Meena Kumari, the cult queen of Bollywood is hailed for her emotional and tragic roles. But sadly, the life of this tragedy queen was more tragic than the roles she played. In her own words- "Tum kya karo ge sun kar mujh se meri kahani Bay lutf zindagi ke qissay hain pheekay pheekay..."
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Initially, after its release in February 1972, Pakeezah opened to a lukewarm response from the public; however, after Meena Kumari's death less than two months later, people flocked to see it, making it a major box-office success.
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Pakeezah(1972) was that film of her career that etched her name in posterity. The film was a dream project of her ex husband Kamal Amrohi and Meena Kumari who knew that her days were numbered, worked overtime to complete it.
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Meena Kumari is said to have developed an attachment for Gulzar and acted in his directorial debut Mere Apne (1971). Her role of an elderly woman who is killed in a street war between youths was soul stirring.
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After her divorce in 1964, she started drinking even more, so much so that her senses became numb. She is believed to have a string of unsuccessful relationships with several younger actors like Dharmender.
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Meena Kumari married writer, filmmaker Kamal Amrohi who was already married. But sadly this marriage did not last long. As chinks began to develop in this relationship, Meena turned more towards alcohol.
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Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962), produced by Guru Dutt was not just a film, but a glorious phase in her career. She played the role of Chhoti Bahu, an alcoholic wife. The film had a stunning similarity to her own personal life which was undergoing an upheaval both on emotional and financial front and she was gradually turning an alcoholic.
In 1962, Meena Kumari made history getting all three nominations for Filmfare Best Actress Award, for her roles in Aarti, Main Chup Rahungi, and Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam. She won the award for Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam.
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After playing insignificant roles in several mythological films, she finally got recognition for her acting skills in Baiju Bawra (1952). It was the role of a woman who sacrifices all her wishes and desires for the material and spiritual advancement of the man she loves. She was the first actress to win the Filmfare Best Actress Award in 1953 for this role.
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During a career spanning 30 years from her childhood to her death,
Meena Kumari acted in more than ninety films, most of which
are regarded as classics today. Meena Kumari, who began her career as Baby Meena was practically forced into acting, despite her immense desire to go to school. She gradually became the sole bread earner of her family.
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Meena Kumari, known in Bollywood as the eternal tragedy queen was born Mahjabeen Bano. Regarded as one of the greatest actors that Hindi cinema has produced, she was also a thinker and a poetess. On her 82nd birthday, have a look at the life and times of this legendary actress.
