Meena Kumari's Birth Anniversary

 

Meena Kumari, born Mahjabeen Bano on 1 August 1933, in Dadar, was an iconic Indian actress and poet who made an indelible mark on Hindi cinema. 

Early life and career

·   Born into a poor family in Mumbai, India, she began acting as a child to support her family.

·   She made her debut in 1939 with the film "Leatherface", initially known as "Baby Meena", and later became Meena Kumari when starring in Vijay Bhatt's "Baiju Bawra" (1952).

·  Her career, spanning 33 years, encompassed over 90 films, showcasing her versatility in various genres, from drama and fantasy to comedies.

"The Tragedy Queen"

·   Meena Kumari earned the moniker "The Tragedy Queen" for her captivating and emotionally charged portrayals of sorrowful characters on screen.

·  She mastered playing roles marked by heartbreak, sacrifice, and inner turmoil, leaving audiences deeply moved by her performances. 

Notable films and awards

·   She is celebrated for her roles in classics like "Pakeezah" (1972), "Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam" (1962), "Baiju Bawra" (1952), "Daaera" (1953), "Parineeta" (1953), "Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai" (1960), and "Kaajal" (1965).

·    Meena Kumari won four Filmfare Awards for Best Actress, including the inaugural award for "Baiju Bawra" in 1954 and a historic win at the 10th Filmfare Awards, securing all three Best Actress nominations for her role in "Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam". 

Personal life and struggles

·  Her personal life was marked by challenges, including a troubled marriage to filmmaker Kamal Amrohi and a battle with alcoholism.

·   She was also an accomplished Urdu poet, writing under the pen name "Naaz", and her poems were published by Gulzar after her death.

·   Sadly, she passed away at the young age of 38 due to cirrhosis of the liver in 1972. 

Meena Kumari's artistic legacy continues to captivate audiences, making her a luminous presence in the history of Indian cinema.