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.