Meena Kumari: The journey of the Tragedy Queen of Bollywood

Meena Kumari: The journey of the Tragedy Queen of Bollywood

The film released in February 1972. Meena Kumari died in less than two months after the release. The film had initially opened to average reviews but after her demise, people rushed to theatres to watch the film and it received a cult status. Meena Kumari's performance in this film is considered one of the best performances ever in the history of Indian cinema.

Meena Kumari: The journey of the Tragedy Queen of Bollywood

After coming back, Meena Kumari had lost almost all of her previous charm and beauty. That's when they decided to complete the filming of 'Pakeezah'. Kamal Amrohi had planned the film in 1958 and it went on the floors in 1964. But the filming halted after they separated. 14 years later, Sunil Dutt and Nargis insisted the two that they complete it. Amrohi and Meena Kumari coming together was a touching event. Hindustan Times described it as, "Not much was said, but streams of tears were shed... Amrohi greeted her with a token payment of a gold guinea and the promise that he’d make her look as beautiful as the day she had started the film." Meena Kumari knew that she wasn't left with much time. She went beyond her limits to complete the film.

Meena Kumari: The journey of the Tragedy Queen of Bollywood

Soon, in 1964, she separated from husband Kamal Amrohi. This pushed her into heavy depression and she became dependent on alcohol. At the same time, she apparently started building intimacy with younger men. Among them, her relationship with Dharmendra remains much talked about. In 1968, she was seriously ill and was taken to Switzerland for treatment.

Meena Kumari: The journey of the Tragedy Queen of Bollywood

It was 1962 and Meena Kumari created history by being nominated for Filmfare Awards in the 'Best Actress' category, winning it for 'Sahib, Bibi aur Gulam'. She played 'Chhoti Bahu', an alcoholic woman in the film and it was majorly praised. She was the first actress to win the Filmfare 'Best Actress' award'.

Meena Kumari: The journey of the Tragedy Queen of Bollywood

However, it was the 1952 film 'Baiju Bawra' again directed by Vijay Bhatt which introduced her to fame. She played the lead actress in the film and slowly started gaining the position of a star.

Meena Kumari: The journey of the Tragedy Queen of Bollywood

However, it was the 1952 film 'Baiju Bawra' again directed by Vijay Bhatt which introduced her to fame. She played the lead actress in the film and slowly started gaining the position of a star.

Meena Kumari: The journey of the Tragedy Queen of Bollywood

Her father played musical instruments in theatres and wrote Urdu poems. Her mother, prior to her marriage, was a stage actress and dancer. A financially troubled circumstance forced her to get into acting just at the age of 7. It is said that she told her parents, "I do not want to work in movies; I want to go to school, and learn like other children." However, she had to. 'Farzan-E-Watan' directed by Vijay Bhatt was her first film. She was renamed as 'Baby Meena' as she entered showbiz.

Meena Kumari: The journey of the Tragedy Queen of Bollywood

The time when Mahjabeen was born, her parents were going through a rough patch financially. They were unable to pay the doctor's fees. Helpless, they dropped her at a Muslim orphanage. However, just for a few hours. They took her back again.

Meena Kumari: The journey of the Tragedy Queen of Bollywood

Meena Kumari was born on August 1, 1932. Her parents named her Mahjabeen Bano.