that spanned over fo ...
and Mehmood
Mahmud is a transliteration of the male Arabic given name (), common in most parts of the Islamic world. It comes from the Arabic triconsonantal root Ḥ-M-D, meaning ''praise'', along with ''Muhammad''.
Siam Mahmud
*Mahmood (singer) (born 19 ...
was a commercial success. '' Akeli Mat Jaiyo'' – directed by Nandlal Jaswantlal, is a romantic comedy with Meena Kumari and Rajendra Kumar
Rajendra Kumar Tuli (20 July 1927 – 12 July 1999) was an Indian actor who starred in Bollywood films. Starting his career in 1949, he appeared in more than 80 films in a career spanning over four decades. He was popularly known as the 'Jubil ...
. '' Kinare Kinare'' was directed by Chetan Anand with Meena Kumari, Dev Anand
Dharamdev Pishorimal Anand (26 September 1923 – 3 December 2011), better known as Dev Anand, was an Indian actor, writer, director and producer known for his work in Hindi cinema, through a career that spanned over six decades. He was ...
and Chetan Anand in lead roles.
*1964: '' Sanjh Aur Savera'' – is a romantic drama film
Romance films or movies involve romantic love stories recorded in visual media for broadcast in theatres or on television that focus on passion, emotion, and the affectionate romantic involvement of the main characters. Typically their journey ...
directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee
Hrishikesh Mukherjee (30 September 1922 – 27 August 2006) was an Indian film director, editor and writer. He is regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers of Indian cinema. Popularly known as ''Hrishi-da'', he directed 42 films during his ca ...
, starring Meena Kumari, Guru Dutt
Vasanth Kumar Shivashankar Padukone (9 July 1925 – 10 October 1964), better known as Guru Dutt, was an Indian film director, producer, actor, choreographer, and writer.Rajadhyaksha, Ashish, and Paul Willemen. 9941998''Encyclopedia of India ...
and Mehmood
Mahmud is a transliteration of the male Arabic given name (), common in most parts of the Islamic world. It comes from the Arabic triconsonantal root Ḥ-M-D, meaning ''praise'', along with ''Muhammad''.
Siam Mahmud
*Mahmood (singer) (born 19 ...
. '' Benazir'' – was a Muslim social film directed by S. Khalil, starring Meena Kumari, Ashok Kumar
Kumudlal Ganguly (13 October 1911 – 10 December 2001), better known by his stage name Ashok Kumar and also by Dadamoni, was an Indian actor who attained iconic status in Indian cinema and who was a member of the cinematic Ganguly family.
He ...
, Shashi Kapoor
Shashi Kapoor (pronounced əʃi kəpuːɾ (born Balbir Raj Kapoor; 18 March 1938 – 4 December 2017) was an Indian actor and film producer who is best known for his work in Hindi films. A recipient of several accolades, including four Nation ...
and Tanuja
Tanuja Samarth, known mononymously as Tanuja, is an Indian actress who predominantly works in the Hindi film industry. Part of the Mukherjee-Samarth family, she is the daughter of actress Shobhna Samarth and producer Kumarsen Samarth, and wa ...
. '' Chitralekha'' directed by Kidar Sharma, starring Meena Kumari, Ashok Kumar
Kumudlal Ganguly (13 October 1911 – 10 December 2001), better known by his stage name Ashok Kumar and also by Dadamoni, was an Indian actor who attained iconic status in Indian cinema and who was a member of the cinematic Ganguly family.
He ...
and Pradeep Kumar
Pradeep Kumar (born Sital Batabyal; 4 January 1925 – 3 November 2001) was an Indian actor who is recognized for his work in Hindi, Bengali and English-language films.
Career
When Kumar was 17 years old, he decided to take up acting. He sta ...
, was based on the 1934 Hindi novel by the same name by Bhagwati Charan Verma
Bhagwati Charan Verma (30 August 1903 – 5 October 1981) was a Hindi author. He wrote many novels, his best work was '' Chitralekha'' (1934), which was made into two successful Hindi films in 1941 and 1964 respectively. He was awarded Sah ...
. ''Gazal
The ''ghazal'' ( ar, غَزَل, bn, গজল, Hindi-Urdu: /, fa, غزل, az, qəzəl, tr, gazel, tm, gazal, uz, gʻazal, gu, ગઝલ) is a form of amatory poem or ode, originating in Arabic poetry. A ghazal may be understood as a p ...
'' featuring Meena Kumari and Sunil Dutt
Sunil Dutt (born Balraj Dutt; 6 June 1929 — 25 May 2005) was an Indian actor, film producer, director and politician. Dutt was one of the major stars of Hindi cinema in the late 1950s and 1960s and continued to star in many successful film ...
, was a Muslim social film about the right of young generation to the marriage of their choice. ''Main Bhi Ladki Hoon
''Main Bhi Ladki Hoon'' () is a 1964 Indian Hindi-language film. Directed by A. C. Tirulokchandar, the film stars Dharmendra and Meena Kumari. It is a remake of the Tamil film ''Naanum Oru Penn'' which itself was an adaptation on Sri Shailash ...
'' was directed by A. C. Tirulokchandar
A. C. Thirulokachandar (11 June 1930 – 15 June 2016), also known as A. C. Tirulokchandar, was an Indian film director and screenwriter who worked mainly in Tamil films from the 1960s to 1988. He also directed a few films in Hindi and Telugu. ...
. The film stars Meena Kumari with newcomer Dharmendra
Dharam Singh Deol (born 8 December 1935), also known mononymously as Dharmendra, is an Indian actor, producer and politician who is known for his work in Hindi films. Known as the first " He-Man" of Bollywood, Dharmendra has worked in over 30 ...
.
*1965: ''Kaajal
''Kaajal'' () is a 1965 Bollywood film produced by Pannalal Maheshwari and directed by Ram Maheshwari. The film stars Meena Kumari, Raaj Kumar, Dharmendra, Padmini, Mumtaz, Mehmood, Durga Khote, Helen. The film's music is by Ravi.
The film i ...
'' directed by Ram Maheshwari, stars Meena Kumari, Dharmendra
Dharam Singh Deol (born 8 December 1935), also known mononymously as Dharmendra, is an Indian actor, producer and politician who is known for his work in Hindi films. Known as the first " He-Man" of Bollywood, Dharmendra has worked in over 30 ...
, Raaj Kumar
Raaj Kumar (born Kulbhushan Pandit; 8 October 1926 3 July 1996) was an Indian actor who worked in Hindi films. He appeared in the Oscar-nominated 1957 film '' Mother India'' and starred in over 70 Hindi films in a career that spanned over fo ...
, Padmini, Helen
Helen may refer to:
People
* Helen of Troy, in Greek mythology, the most beautiful woman in the world
* Helen (actress) (born 1938), Indian actress
* Helen (given name), a given name (including a list of people with the name)
Places
* Helen, ...
, Mehmood
Mahmud is a transliteration of the male Arabic given name (), common in most parts of the Islamic world. It comes from the Arabic triconsonantal root Ḥ-M-D, meaning ''praise'', along with ''Muhammad''.
Siam Mahmud
*Mahmood (singer) (born 19 ...
and Mumtaz. The film was listed in the Top 20 films of 1965. Meena Kumari won her fourth Filmfare award for ''Kaajal
''Kaajal'' () is a 1965 Bollywood film produced by Pannalal Maheshwari and directed by Ram Maheshwari. The film stars Meena Kumari, Raaj Kumar, Dharmendra, Padmini, Mumtaz, Mehmood, Durga Khote, Helen. The film's music is by Ravi.
The film i ...
''. The film was originally based on the novel "Maadhavi" by Gulshan Nanda
Gulshan Nanda (1929 – 16 November 1985) was an Indian novelist and screenwriter. Many of his novels were adapted into Hindi films in the 1960s and 1970s, including more than a dozen big hits of the period — ''Kaajal'' (1965), '' Kati Patang'' ...
. '' Bheegi Raat'', directed by Kalidas, with Meena Kumari, Ashok Kumar and Pradeep Kumar in lead roles was one of the biggest hits of the year. The film '' Purnima'', directed by Narendra Suri, featured Meena Kumari and Dharmendra
Dharam Singh Deol (born 8 December 1935), also known mononymously as Dharmendra, is an Indian actor, producer and politician who is known for his work in Hindi films. Known as the first " He-Man" of Bollywood, Dharmendra has worked in over 30 ...
in lead roles.
*1966: ''Phool Aur Patthar
''Phool Aur Patthar'' () is a 1966 Indian film, directed and produced by O. P. Ralhan and written by Ralhan with Akhtar ul Iman and Ahsan Rizvi. It starred Meena Kumari and Dharmendra as contrasting characters who come together; he played a to ...
'', directed by O. P. Ralhan, starred Meena Kumari and Dharmendra
Dharam Singh Deol (born 8 December 1935), also known mononymously as Dharmendra, is an Indian actor, producer and politician who is known for his work in Hindi films. Known as the first " He-Man" of Bollywood, Dharmendra has worked in over 30 ...
in lead roles. This movie went on to become a golden jubilee hit, catapulting Dharmendra to stardom and was the highest-grossing movie of the year. Meena Kumari's performance in the film ensured her a nomination in the Best Actress category in the Filmfare awards for that year. The film '' Pinjre Ke Panchhi'' was directed by Salil Choudhury
Salil Chowdhury (19 November 1925 – 5 September 1995) was an Indian music director, songwriter, lyricist, writer and poet who predominantly composed for Bengali, Hindi and Malayalam films. He composed music for films in 13 languages. This incl ...
, with Meena Kumari, Balraj Sahni
Brigadier Balraj (born Balasegaram Kandiah) was a senior commander of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
Early life
Balraj was the fifth and youngest child of Kandiah and Kannagias. He received his primary education in Kokkuthoduwaai ...
and Mehmood
Mahmud is a transliteration of the male Arabic given name (), common in most parts of the Islamic world. It comes from the Arabic triconsonantal root Ḥ-M-D, meaning ''praise'', along with ''Muhammad''.
Siam Mahmud
*Mahmood (singer) (born 19 ...
in main roles.
*1967: '' Majhli Didi'' was directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee and stars Meena Kumari along with Dharmendra
Dharam Singh Deol (born 8 December 1935), also known mononymously as Dharmendra, is an Indian actor, producer and politician who is known for his work in Hindi films. Known as the first " He-Man" of Bollywood, Dharmendra has worked in over 30 ...
. The film was India's entry to the 41st Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film. The film ''Bahu Begum
''Bahu Begum'' is a 1967 Hindi film directed by M. Sadiq, and starring Pradeep Kumar, Meena Kumari and Ashok Kumar. The film has music by Roshan and lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi. This film is known for songs, "Hum Intezaar Karenge Tera Qayamat T ...
'' was directed by M. Sadiq, starring Meena Kumari, Pradeep Kumar and Ashok Kumar. The film has music by Roshan and lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi. ''Noor Jehan
Noor Jehan (Punjabi: ) (born () Allah Rakhi Wasai ; 23 September 1926 – 23 December 2000; sometimes spelled Noorjehan),Ashish Rajadhyaksha and Paul Willemen, ''Encyclopaedia of Indian Cinema,'' British Film Institute, Oxford University Press ...
'', directed by Mohammed Sadiq, was a historical film starring Meena Kumari and Pradeep Kumar
Pradeep Kumar (born Sital Batabyal; 4 January 1925 – 3 November 2001) was an Indian actor who is recognized for his work in Hindi, Bengali and English-language films.
Career
When Kumar was 17 years old, he decided to take up acting. He sta ...
, with Helen
Helen may refer to:
People
* Helen of Troy, in Greek mythology, the most beautiful woman in the world
* Helen (actress) (born 1938), Indian actress
* Helen (given name), a given name (including a list of people with the name)
Places
* Helen, ...
and Johnny Walker in minor roles. It dramatised the epic love story of Empress Nur Jehan and her husband, the Mughal Emperor Jehangir. The film ''Chandan Ka Palna
''Chandan Ka Palna '' is a 1967 Bollywood film starring Dharmendra and Meena Kumari. The film was rated as above average at the box office.
Plot
No joy in the world can equal the happiness a man derives from watching his own child at play. No ...
'' was directed by Ismail Memon, starring Meena Kumari and Dharmendra
Dharam Singh Deol (born 8 December 1935), also known mononymously as Dharmendra, is an Indian actor, producer and politician who is known for his work in Hindi films. Known as the first " He-Man" of Bollywood, Dharmendra has worked in over 30 ...
. ''After the Eclipse'', a 37 minutes color documentary directed by S. Sukhdev and shot in the suburbs of Varanasi
Varanasi (; ; also Banaras or Benares (; ), and Kashi.) is a city on the Ganges river in northern India that has a central place in the traditions of pilgrimage, death, and mourning in the Hindu world.
*
*
*
* The city has a syncretic t ...
featured Meena Kumari's voice along with the voice of actor Shashi Kapoor
Shashi Kapoor (pronounced əʃi kəpuːɾ (born Balbir Raj Kapoor; 18 March 1938 – 4 December 2017) was an Indian actor and film producer who is best known for his work in Hindi films. A recipient of several accolades, including four Nation ...
.
*1968: '' Baharon Ki Manzil'' a Suspense Thriller
Thriller may refer to:
* Thriller (genre), a broad genre of literature, film and television
** Thriller film, a film genre under the general thriller genre
Comics
* ''Thriller'' (DC Comics), a comic book series published 1983–84 by DC Comics i ...
, directed by Yakub Hassan Rizvi, stars Meena Kumari, Dharmendra
Dharam Singh Deol (born 8 December 1935), also known mononymously as Dharmendra, is an Indian actor, producer and politician who is known for his work in Hindi films. Known as the first " He-Man" of Bollywood, Dharmendra has worked in over 30 ...
, Rehman and Farida Jalal
Farida Jalal (born Farida Sami; 18 May 1950) is an Indian actress who primarily worked in Hindi films. In a film career spanning almost fifty years, Jalal appeared in over 200 films. Best known for her character-driven roles in independent cin ...
. The film was one of the major hits of the year. The film '' Abhilasha'' was directed by Amit Bose. The cast includes Meena Kumari, Sanjay Khan and Nanda
Nanda may refer to:
Indian history and religion
* Nanda Empire, ruled by the Nanda dynasty, an Indian royal dynasty ruling Magadha in the 4th century BCE
** Mahapadma Nanda, first Emperor of the Nanda Empire
** Dhana Nanda (died c. 321 BCE), last ...
.
Career slump and final works
By the early 70s, Meena Kumari eventually shifted her focus on more 'acting oriented' or character roles. *1970: '' Jawab'' was directed by Ramanna, starring Meena Kumari,Jeetendra
Ravi Kapoor ( ; born 7 April 1942), known mononymously by his screen name Jeetendra, is an Indian actor who is known for his work in Hindi cinema. He also serves as the chairman of the Balaji Telefilms and Balaji Motion Pictures.
Early l ...
, Leena Chandavarkar and Ashok Kumar
Kumudlal Ganguly (13 October 1911 – 10 December 2001), better known by his stage name Ashok Kumar and also by Dadamoni, was an Indian actor who attained iconic status in Indian cinema and who was a member of the cinematic Ganguly family.
He ...
. '' Saat Phere'' was directed by Sundar Dhar, with Meena Kumari, Pradeep Kumar
Pradeep Kumar (born Sital Batabyal; 4 January 1925 – 3 November 2001) was an Indian actor who is recognized for his work in Hindi, Bengali and English-language films.
Career
When Kumar was 17 years old, he decided to take up acting. He sta ...
and Mukri
Mohammed Umar Mukri (5 January 1922 – 4 September 2000), popularly known as Mukri, was an Indian actor, who worked as a comedian in Hindi films.
Born as Muhammad Umar Mukri in Uran, in Kokani Muslim Family. He started his film career with th ...
in pivotal roles.
*1971: ''Mere Apne
''Mere Apne'' is a 1971 Indian Hindi-language film written and directed by Gulzar and produced by Romu, Raj and N. C. Sippy. It was Gulzar's first directorial venture and was almost a frame by frame remake of the National Award-winning Bengali fi ...
'' written and directed by Gulzar
Sampooran Singh Kalra (born 18 August 1934), known professionally as Gulzar, is an Indian Urdu poet, lyricist, author, screenwriter, and film director known for his works in Hindi cinema. He is regarded as one of greatest Urdu poets of this ...
, was his first directorial venture. The film stars Meena Kumari, Vinod Khanna
Vinod Khanna (6 October 1946 – 27 April 2017) was an Indian actor, film producer and politician who is best known for his work in Hindi films; while also being a notable spiritual seeker. In Bollywood, he was the recipient of two Filmfare awa ...
and Shatrughan Sinha
Shatrughan Prasad Sinha (born 9 December 1945) is an Indian actor and politician. He is a Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha from Asansol constituency as a member of All India Trinamool Congress (TMC). Earlier he was elected as Member of Parliam ...
in lead roles along with Deven Verma
Deven Verma (23 October 1937 – 2 December 2014) was an Indian film and television actor, particularly known for his comic roles, with Bollywood directors like Basu Chatterji, Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Gulzar. He also produced and directed fi ...
, Paintal, Asit Sen, Asrani
Govardhan Asrani (born 1 January 1940), popularly known simply as Asrani, is an Indian actor and director whose Bollywood career has spanned five decades. He has acted in over 350 Hindi films. Asrani has played the lead roles, character roles ...
, Danny Denzongpa
Tshering Phintso "Danny" Denzongpa (born 25 February 1948) is an Indian actor, singer and film director who primarily works in Hindi films. He has acted in over 190 films since 1971. In 2003, Denzongpa was awarded the Padma Shree, India's four ...
, Keshto Mukherjee
Keshto Mukherjee (7 August 1925 – 2 March 1982) was an Indian actor and comedian. He was born in Kolkata,Bengal Presidency, British India. He specialised in comic drunkard roles in Hindi films. Though he was famous for his drunkard typecas ...
, A. K. Hangal
Avtar Kishan Hangal (1 February 1914 – 26 August 2012) was an Indian freedom fighter from 1929 to 1947 and also stage actor from 1936 to 1965 and later became a character actor in Hindi language films from 1966 to 2005. His most notable role ...
, Dinesh Thakur, Mehmood
Mahmud is a transliteration of the male Arabic given name (), common in most parts of the Islamic world. It comes from the Arabic triconsonantal root Ḥ-M-D, meaning ''praise'', along with ''Muhammad''.
Siam Mahmud
*Mahmood (singer) (born 19 ...
and Yogeeta Bali. '' Dushman'', directed by Dulal Guha, stars Meena Kumari, Rehman and Rajesh Khanna
Rajesh Khanna () (; born Jatin Khanna; 29 December 1942 – 18 July 2012) was an Indian actor, film producer and politician who worked in Hindi films. He is called as the "First Superstar of Hindi cinema", he consecutively starred in a record ...
with Mumtaz in lead roles. The film became a "super-hit" at the box office.
* 1972: '' Gomti Ke Kinare'' directed by Saawan Kumar Tak
Saawan Kumar Tak (9 August 1936 – 25 August 2022) was an Indian film director, producer, and lyricist. He directed many Hindi films, including successful films like ''Saajan Bina Suhagan'', ''Souten'', '' Souten Ki Beti'', '' Sanam Bewafa'', ...
, in his directorial debut, stars Meena Kumari, Sanjay Khan and Mumtaz. '' Gomti Ke Kinare'' was released on 22 November 1972, after Meena Kumari's demise and was touted as a tribute to her.
Completion of Pakeezah (1956–72)
The idea of ''Pakeezah'' came into existence in 1954, followed by its muhrat in 1956. Meena Kumari was determined to complete the film and, well aware of the limited time left for her to live, went out of her way to complete it at the earliest. Despite her rapidly deteriorating health, she gave the finishing touches to her performance.
''Pakeezah'' had a grand premiere on 3 February 1972, at Maratha Mandir theatre, in central Bombay
Mumbai (, ; also known as Bombay — List of renamed Indian cities and states#Maharashtra, the official name until 1995) is the capital city of the Indian States and union territories of India, state of Maharashtra and the ''de facto'' fin ...
, and the prints being carried on a decked-up palanquin.
The film was finally released on the following day, 4 February 1972. ''Pakeezah'' enjoyed a successful run of 33 weeks and even celebrated its silver jubilee. She posthumously received her twelfth and last Filmfare
''Filmfare'' is an Indian English-language fortnightly magazine published by Worldwide Media. Acknowledged as one of Indian most popular entertainment magazines, it publishes pieces involving news, interviews, photos, videos, reviews, events, an ...
nomination for ''Pakeezah''. Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards commonly referred as BFJA Awards, is given by The Bengal Film Journalists' Association. The BFJA is the oldest association of film critics in India, founded in 1937 to serve the developing film journalism ...
bestowed the Special award to Meena Kumari for ''Pakeezah'' in 1973.
Career as a Playback Singer
Meena Kumari was also a playback singer. She sang as a child artist for films like '' Bahen'' until 1945. As a heroine, she rendered her voice to songs from films like '' Duniya Ek Sarai'' (1946), '' Piya Ghar Aaja'' (1948), '' Bichchade Balam'' (1948) and '' Pinjre Ke Panchhi'' (1966). She also sang for ''Pakeezah
''Pakeezah'' (; ) is a 1972 Indian Hindustani language, Hindustani-language Musical film, musical romantic drama film that was written, directed, and produced by Kamal Amrohi. The film stars Ashok Kumar, Meena Kumari, and Raaj Kumar. It tells ...
'' (1972), however, the song was not used in the film and was later released in the album '' Pakeezah-Rang Ba Rang'' (1977).
Personal life
Marriage to Kamal Amrohi (1952)
Kamal Amrohi met Meena Kumari in 1938, while searching a child artist for the film ''Jailor''. Years later, on the sets of ''Tamasha
Tamasha ( mr, तमाशा) is a traditional form of Marathi theatre, often with singing and dancing, widely performed by local or travelling theatre groups within the state of Maharashtra, India."Tamasha", in James R. Brandon and Martin Banham ...
'', Ashok Kumar
Kumudlal Ganguly (13 October 1911 – 10 December 2001), better known by his stage name Ashok Kumar and also by Dadamoni, was an Indian actor who attained iconic status in Indian cinema and who was a member of the cinematic Ganguly family.
He ...
introduced filmmaker Kamal Amrohi to Meena Kumari, who later, offered her a lead role in his upcoming film ''Anarkali''. The contract was signed on 13 March 1951 but on 21 May 1951, Meena Kumari was involved in a motor car accident while returning from Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar () is a small town and a municipal council in Satara district, Maharashtra, India. It is a place of pilgrimage for Hindus because Krishna river has its origin here. The British colonial rulers developed the town as a hill station ...
to Bombay
Mumbai (, ; also known as Bombay — List of renamed Indian cities and states#Maharashtra, the official name until 1995) is the capital city of the Indian States and union territories of India, state of Maharashtra and the ''de facto'' fin ...
. She was admitted to Sassoon Hospital in Poona
Pune (; ; also known as Poona, ( the official name from 1818 until 1978) is one of the most important industrial and educational hubs of India, with an estimated population of 7.4 million As of 2021, Pune Metropolitan Region is the largest i ...
, injured around the left hand where Amrohi visited her regularly.
For four months this hospital affair continued and love blossomed. This accident left Meena Kumari with a banded left pinky which remained so throughout her life, and she used to cover her left hand with a dupatta or saree during shoots. The film ''Anarkali'' was eventually shelved. On 14 February 1952, Meena Kumari and Kamal Amrohi secretly got married in a simple "Niqah" ceremony in the presence of a Qadi
A qāḍī ( ar, قاضي, Qāḍī; otherwise transliterated as qazi, cadi, kadi, or kazi) is the magistrate or judge of a '' sharīʿa'' court, who also exercises extrajudicial functions such as mediation, guardianship over orphans and mino ...
and Kumari's younger sister, Mahliqa (Madhu). After the ceremony, the newlyweds parted. Amrohi left for Sion and Meena and Madhu returned home. The marriage was kept secret from the family and media, although Kamal Amrohi was already married and had three children from his previous wife. After some months, the matrimony news was leaked and Ali Bux recommended a divorce. Meena Kumari remained adamant on her decision, but stayed in her father's house. Meanwhile, Kamal Amrohi planned a film called '' Daaera'' in 1953 and decided to cast Kumari, now his wife, in it. Kumari asked her father's permission, who disagreed after which Meena Kumari left for her husband's residence at Sion.
Separation from husband and addiction to alcohol (1964)
After their marriage, Kamal Amrohi allowed Meena Kumari to continue her acting career on certain conditions. Meena Kumari agreed with them, but with passing time she kept breaking them.Abrar Alvi
Abrar Alvi (1 July 1927 – 18 November 2009) was an Indian film writer, director and actor. Most of his notable work was done in the 1950s and 1960s with Guru Dutt. He wrote some of the most respected works of Indian cinema, including ''Sahib ...
, director of ''Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam
''Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam'' () is a 1962 Indian Hindi-language drama film that was directed by Abrar Alvi and produced by Guru Dutt, who also co-stars in it alongside Meena Kumari, Rehman, and Waheeda Rehman. The film, which is based on Bimal M ...
'', recounts how Kamal Amrohi would have his spy and right-hand man Baqar Ali present even in the makeup room while Meena's makeup was being done.
According to Vinod Mehta, writer of her biography, Meena Kumari was subjected to physical abuse in her marriage. He points out that although Amrohi, repeatedly denied any such allegations, he learnt it from six different sources that she actually suffered. Instances shared by actress Nargis
Nargis Dutt (born Fatima Rashid; 1 June 1929 – 3 May 1981) was an Indian actress and politician who worked in Hindi cinema. Regarded as one of the greatest actresses in the history of Indian cinema, she made her screen debut in a minor role ...
pointed out the same. Such rumours found their base on the mahurat of '' Pinjre Ke Panchhi'' where Kamal Amrohi's assistant, Baqar Ali had a violent argument with Kumari. Kumari immediately called for Amrohi who instead insisted her to return home. An enraged Kumari went straightaway to her sister, Madhu's home and never returned to Amrohi's.
Meena Kumari was a patient of chronic insomnia
Insomnia, also known as sleeplessness, is a sleep disorder in which people have trouble sleeping. They may have difficulty falling asleep, or staying asleep as long as desired. Insomnia is typically followed by daytime sleepiness, low energy, ...
. Upon her physician's advice, she started taking a small peg of brandy as a sleeping pill alternative. This prescribed peg of brandy turned into heavy drinking after her separation from her husband in 1964. After that, Kumari's name was associated with Gulzar
Sampooran Singh Kalra (born 18 August 1934), known professionally as Gulzar, is an Indian Urdu poet, lyricist, author, screenwriter, and film director known for his works in Hindi cinema. He is regarded as one of greatest Urdu poets of this ...
, Dharmendra
Dharam Singh Deol (born 8 December 1935), also known mononymously as Dharmendra, is an Indian actor, producer and politician who is known for his work in Hindi films. Known as the first " He-Man" of Bollywood, Dharmendra has worked in over 30 ...
and Sawan Kumar Tak
Saawan Kumar Tak (9 August 1936 – 25 August 2022) was an Indian film director, producer, and lyricist. He directed many Hindi films, including successful films like '' Saajan Bina Suhagan'', ''Souten'', '' Souten Ki Beti'', ''Sanam Bewafa'', ...
.
Deteriorating health and treatment in London (1968)
In 1968, Kumari was diagnosed with cirrhosis of liver and received treatments in London and Switzerland in June 1968. Upon recovery, Kumari returned to India in September 1968 and resumed work. Suffering from cirrhosis of the liver, although Meena Kumari temporarily recovered but was now much weak and thin. After returning from London, Kumari for the first time, purchased her own home, which was on the eleventh floor of a building called "Landmark", situated at Carter Road, Bandra.Final days and death
Three weeks after the release of ''Pakeezah
''Pakeezah'' (; ) is a 1972 Indian Hindustani language, Hindustani-language Musical film, musical romantic drama film that was written, directed, and produced by Kamal Amrohi. The film stars Ashok Kumar, Meena Kumari, and Raaj Kumar. It tells ...
'', Meena Kumari became seriously ill. On 28 March 1972, she was admitted to St Elizabeth's Nursing Home.
She went into a coma two days later and died shortly afterwards on 31 March 1972. She was 38 years old. The cause of her death was determined to be liver cirrhosis. As per her husband's wish, she was buried at Rehmatabad Cemetery, located at Narialwadi, Mazagaon
Mazagaon, also spelled Mazgaon and Mazagon (Portuguese rule Mazagão), and pronounced by the Catholics as 'Mazgon' or 'Maz-a-gon' and the Marathi-speakers as Mazhgav, is one of the seven islands of Mumbai.
References
;Notes
{{reflist
;Sou ...
, Bombay
Mumbai (, ; also known as Bombay — List of renamed Indian cities and states#Maharashtra, the official name until 1995) is the capital city of the Indian States and union territories of India, state of Maharashtra and the ''de facto'' fin ...
. Kumari requested the following prose for her tombstone: "She ended life with a broken fiddle, with a broken song, with a broken heart, but not a single regret." As per his wish, upon his death on 11 February 1993 in Bombay, her husband was buried next to her.
The poet Naaz
Meena Kumari was anUrdu
Urdu (;"Urdu"
'' Philip Bounds and researcher Daisy Hasan write regarding Meena Kumari's poetry: "Poetry was the medium through which Kumari distanced herself from her public image and criticized the industry that had brought her to public attention in the first place. In that sense, her poems tell us as much about Bollywood as they do about herself." *''I write, I recite'' – an album consisting of Meena Kumari's poems under the label of LP Vinyl Record was released in 1971, for which Mohammed Zahur Khayyam gave music. The poetry in the album (nazms) has been written, recited and sung by the poet herself. The album was re-released on 19 September 2006. *''Tanha Chand'' (''Lonely Moon''), a collection of Meena Kumari's poems, was compiled by
Meena Kumari was among the front-runners in terms of setting fashion trends which are still in high demand. 
Due to the contrast between her stardom and troubled private life, Kumari is closely linked to broader discussions about modern phenomena such as mass media, fame, and consumer culture. Every year, on Meena Kumari's birthday, numerous articles are printed and television programmes aired to commemorate her, and modern magazines continue to publish stories on her personal life and career.
The greatest hallmark of Meena Kumari laid in her ability to depict the struggle of Indian women existing especially in the 50s and 60s. Kumari's onscreen persona is described as a perfect example of a traditional Bharatiya Naari by the Indian film fraternity, such as Mohammed Zahur Khayyam and
The day Meena Kumari died, her 1952 film '' Baiju Bawra'' was re-released at 
In 2012, Walk of the Stars, a section of the
Meena Kumari
at Manas: Culture of India
Collection of verses by Meena Kumari
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kumari, Meena Indian film actresses 1933 births 1972 deaths Deaths from cirrhosis Actresses from Mumbai Actresses in Hindi cinema Poets from Maharashtra Alcohol-related deaths in India 20th-century Indian actresses 20th-century Indian poets Urdu-language poets from India Women writers from Maharashtra Indian women poets 20th-century Indian women writers Filmfare Awards winners
'' Philip Bounds and researcher Daisy Hasan write regarding Meena Kumari's poetry: "Poetry was the medium through which Kumari distanced herself from her public image and criticized the industry that had brought her to public attention in the first place. In that sense, her poems tell us as much about Bollywood as they do about herself." *''I write, I recite'' – an album consisting of Meena Kumari's poems under the label of LP Vinyl Record was released in 1971, for which Mohammed Zahur Khayyam gave music. The poetry in the album (nazms) has been written, recited and sung by the poet herself. The album was re-released on 19 September 2006. *''Tanha Chand'' (''Lonely Moon''), a collection of Meena Kumari's poems, was compiled by
Gulzar
Sampooran Singh Kalra (born 18 August 1934), known professionally as Gulzar, is an Indian Urdu poet, lyricist, author, screenwriter, and film director known for his works in Hindi cinema. He is regarded as one of greatest Urdu poets of this ...
and published after her death in 1972.
* ''Meena Kumari, the Poet: A Life Beyond Cinema'' consisting of the late actress's poems and ''nazms'' was also published in 2014.
Legacy
Meena Kumari was credited for never using products likeglycerin
Glycerol (), also called glycerine in British English and glycerin in American English, is a simple triol compound. It is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid that is sweet-tasting and non-toxic. The glycerol backbone is found in lipids known ...
to shed tears, but always shed her genuine ones while acting. At the peak of her career, Meena Kumari was the highest-paid actress of her generation, and was the first to buy an Impala
The impala or rooibok (''Aepyceros melampus'') is a medium-sized antelope found in eastern and southern Africa. The only extant member of the genus ''Aepyceros'' and tribe Aepycerotini, it was first described to European audiences by Ger ...
car. Indian Film Critic Bhawana Somaaya
Bhawana Somaaya is an Indian film journalist, critic, author and historian. She has been honoured with the Padma Shri in the year 2017 by the President of India Pranab Mukherjee. Starting her career as film reporter in 1978, she went to work ...
says: "There was a time when top heroes were not willing to work with Meena Kumari, because she played the powerful roles". Vinod Mehta shares: "Meena Kumari became so powerful that she would make or break stars, Kumari adopted an attitude of guardian, artistic mentor towards the newcomers who worked opposite her like Rajendra Kumar
Rajendra Kumar Tuli (20 July 1927 – 12 July 1999) was an Indian actor who starred in Bollywood films. Starting his career in 1949, he appeared in more than 80 films in a career spanning over four decades. He was popularly known as the 'Jubil ...
in ''Chirag Kahan Roshni Kahan
''Chirag Kahan Roshni Kahan'' () is a 1959 Indian Hindi-language film directed and produced by Devendra Goel. The film stars Rajendra Kumar as the protagonist Dr Anand and Meena Kumari, Honey Irani and Madan Puri in pivotal roles. The film wa ...
'' and with Sunil Dutt
Sunil Dutt (born Balraj Dutt; 6 June 1929 — 25 May 2005) was an Indian actor, film producer, director and politician. Dutt was one of the major stars of Hindi cinema in the late 1950s and 1960s and continued to star in many successful film ...
in '' Ek Hi Raasta''." Another critic Afeefa Banu described her as "an object of fantasy and a motif of melancholy". Meena Kumari helped Dharmendra
Dharam Singh Deol (born 8 December 1935), also known mononymously as Dharmendra, is an Indian actor, producer and politician who is known for his work in Hindi films. Known as the first " He-Man" of Bollywood, Dharmendra has worked in over 30 ...
enormously in the initial stages of his career, and established Dharmendra
Dharam Singh Deol (born 8 December 1935), also known mononymously as Dharmendra, is an Indian actor, producer and politician who is known for his work in Hindi films. Known as the first " He-Man" of Bollywood, Dharmendra has worked in over 30 ...
's acting career in Indian Cinema
The Cinema of India consists of motion pictures produced in India, which had a large effect on world cinema since the late 20th century. Major centers of film production across the country include Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, ...
. The legendary Kathak master Pandit Lachhu Maharaj
Pandit Bajinath Prasad also known as Pandit Lachhu Maharaj (1901–1978) was an Indian classical dancer and choreographer of Kathak dance. He came from a family of illustrious Kathak exponents in Lucknow, and also worked as film choreographer, ...
praised Meena Kumari's dancing skills and remarked on the unique way in which she would take a turn. He said, "The way in which she would turn, the angles of her shoulders, come naturally to her and cannot be taught." Ashok Kumar
Kumudlal Ganguly (13 October 1911 – 10 December 2001), better known by his stage name Ashok Kumar and also by Dadamoni, was an Indian actor who attained iconic status in Indian cinema and who was a member of the cinematic Ganguly family.
He ...
said: "Meena was a natural actress. She was very choosy, but once she accepted a role, she put her heart into it and it's not surprising that she's still remembered for her sensitive portrayals. Sometimes when saying a dialogue I'd add a line not in the script and even as I worried about how Meena would react, she'd surprise me with just the right response." In 1953, soon after the success of '' Baiju Bawra'', Kumari appeared in ''Dream House'', an advertisement by Dunlopillo UK along with Ashok Kumar
Kumudlal Ganguly (13 October 1911 – 10 December 2001), better known by his stage name Ashok Kumar and also by Dadamoni, was an Indian actor who attained iconic status in Indian cinema and who was a member of the cinematic Ganguly family.
He ...
. According to Indian Film Critic Bhawana Somaaya
Bhawana Somaaya is an Indian film journalist, critic, author and historian. She has been honoured with the Padma Shri in the year 2017 by the President of India Pranab Mukherjee. Starting her career as film reporter in 1978, she went to work ...
: "Pakeezah is just like poetry on celluloid, I cannot imagine anybody else in this movie except Meena Kumari."
Vinod Mehta (writer of Meena Kumari – The Classic Biography) was told by a director: "Even Dilip Kumar
Mohammed Yusuf Khan (; 11 December 1922 – 7 July 2021), better known by his stage name Dilip Kumar, was an Indian actor who worked in Hindi cinema. Credited with pioneering method acting in cinema, he dominated the Indian movie scene from ...
(the tragedy king) found it difficult to keep his calm in front of her". Raaj Kumar
Raaj Kumar (born Kulbhushan Pandit; 8 October 1926 3 July 1996) was an Indian actor who worked in Hindi films. He appeared in the Oscar-nominated 1957 film '' Mother India'' and starred in over 70 Hindi films in a career that spanned over fo ...
would often forget his dialogues while working with Meena Kumari on set. Madhubala
Madhubala (born Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi; 14 February 1933 – 23 February 1969) was an Indian actress and producer who worked in Hindi-language films. She ranked as one of the highest-paid entertainers in India in the post-independence era ...
was also a fan of Meena Kumari and said: "She has the most unique voice. No other heroine has it." Satyajit Ray
Satyajit Ray (; 2 May 1921 – 23 April 1992) was an Indian director, screenwriter, documentary filmmaker, author, essayist, lyricist, magazine editor, illustrator, calligrapher, and music composer. One of the greatest auteurs of ...
described Kumari as "undoubtedly an actress of the highest calibre". Amitabh Bachchan
Amitabh Bachchan (; born as Amitabh Shrivastav; 11 October 1942) is an Indian actor, film producer, television host, occasional playback singer and former politician known for his work in Hindi cinema. He is regarded as one of the most succe ...
said "No one, not any one, ever spoke dialogues the way Meena Kumari did .. no one .. not anyone to date.. and perhaps never will". Music Director Naushad said "Hindi film industry may produce great actresses but there would never be another Meena Kumari". During the casting of ''Heeramandi'', a webseries which chronicles around the life of courtesans of Lahore
Lahore ( ; pnb, ; ur, ) is the second List of cities in Pakistan by population, most populous city in Pakistan after Karachi and 26th List of largest cities, most populous city in the world, with a population of over 13 million. It is th ...
, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Sanjay Leela Bhansali (; born 24 February 1963) is an Indian filmmaker, director, screenwriter, and music composer who is known for his work in Hindi cinema. He is the recipient of several awards, including four National Film Awards, ten Filmfar ...
clearly stated Meena Kumari's ''Pakeezah
''Pakeezah'' (; ) is a 1972 Indian Hindustani language, Hindustani-language Musical film, musical romantic drama film that was written, directed, and produced by Kamal Amrohi. The film stars Ashok Kumar, Meena Kumari, and Raaj Kumar. It tells ...
'' as his inspiration. Actress Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt (; born 15 March 1993) is a British actress of Indian descent who predominantly works in Hindi films. She has received List of awards and nominations received by Alia Bhatt, several accolades including four Filmfare Awards. One of I ...
also mentioned watching Meena Kumari's films for preparing for the role of a brothel madame in '' Gangubai Kathiawadi''. Meena Kumari empathized greatly with Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe (; born Norma Jeane Mortenson; 1 June 1926 4 August 1962) was an American actress. Famous for playing comedic " blonde bombshell" characters, she became one of the most popular sex symbols of the 1950s and early 1960s, as wel ...
, the fact that Marilyn's husband, Arthur Miller
Arthur Asher Miller (October 17, 1915 – February 10, 2005) was an American playwright, essayist and screenwriter in the 20th-century American theater. Among his most popular plays are ''All My Sons'' (1947), '' Death of a Salesman'' (1 ...
, had some passing similarities to Meena's husband Kamal Amrohi
Syed Amir Haider Kamal Naqvi (17 January 1918 – 11 February 1993), popularly known as Kamal Amrohi, was an Indian film director and screenwriter. He was also an Urdu and Hindi poet.
His Hindi films include '' Mahal'' (1949), ''Pakeezah'' (1 ...
, made the identification closer. It is said that throughout her life, Meena Kumari had a love–hate relationship with the movies.
Image and Artistry
Meena Kumari was among the front-runners in terms of setting fashion trends which are still in high demand. Javed Akhtar
Javed Akhtar (born 17 January 1945) is an Indian poet, lyricist, screenwriter and political activist. Known for his work in Hindi cinema, he has won five National Film Awards, and received the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2 ...
points out that women in the 50s used to follow her sober and dignified fashion trends ranging from the hair bun to the traditional ''bindi''. Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Sanjay Leela Bhansali (; born 24 February 1963) is an Indian filmmaker, director, screenwriter, and music composer who is known for his work in Hindi cinema. He is the recipient of several awards, including four National Film Awards, ten Filmfar ...
has often gone on record to appreciate the aesthetics of ''Pakeezah
''Pakeezah'' (; ) is a 1972 Indian Hindustani language, Hindustani-language Musical film, musical romantic drama film that was written, directed, and produced by Kamal Amrohi. The film stars Ashok Kumar, Meena Kumari, and Raaj Kumar. It tells ...
'' and the way Meena Kumari played the role with grace and beauty. Her floral or traditional Banarasi silk and Kanjeevaram saris can never go out of fashion and continue to be a favourite of ace designers like Sabyasachi Mukherjee
Sabyasachi Mukherjee (born 23 February 1974) is an Indian fashion designer, jewelry designer, retailer and couturier from Kolkata, India. Since 1999, he has sold designer merchandise using the label Sabyasachi. Mukherjee is one of the Associa ...
.
Tajdar Amrohi shares: "When the shooting of ''Pakeezah'' started again in 1969, the first song shot was "Mausam Hai Ashiqaana". With this song, Meena Kumari set a new fashion trend of girls wearing Lungi.
On 24 February 2016, Meena Kumari's original publicity material and memorabilia, including paintings and portraits of her films, were displayed at the Womanhood Festival at Osianama Liberty, Mumbai, India.
Due to the contrast between her stardom and troubled private life, Kumari is closely linked to broader discussions about modern phenomena such as mass media, fame, and consumer culture. Every year, on Meena Kumari's birthday, numerous articles are printed and television programmes aired to commemorate her, and modern magazines continue to publish stories on her personal life and career.
The greatest hallmark of Meena Kumari laid in her ability to depict the struggle of Indian women existing especially in the 50s and 60s. Kumari's onscreen persona is described as a perfect example of a traditional Bharatiya Naari by the Indian film fraternity, such as Mohammed Zahur Khayyam and Javed Akhtar
Javed Akhtar (born 17 January 1945) is an Indian poet, lyricist, screenwriter and political activist. Known for his work in Hindi cinema, he has won five National Film Awards, and received the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2 ...
. Her portrayal of "Sahibjaan", a nautch girl with a golden heart in ''Pakeezah
''Pakeezah'' (; ) is a 1972 Indian Hindustani language, Hindustani-language Musical film, musical romantic drama film that was written, directed, and produced by Kamal Amrohi. The film stars Ashok Kumar, Meena Kumari, and Raaj Kumar. It tells ...
'' under Kamal Amrohi's direction became a historical document.
Filmography and Accolades
Filmfare Award for Best Actress
* Records # In 67 editions of theFilmfare Awards
The Filmfare Awards are annual awards that honour artistic and technical excellence in the Hindi-language film industry of India.Al The Filmfare ceremony is one of the most famous film events in India. The awards were first introduced by th ...
, Meena Kumari's unusual feat of garnering all nominations in the Best Actress category remains unaccomplished by any other actress and is unique until this day. She reached this pinnacle ago at the 10th Filmfare Awards
The 10th Filmfare Awards were held on 13 June 1963, honoring the best films in Hindi Cinema of the year 1962.
''Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam'' led the ceremony with 8 nominations, followed by ''Bees Saal Baad (1962 film), Bees Saal Baad'' with 7 nomi ...
in 1963.
# Meena Kumari's record for the highest number of Filmfare Award for Best Actress
The Filmfare Award for Best Actress is given by ''Filmfare'' as part of its annual Filmfare Awards for Hindi films, to recognise the female actor who has delivered an outstanding performance in a leading role. The award was first given in 1954 ...
remained unbroken for 13 years (1966–1979) until it was finally broken by Nutan
Nutan Samarth Bahl (4 June 1936 – 21 February 1991), known mononymously as Nutan, was an Indian actress who worked in Hindi films. In a career spanning nearly four decades, she appeared in more than 70 films, mostly as a protagonist, in both b ...
at the 26th Filmfare Awards
The 26th Filmfare Awards were held in 1979.
''Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki'' and ''Muqaddar Ka Sikandar'' led the ceremony with 9 nominations each, followed by ''Satyam Shivam Sundaram'' and ''Trishul'' with 6 nominations each, and ''Don'' with 5 ...
, 1979.
# Her record for the highest number of nominations in the Best Actress category (12) was eventually broken after 35 years by Madhuri Dixit at the 53rd Filmfare Awards, 2008.
# She is also the only actress to be nominated posthumously. Meena Kumari got a posthumous nomination for ''Pakeezah
''Pakeezah'' (; ) is a 1972 Indian Hindustani language, Hindustani-language Musical film, musical romantic drama film that was written, directed, and produced by Kamal Amrohi. The film stars Ashok Kumar, Meena Kumari, and Raaj Kumar. It tells ...
'' at the 20th Filmfare Awards
The 20th Filmfare Awards were held in 1973, awarding the films made in 1972.
''Be-Imaan'' led the ceremony with 8 nominations, followed by ''Amar Prem'' and ''Shor'' with 7 nominations and ''Pakeezah'' with 5 nominations.
''Be-Imaan'' won 7 a ...
, 1973.
Meena Kumari not winning an award for her performance in ''Pakeezah
''Pakeezah'' (; ) is a 1972 Indian Hindustani language, Hindustani-language Musical film, musical romantic drama film that was written, directed, and produced by Kamal Amrohi. The film stars Ashok Kumar, Meena Kumari, and Raaj Kumar. It tells ...
'' stirred controversy at the 20th Filmfare Awards
The 20th Filmfare Awards were held in 1973, awarding the films made in 1972.
''Be-Imaan'' led the ceremony with 8 nominations, followed by ''Amar Prem'' and ''Shor'' with 7 nominations and ''Pakeezah'' with 5 nominations.
''Be-Imaan'' won 7 a ...
. Filmfare, however, defended their decision by stating according to their rules, posthumous awards were not allowed then; ''Filmfare'' editor B. K. Karanjia said both Ghulam Mohammad (the music director of ''Pakeezah'') and Josef Wirsching
Josef Wirsching (22 March 1903 – 11 June 1967) sometimes credited as Joseph Wirsching, was a German cinematographer, who became a pioneer in cinematography in India and who contributed to the heritage of Cinema of India and still photography i ...
(cinematographer) lost for the same reason.
Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards
Shama-Sushma Film Awards
Honors and tributes
The day Meena Kumari died, her 1952 film '' Baiju Bawra'' was re-released at Bombay
Mumbai (, ; also known as Bombay — List of renamed Indian cities and states#Maharashtra, the official name until 1995) is the capital city of the Indian States and union territories of India, state of Maharashtra and the ''de facto'' fin ...
's Super cinema, drawing house full audiences, which wept copiously remembering the actress.
Shortly after her death, fellow actress Nargis
Nargis Dutt (born Fatima Rashid; 1 June 1929 – 3 May 1981) was an Indian actress and politician who worked in Hindi cinema. Regarded as one of the greatest actresses in the history of Indian cinema, she made her screen debut in a minor role ...
wrote a personal essay in an Urdu magazine – Shama, titled ''"Meena – Maut Mubarak Ho"'' ( en, Congratulations on your death Meena, italic=yes). In October 1973, she also established the Meena Kumari Memorial for the Blind in her memory and was the chairman of this trust.
In 1979, ''Meena Kumari Ki Amar Kahaani'' ( en, The immortal story of Meena Kumari, italic=yes), a film dedicated to the late actress was released. It was directed by Sohrab Modi and featured exclusive interviews of various film personalities such as Raj Kapoor
Raj Kapoor (pronunciation: aːd͡ʒ kəpuːɾ born Shrishti Nath Kapoor; also known as Ranbir Raj Kapoor; 14 December 1924 2 June 1988) was an Indian actor, film director and producer, who worked in Hindi cinema. He is considered one of th ...
and Rajendra Kumar
Rajendra Kumar Tuli (20 July 1927 – 12 July 1999) was an Indian actor who starred in Bollywood films. Starting his career in 1949, he appeared in more than 80 films in a career spanning over four decades. He was popularly known as the 'Jubil ...
. The music for the film was composed by Khayyam
Ghiyāth al-Dīn Abū al-Fatḥ ʿUmar ibn Ibrāhīm Nīsābūrī (18 May 1048 – 4 December 1131), commonly known as Omar Khayyam ( fa, عمر خیّام), was a polymath, known for his contributions to mathematics, astronomy, philosophy, ...
.
The following year, ''Shaira'' (alternatively titled ''Sahira'') ( en, Poetess, italic=yes) was released. It was a short documentary on Meena Kumari and was directed by S Sukh Dev along with Gulzar
Sampooran Singh Kalra (born 18 August 1934), known professionally as Gulzar, is an Indian Urdu poet, lyricist, author, screenwriter, and film director known for his works in Hindi cinema. He is regarded as one of greatest Urdu poets of this ...
. This documentary was produced by Kanta Sukhdev.
A postal stamp of face value 500 paise was issued in her honour on 13 February 2011 by India Post
India Post is a government-operated postal system in India, part of the Department of Post under the Ministry of Communications. Generally known as the Post Office, it is the most widely distributed postal system in the world. Warren Hastings ...
.
In 2010, ''Filmfare'' included Kumari's performances in ''Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam'' and ''Pakeezah'' in its list of Bollywood's "80 Iconic Performances". Two of her films namely ''Baiju Bawra'' and ''Do Bigha Zameen'' have been considered among the greatest films in a poll by British Film Institute
The British Film Institute (BFI) is a film and television charitable organisation which promotes and preserves film-making and television in the United Kingdom. The BFI uses funds provided by the National Lottery to encourage film production, ...
. On the occasion of centenary of Indian cinema, in a poll conducted by News18
Network18 Media & Investments Limited, (formerly SGA Finance and Management Service and Network18 Fincap Limited) commonly referred to as the Network18 Group and sometimes as the Network18–Eenadu Group, is an Indian media conglomerate owned b ...
her films, ''Pakeezah'', ''Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam'' and ''Do Bigha Zameen'' featured in the list of 100 best films ever made.
Various publications including ''Hindustan Times
''Hindustan Times'' is an Indian English-language daily newspaper based in Delhi. It is the flagship publication of HT Media, an entity controlled by the KK Birla family, and is owned by Shobhana Bhartia.
It was founded by Sunder Singh Ly ...
'' mentioned her among the topmost sex symbols of Bollywood.
In 2012, Walk of the Stars, a section of the Bandstand Promenade
The Bandstand Promenade, also known as Bandra Bandstand is a 1.2 kilometer long walkway along the sea on the western coast of Mumbai, India in the neighborhood of Bandra. It is simultaneously a popular hangout spot, a jogging track and a park.
...
in Bandra
Bandra ( æːɳɖɾa also known as Vandre ( aːn̪d̪ɾe is an upscale coastal suburb located in Mumbai (Bombay) area of the Konkan division, Maharashtra, India. The suburb is located to the immediate north of River Mithi, which separates B ...
, Mumbai
Mumbai (, ; also known as Bombay — the official name until 1995) is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra and the ''de facto'' financial centre of India. According to the United Nations, as of 2018, Mumbai is the secon ...
was opened to honour film artists from Hindi film industry. Meena Kumari's autograph was also featured along with statues, handprints and autographs of other artists. Walk of the Stars was however, dissolved in 2014.
In May 2018, ''Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Yeh'', a play depicting the life of Meena Kumari was staged at Rangayan auditorium of Jawahar Kala Kendra
The Jawahar Kala Kendra (JKK) is a multi arts centre located in the city of Jaipur, India. It was built by Government of Rajasthan with the purpose of preserving Rajasthan
Rajasthan (; lit. 'Land of Kings') is a state in northern India. ...
in Jaipur
Jaipur (; Hindi: ''Jayapura''), formerly Jeypore, is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. , the city had a population of 3.1 million, making it the tenth most populous city in the country. Jaipur is also known a ...
.
On 1 August 2018, search engine Google commemorated Meena Kumari with a Doodle
A doodle is a drawing made while a person's attention is otherwise occupied. Doodles are simple drawings that can have concrete representational meaning or may just be composed of random and abstract lines or shapes, generally without ever lift ...
on her 85th birth anniversary. Google commented: "Kumari captivated audiences with her beautiful, expressive eyes and portrayed strong yet vulnerable women who made their own way through life, often devastated by romance. Today, her screen appearances are studied for flawless moments and the complex emotions she could evoke without uttering a word".
Biographies
* One of the first biographies of Meena Kumari was written just after her death by Vinod Mehta in October 1972. The official biography of Kumari, it was titled '' Meena Kumari: The Classic Biography''. The biography was re-published in May 2013. * ''Simply Scandalous'' authored byMohan Deep
Mohan Deep (born Mohan Kishinchand Chandirramani in 1948), is an Indian writer. He has written multiple books on Bollywood film personalities, including the books: ''The Mystery and Mystique of Madhubala'', ''Simply Scandalous: Meena Kumari'', ...
was an unofficial biography published in 1998. It was serialized in Mumbai's Hindi daily Dopahar Ka Saamna.
* Another biography of Meena Kumari, ''Aakhri Adhai Din'' was written in Hindi by Madhup Sharma. The book was published in 2006.
In film
Meena Kumari has always been a subject of interest among present day filmmakers. In 2004, a modern-day adaption of her classic film ''Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam
''Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam'' () is a 1962 Indian Hindi-language drama film that was directed by Abrar Alvi and produced by Guru Dutt, who also co-stars in it alongside Meena Kumari, Rehman, and Waheeda Rehman. The film, which is based on Bimal M ...
'' was to be made by Pritish Nandy Communications in which Aishwarya Rai
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan ( Rai; born 1 November 1973) is an Indian actress who is primarily known for her work in Hindi and Tamil films. The winner of the Miss World 1994 pageant, she has established herself as one of the most popular celebriti ...
and later Priyanka Chopra
Priyanka Chopra Jonas (; ; born 18 July 1982) is an Indian actress and producer. The winner of the Miss World 2000 pageant, Chopra is one of India's highest-paid actresses and has received numerous accolades, including two National Film Awar ...
was to portray her role of ''Chhoti Bahu''. However, the film got shelved and paved way for a TV series helmed by director Rituparno Ghosh
Rituparno Ghosh (31 August 1963 – 30 May 2013) was an Indian film director, actor, writer and lyricist. After pursuing a degree in economics, he started his career as a creative artist at an advertising agency. He received recognition for his ...
in which actress Raveena Tandon
Raveena Tandon (born 26 October 1972) is an Indian actress who works in Hindi films. The daughter of director Ravi Tandon, she made her acting debut in the 1991 action film '' Patthar Ke Phool'', which won her the Filmfare Award for New Face ...
essayed this role.
In 2015, it was reported that Tigmanshu Dhulia
Tigmanshu Dhulia (born 3 July 1967) is an Indian film dialogue writer, director, actor, screenwriter, producer and casting director known for his works in Hindi cinema and Television. He wrote the dialogue for the 1998 film '' Dil Se..'', the fi ...
was to make a film on Hindi cinema's Tragedy Queen, which was to be a screen adaptation of Vinod Mehta's book, "Meena Kumari – The Classic Biography". Actress Kangana Ranaut
Kangna Amardeep Ranaut (; born 23 March 1987) is an Indian actress and filmmaker who works in Hindi films. Known for her work in female-led films, she is the recipient of several awards, including four National Film Awards and five Filmfar ...
was approached to portray Kumari but the film was shelved yet again due to lack of authentic facts and after strong protestion of Meena Kumari's stepson Tajdar Amrohi.
In 2017, director Karan Razdan also decided to direct an official biopic on her. For this, he approached Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan
Vidya Balan (pronounced ; born 1 January 1979) is an Indian actress. Known for pioneering a change in the portrayal of women in Hindi cinema with her roles in female-led films, she is the recipient of several awards, including a National Fi ...
to play the Great Tragedienne but due to variety of reasons, both of them declined the offer. He later turned to actress Sunny Leone
Karenjit Kaur Vohra (born May 13, 1981), known by her stage name Sunny Leone (), is a Canadian-American model and actress in the American and Indian film industries. She is a former pornographic actress. She was born in Canada to an Indian S ...
who showed great interest to essay her onscreen. Various other actresses including Richa Chadha
Richa Chadda (born 18 December 1986) is an Indian actress who works in Hindi films. After debuting in a small role in the comedy film ''Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!'' (2008), Chadda's breakthrough came in 2012 with a supporting role in the noir gangs ...
, Jaya Prada
Jaya Prada Nahata (born Lalitha Rani; 3 April 1962) is an Indian actress and politician. She is hailed as one of the most iconic and influential actresses in both Telugu and Hindi film industries in late '70s, '80s and early '90s. Jayaprada ...
, Janhvi Kapoor
Janhvi Kapoor (born 6 March 1997) is an Indian actress who works in Hindi films. Born to Sridevi and Boney Kapoor, she made her acting debut in 2018 with the romantic drama '' Dhadak'', which was a commercial success. Kapoor went on to receive ...
, Karishma Sharma
Karishma Lala Sharma (born 22 December 1993) is an Indian actress and model known for portraying Ragini in '' Ragini MMS: Returns'', Aaina in '' Ujda Chaman'', Tina in '' Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2'' and Isha in '' Hum - I'm Because of Us''.
Early ...
, Anupriya Goenka
Anupria Goenka (born 29 May 1987) is an Indian actress and model who appears in Hindi and Telugu films. She first shot to fame in 2013 as the face of UPA government's ''Bharat Nirman''. Goenka made her on-screen debut with the 2013 Telugu film ...
, Bhumi Pednekar
Bhumi Pednekar (born 18 July 1989) is an Indian actress who appears in Hindi films. After working as an assistant casting director at Yash Raj Films for six years, she made her film debut as an overweight bride in the company's romantic come ...
, Divya Dutta
Divya Dutta (born 25 September 1977) is an Indian actress and model. She has appeared in Hindi and Punjabi cinema, in addition to Malayalam and English-language films. She has received many awards including a National Film Award, a Filmfare ...
, Kriti Sanon and Nithya Menon have also expressed their wish to portray Meena Kumari onscreen.
In 2018, Producer and former child artist Kutty Padmini
Kutty Padmini is an Indian actress who mainly works in Tamil cinema. She was a child star in her debut movie ''Ambala Anjulam'' (1959). She has also acted in Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi movies. She made her debut in Tamil cinema at ...
announced to make a biopic on Meena Kumari in the form of a web series along with singer Mohammed Rafi
Mohammed Rafi (24 December 1924 – 31 July 1980) was an Indian playback singer and musician. He is considered to have been one of the greatest and most influential singers of the Indian subcontinent. Rafi was notable for his versatility and ...
and actor-director J.P. Chandrababu. Padmini has worked with Meena Kumari in the film ''Dil Ek Mandir
''Dil Ek Mandir'' () is a 1963 Indian Hindi-language romantic drama film directed by C. V. Sridhar and written by Raj Baldev Raj.
The film stars Rajendra Kumar, Meena Kumari, Raaj Kumar and Mehmood. The film's music is by Shankar Jaikishan. A ...
'' and wishes to honour the late actress with this biopic.
In 2019, Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Sanjay Leela Bhansali (; born 24 February 1963) is an Indian filmmaker, director, screenwriter, and music composer who is known for his work in Hindi cinema. He is the recipient of several awards, including four National Film Awards, ten Filmfar ...
announced the remake of Kumari's 1952 classic '' Baiju Bawra'' with Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt (; born 15 March 1993) is a British actress of Indian descent who predominantly works in Hindi films. She has received List of awards and nominations received by Alia Bhatt, several accolades including four Filmfare Awards. One of I ...
reprising ''Gauri's'' character, a role which was originally played by Kumari. Actress Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone ( or ; born 5 January 1986) is an Indian actress who works in Hindi films. She is one of the highest-paid actresses in India, and her accolades include three Filmfare Awards. She features in listings of the nation's most p ...
also expressed her desire to essay Kumari's role in the same film. The shooting of the film which was supposed to commence from October 2021, has not yet started.
In 2020, Almighty Motion Pictures announced a web series on Meena Kumari's life which is to be based on the book ''Starring..Mahjabeen as Meena Kumari'' written by journalist Ashwini Bhatnagar. This was followed by Tajdar Amrohi's objection who accused the journalist of not only writing the late actress' biography without his consent but also portraying Kamal Amrohi as a tormentor. Bhatnagar later clarified that the book never had Amrohi in a negative light and primarily focused on Meena Kumari's professional life. He later argued that Kumari was a public figure and none can claim their right of giving a permission for creating a work of art. The series which will be followed by a feature film will be helmed by producer Prabhleen Kaur Sandhu.
In February 2022, Music label Saregama
Saregama India Ltd. (Saregama refers to the first four notes of the Indian musical scale); formerly known as The Gramophone Company Of India Ltd. is India's oldest music label owned by the RP- Sanjiv Goenka Group of companies. The company ...
and actor Bilal Amrohi (grandson of Kamal Amrohi) announced a web series on the love story of Kumari and her filmmaker husband Kamal Amrohi against the backdrop of making of the film ''Pakeezah
''Pakeezah'' (; ) is a 1972 Indian Hindustani language, Hindustani-language Musical film, musical romantic drama film that was written, directed, and produced by Kamal Amrohi. The film stars Ashok Kumar, Meena Kumari, and Raaj Kumar. It tells ...
''. The series which will be helmed by Yoodlee films is expected to go on floors in 2023.
The following month, it was reported that Kriti Sanon has been approached to play Kumari in a biopic planned by T–Series. By April 2022, the makers zeroed down on Hansal Mehta
Hansal Mehta (born 29 April 1968) is an Indian filmmaker. He started his career with television show ''Khana Khazana'' (1993–2000) and later moved on to directing films like ''Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar!!'' (2000), '' Yeh Kya Ho Raha Hai?'' (2002) an ...
to be the director of the film.
Notes
References
Bibliography
* * *External links
*Meena Kumari
at Manas: Culture of India
Collection of verses by Meena Kumari
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kumari, Meena Indian film actresses 1933 births 1972 deaths Deaths from cirrhosis Actresses from Mumbai Actresses in Hindi cinema Poets from Maharashtra Alcohol-related deaths in India 20th-century Indian actresses 20th-century Indian poets Urdu-language poets from India Women writers from Maharashtra Indian women poets 20th-century Indian women writers Filmfare Awards winners