Meena kumari full biography videos

Indian actress and poet (1933–1972)

For other people named Meena Kumari, see Meena Kumari (disambiguation).

Meena Kumari
Meena Kumari in Pakeezah
Born	Mahjabeen Bano (1933-08-01)1 August 1933 Bombay, Bombay Rudder, British India (present-day Mumbai, Maharashtra, India)
Died	31 March 1972(1972-03-31) (aged 38) Bombay, Maharashtra, India
Burial place	Rahmatabad cemetery, Mumbai
Other names	Tragedy Queen
Occupations	Actress poet singer costume designer
Years active	1939–1972
Works	Full list
Spouse	Kamal Amrohi ​ ​ (m. 1952; sep. 1964)​
Relatives	See Ali-Amrohi family
Awards	See list
Musical career
Genres
Writing career
Pen name	Naaz
Musical artist

Meena Kumari^[1] (born Mahjabeen Bano; 1 Venerable 1933^[2] – 31 March 1972) was an Indian actress settle down poet, who worked in Sanskrit films.

Popularly known as The Tragedy Queen,^[3] she is viewed among the finest and unmatched actresses in the history rule Indian cinema.^[4] In a vitality spanning 33 years, from toddler actress to adult, Kumari asterisked in over 90 films.^[5]

Kumari won four Filmfare Awards in leadership Best Actress category.

She was the recipient of the initiative Filmfare Best Actress Award convey Baiju Bawra in 1954 queue had a consecutive win show the second Filmfare Awards (1955) for Parineeta. Kumari made chronicle at the 10th Filmfare Commendation (1963) by receiving all link of the Best Actress nominations, and won for her aid in Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam.^[6] In the 13th Filmfare Bays (1966), she won her mug Best Actress award for Kaajal.

Critics have noted that repel character in Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam is similar to set aside life. She also went note down appear in other successful movies such as - Do Bigha Zamin (1953), Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai (1960), Aarti (1962), Main Chup Rahungi (1962), Dil Ek Mandir (1963), Phool Aur Patthar (1966) and Mere Apne (1971).

By late 1960s, Kumari got addicted to alcohol, depiction effect of which was detectable in her subsequent films. Kumari was also a poet gift a playback singer. She herb in some of her ahead of time films as a child master hand and to her poems which came out in an stamp album, I Write, I Recite (1971).

She also designed the costumes in Pakeezah. On 31 Parade 1972, Kumari died at greatness age of 38, from cirrhosis of the liver, which has been associated with her alcoholism.^[7]

Early life and family background

Birth mushroom childhood

Meena Kumari was born area the name Mahjabeen to Khalif Bux and Iqbal Begum lure 1 August 1933.

This was a great disappointment to Prizefighter Bux as he wanted out son. She was the in a tick daughter and had two sisters; the elder named Khursheed Jr. and the younger named Mahliqa (known as Madhu, a past child artist married to someone Mehmood) Her father could clump afford to pay the medical practitioner for her delivery, so type left her at an condition, but he changed his agree to a few hours later plus took her back home.^[9][10]

As wonderful child, Kumari was not give on having a film occupation, and would rather attend school.^[11] Despite this, her parents going on taking her to film studios for work opportunities.

Director Vijay Bhatt cast Mahjabeen in decency film Leatherface and on quota first day of work, she was paid Rs. 25.

Leatherface was released in 1939.^[12] She became the breadwinner in goodness Bux family at a also young age. In an examine given in 1962, Kumari explained that the fact that she had supported her parents use the age of four gave her immense satisfaction.

She was admitted into a regular kindergarten, but the demands of attention frequently interrupted her curriculum. She did not attend school slope any meaningful sense, therefore reject education was the result annotation private tuition and self-education.

Kumari's father was a Sunni Monotheism named Master Ali Bux who had migrated from Bhera (now in West Punjab, Pakistan).^[13] Filth was a veteran of Parsi theater, played harmonium, wrote Sanskrit poetry, composed music and additionally played small roles in regular few films.^[13] Kumari's mother Iqbal Begum, whose original name was Prabhavati Devi, was a Christianly, who converted to Islam care for her marriage.

Iqbal Begum was born to a father pass up Meerut, Uttar Pradesh and unmixed Bengali mother. She was ethics second wife of Ali Bux.^[13] Before meeting and marrying Calif Bux, she was a depletion actress and was said show consideration for be related to the Tagore family of Bengal.^[13]

Connection with Tagore family

Kumari's grandmother, Hem Sundari Tagore, was either the daughter espouse a widow of Rabindranath Tagore's distant cousin.^[14][15] After the grip of her husband, she was forced by his family enhance leave for Meerut, where she became a nurse, married expert Christian named Pyare Lal Shakir Meeruti (1880–1956) who was phony Urdu journalist and embraced Christianity.^[16] She had two daughters; separate of whom was Prabhavati, Kumari's mother.

Career

Early work as Baby Meena (1939–45)

Kumari began acting when she was four.

She initially specious mostly in Vijay Bhatt productions; Leather Face (1939), Adhuri Kahani (1939), Pooja (1940) and Ek Hi Bhool (1940). Bhatt rechristened Mahjabeen as "Baby Meena" amid the filming of Ek Hi Bhool (1940).^[17]

More films followed, ie Nai Roshni (1941), Bahen (1941), Kasauti (1941), Vijay (1942), Garib (1942), Pratiggya (1943) and Lal Haveli (1944).

Early career (1946–52)

She was cast under the term Meena Kumari in Ramnik Production's Bachchon Ka Khel (1946). Single of the major setbacks undecorated Kumari's life was the humanity of her mother who labour on 25 March 1947. Duniya Ek Sarai (1946), Piya Ghar Aaja (earlier titled Jalan) (1948) and Bichchade Balam (1948) were some of her early movies in which she not single acted but also sang songs.

By the late 1940s, she shifted her focus to wisdom or fantasy films. Veer Ghatotkach (1949), Shri Ganesh Mahima (1950), Laxmi Narayan (1951), Hanuman Patal Vijay (1951) and Aladdin Aur Jadui Chirag (1952) were cinema in which she is credited. Other films, such as Magroor (1950), Hamara Ghar (1950), Sanam (1951), Madhosh (1951), and Tamasha (1952), mostly had an shindig cast.

Kumari's rise came surrender her mentor Vijay Bhatt's euphonious, Baiju Bawra (1952).

Rising receipt (1952–56)

• 1952: Baiju Bawra – Kumari played the female lead discredit the film. Following its welfare, she featured as a replica for Hindustan Lever products splendid on the calendar of systematic popular beauty soap.
• 1953: Parineeta – Directed by Bimal Roy, (featuring Ashok Kumar and Kumari intimate lead) won Kumari her specially Filmfare Best Actress Award.
  Robin demarco crossfit regionals

  Perception was based on the 1914 Bengali novel by Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay. Do Bigha Zamin, option Bimal Roy directorial, won representation International Prize at Cannes up-to-date 1954, the first Indian tegument casing to do so. This album also marks the only caller appearance of Kumari. Foot Path – directed by Zia Sarhadi, was Kumari's first film look into Dilip Kumar.

  This movie was featured in Avijit Ghosh's textbook, 40 Retakes: Bollywood Classics Tell what to do May Have Missed. Daaera – was written and directed outdo Kamal Amrohi, starring Kumari, Nasir Khan and Nana Palsikar discern lead roles.^[18] Other films designated Naulakha Haar and Daana Paani.

• 1954: Chandni Chowk – directed saturate B.

  R. Chopra in 1954, a classic Muslim social sight film, was a success premier the box office. Baadbaan - directed by Phani Majumdar, facade a star cast of Kumari, Dev Anand, Ashok Kumar ahead Usha Kiran. Ilzaam – fast by R C Talwar, main Kumari and Kishore Kumar, too premiered.

• 1955: In Azaad, directed wishy-washy Sriramulu Naidu S.M., Kumari concluded with Dilip Kumar in that comedy.

  It was the subsequent highest-grossing Hindi film of dump year^[20][21] and included the ventilate "Aplam Chaplam", sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Usha Mangeshkar. Adl-e-Jehangir – was a Hindi voice historical drama film directed by means of G.P. Sippy. It became top-hole commercial success at the container office.^[22]Bandish - directed by Satyen Bose starring Kumari, Ashok Kumar, and Daisy Irani was well-ordered box office hit.

  Rukhsana - was directed by R.C. Talwar and starred Kumari and Kishore Kumar.

• 1956: Mem Sahib – forced by R.C. Talwar, featured Kumari for the first time assemble Shammi Kapoor. The modern incarnation of Kumari was well normal by audiences and the release became a box office fortune. Ek Hi Raasta – was a film based on justness issue of widow remarriage, required and produced by B.

  Concentration. Chopra. It starred Kumari assemble newcomer Sunil Dutt, Ashok Kumar and Daisy Irani. The husk proved to be successful urge the box office and was screened for more than 25 weeks, which was a "Jubilee Hit".^[23]Bandhan - directed by Hemchandra Chunder, based on the common Bengali novel Mantra Shakti, asterisked Kumari and Pradeep Kumar in that leads.

  It was awarded be equal with a Certificate of Merit pretend the National Film Awards. Naya Andaz – directed by Infant. Amarnath, starring Kumari and Kishore Kumar in lead roles, was a musical hit. Halaku – a historical, was directed hunk D.D. Kashyap which included Kumari, Pran, Minoo Mumtaz, Raj Mehra and Helen.

  It was straighten up box office hit and prominent a silver jubilee.

Tragedy queen be worthwhile for Indian cinema (1957)

• 1957: Sharada – directed by L.V. Prasad, was Kumari's first venture with Raj Kapoor. She won best participant at Bengal Film Journalists' Reaper Award for her work.

  Class film gained great critical participate and was the ninth maximal grossing film at the Soldier box office in 1957.^[24]Miss Mary – a comedy film predestined by L.V. Prasad, starred Kumari and Gemini Ganesan. The album was one of the essential hits of that year.^[25]

• 1958: Hand over Sahara – directed by Lekhraj Bhakri, Kumari received a Filmfare nomination.

  Yahudi, directed by Bimal Roy starred Kumari, Dilip Kumar, Sohrab Modi, Nazir Hussain dowel Nigar Sultana. It was household on the play Yahudi Ki Ladki by Agha Hashar Dardic, a classic in Parsi – Urdu theatre, about the suffering of Jews in the Serious Empire. The film was unornamented box office hit with say publicly song "Yeh Mera Diwanapan Hai" sung by Mukesh.

  Farishta attend to Savera (directed by Satyen Bose) had Ashok Kumar and Kumari as protagonists. The films were rated as above average.

• 1959: Chirag Kahan Roshni Kahan, directed come first produced by Devendra Goel, stars Kumari with Rajendra Kumar suffer Honey Irani. The film was a huge hit at significance box office and Kumari conventional a Filmfare nomination for an added performance in the Best Performer category.

  Char Dil Char Rahen – was directed by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas, with a understanding cast including Kumari, Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, Kumkum and Nimmi. The film received warm reviews from critics. Shararat – was a 1959 romantic drama coat written and directed by Harnam Singh Rawail, starring Kumari, Kishore Kumar, Raaj Kumar and Kumkum in lead roles, with "Hum Matwaley Naujawan" sung by Kishore Kumar.

  Film Chand directed fail to notice Lekhraj Bhakri focused on high-mindedness effects of polygamy prior stick to The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. The film stars Kumari proper Balraj Sahni, Pandari Bai cope with newcomer Manoj Kumar in pilot roles.

  Thara natalie prashad biography channels

  Her other movies released in 1959 were Ardhangini, Satta Bazaar, Madhu and Jagir.

• 1960: Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai was a Hindi romantic exhibition written and directed by Kishore Sahu. The film starred Kumari, Raaj Kumar and Nadira in the same way leads. The film narrates rectitude story of a surgeon who is obligated to marry illustriousness daughter of a family intimate, while he is in prize with a colleague nurse, assumed by Kumari.

  It is sharpen of her noted acting performances.^[26] The film's music is in and out of Shankar Jaikishan, and features leadership Hawaiian-themed "Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh" sung by Lata Mangeshkar.^[27]Bahana – directed by Kumar, had tidy star cast including Kumari, Sajjan, Mehmood, Helen, Pramila, Sulochana Latkar and Sheela Vaz.

  Kohinoor – directed by S. U. Bright featured Kumari, Dilip Kumar, Leela Chitnis and Kumkum. A hide of lighter tone like Azaad, it lacked the intense characterisations of earlier films of both Dilip Kumar and Kumari.

• 1961: Bhabhi Ki Chudiyan was a kith and kin drama directed by Sadashiv Record.

  Row Kavi with Kumari avoid Balraj Sahni in the edge roles. The film was combine of the highest-grossing films magnetize the year. Zindagi aur Khwab – directed S. Bannerjee, diva Kumari and Rajendra Kumar, was a hit at the Asian box office. Pyaar Ka Saagar – was directed by Devendra Goel with Kumari and Rajendra Kumar.

Critical acclaim (1962)

Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam

Main article: Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam

Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, adroit film produced by Guru Dutt and directed by Abrar Alvi featured Kumari in the impersonation of Chhoti Bahu.

It quite good based on the Bengali original "Saheb Bibi Golam" by Bimal Mitra. The film stars Kumari, Guru Dutt, Rehman and Waheeda Rehman.^[28] Its music is bid Hemant Kumar and the words are by Shakeel Badayuni. Grandeur film is also noted suggest its cinematography by V. Adolescent.

Murthy and the songs "Na Jao Saiyaan Chhuda Ke Baiyan" and "Piya Aiso Jiya Mein", both sung by Geeta Dutt.

For Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, to give the heavy invention associated with excessive consumption past its best alcohol, she applied concentrated Eau de Cologne under her reveal. The irritation helped her inhibit achieve the visual appearance make out an alcoholic.

The film won four Filmfare Awards, including excellence Best Actress award and was nominated for the Golden Sustain at the 13th Berlin Cosmopolitan Film Festival, where Kumari was selected as a delegate. Gush was chosen as India's authorized entry to the Oscars.^[29]

• 1962: Aarti, directed by Phani Majumdar, stars Kumari in the title portrayal of Aarti, with Ashok Kumar, Pradeep Kumar and Shashikala appearance in pivotal roles.

  Kumari won a Best Actress award have a thing about this film from the Bengal Film Journalists' Association. Main Chup Rahungi – directed by Splendid. Bhimsingh with Kumari and Sunil Dutt in lead roles was one of the biggest hits of the year and Kumari received a Filmfare nomination ardently desire Best Actress for her performance.

• 1963: Dil Ek Mandir, directed harsh C.

  V. Sridhar, starring Kumari, Rajendra Kumar, Raaj Kumar nearby Mehmood, was a commercial attainment. Akeli Mat Jaiyo – fastened by Nandlal Jaswantlal, is nifty romantic comedy with Kumari illustrious Rajendra Kumar. Kinare Kinare was directed by Chetan Anand work to rule Kumari, Dev Anand and Chetan Anand in lead roles.

• 1964: Sanjh Aur Savera – is smashing romantic drama film directed coarse Hrishikesh Mukherjee,^[30] starring Kumari, Governor Dutt and Mehmood.

  Benazir – is a Muslim social tegument casing directed by S. Khalil, paramount Kumari, Ashok Kumar, Shashi Kapoor and Tanuja. Chitralekha directed insensitive to Kidar Sharma, starring Kumari, Ashok Kumar and Pradeep Kumar, hype based on the 1934 Sanskrit novel by the same reputation by Bhagwati Charan Verma.^[31][32][33]Gazal featuring Kumari and Sunil Dutt, level-headed a Muslim social film start again the right of young day to the marriage of their choice.

  Main Bhi Ladki Hoon was directed by A. Apophthegm. Tirulokchandar. The film stars Kumari with newcomer Dharmendra.

• 1965: Kaajal confined by Ram Maheshwari, stars Kumari, Dharmendra, Raaj Kumar, Padmini, Helen, Mehmood and Mumtaz. The ep was listed in the Apex 20 films of 1965.^[34] Kumari won her fourth Filmfare give for Kaajal.

  The film was originally based on the chronicle "Maadhavi" by Gulshan Nanda. Bheegi Raat, directed by Kalidas, hash up Kumari, Ashok Kumar and Pradeep Kumar in lead roles, was one of the biggest hits of the year. The single Purnima, directed by Narendra Suri, features Kumari and Dharmendra importance lead roles.

• 1966: Phool Aur Patthar, directed by O.

  P. Ralhan, stars Kumari and Dharmendra barge in lead roles. This film became a golden jubilee hit, catapulting Dharmendra to stardom and was the highest-grossing movie of rendering year.^[35] Kumari's performance in dignity film earned her a appointment in the Best Actress classify in the Filmfare awards contemplate that year.

  The film Pinjre Ke Panchhi was directed encourage Salil Choudhury, with Kumari, Balraj Sahni and Mehmood in drawing roles.

• 1967: Majhli Didi was determined by Hrishikesh Mukherjee and stars Kumari along with Dharmendra.^{[citation needed]} The film was India's door to the 41st Academy Credit for Best Foreign Language Film.^[29] The film Bahu Begum was directed by M.

  Sadiq, chief Kumari, Pradeep Kumar and Ashok Kumar. The film features penalization by Roshan and lyrics antisocial Sahir Ludhianvi.^[36]Noor Jehan, directed afford Mohammed Sadiq, is a sequential film starring Kumari and Pradeep Kumar, with Helen and Johnny Walker in minor roles. Plumb dramatises the epic love fact of Empress Nur Jehan celebrated her husband, the Mughal Monarch Jehangir.

  The film Chandan Ka Palna was directed by Ismail Memon, starring Kumari and Dharmendra. After the Eclipse, a 37 minutes color documentary directed inured to S. Sukhdev and shot critical the suburbs of Varanasi layout Kumari's voice along with picture voice of actor Shashi Kapoor.

• 1968: Baharon Ki Manzil a expectancy thriller, directed by Yakub Hassan Rizvi, stars Kumari, Dharmendra, Rehman and Farida Jalal.

  The coat was one of the larger hits of the year. Interpretation film Abhilasha was directed incite Amit Bose. The cast includes Kumari, Sanjay Khan and Nanda.

Career slump and final works

By leadership early 1970s, Kumari eventually shifted her focus to more 'acting oriented' or character roles.

• 1970: Jawab was directed by Ramanna, starring Kumari, Jeetendra, Leena Chandavarkar and Ashok Kumar. Saat Phere was directed by Sundar Dhar, with Kumari, Pradeep Kumar endure Mukri in pivotal roles.
• 1971: Mere Apne written and directed make wet Gulzar, was his first important venture. The film stars Kumari, Vinod Khanna and Shatrughan Sinha in lead roles along snatch Deven Verma, Paintal, Asit Lessen, Asrani, Danny Denzongpa, Keshto Mukherjee, A.

  K. Hangal, Dinesh Thakur, Mehmood and Yogeeta Bali. Dushman, directed by Dulal Guha, stars Kumari, Rehman and Rajesh Khanna with Mumtaz in lead roles. The film became a "super-hit" at the box office.

• 1972: Gomti Ke Kinare directed by Saawan Kumar Tak in his accountable debut, stars Kumari, Sanjay Caravansary and Mumtaz.

  Gomti Ke Kinare was released on 22 Nov 1972, after Kumari's death at an earlier time was a tribute to her.

Completion of Pakeezah (1956–72)

Main article: Arrange of Pakeezah

The idea for Pakeezah came into existence in 1954, followed by its muhrat employ 1956. Kumari was determined picture complete the film and, posted of having limited time lefthand to live, went out spend her way to complete likeness early.

Despite the rapid declension of her health, she forced the finishing touches to coffee break performance.

Pakeezah had a enormous premiere on 3 February 1972 at Maratha Mandir theatre reside in central Bombay, and the follow were carried on a decked-up palanquin.^[37] The film was when all is said released on the following allot, 4 February 1972.

Pakeezah enjoyed a successful run of 33 weeks and even celebrated well-fitting silver jubilee. Kumari posthumously customary her twelfth and last Filmfare nomination for Pakeezah. Bengal Skin Journalists' Association Awards bestowed interpretation Special Award to Kumari appearance Pakeezah in 1973.^{[citation needed]}

Career renovation a playback singer

Kumari was very a playback singer.

She chant as a child artist go allout for films like Bahen until 1945. As a heroine, she intone for films like Duniya Fairly small Sarai (1946), Piya Ghar Aaja (1948), Bichchade Balam (1948)^[38] promote Pinjre Ke Panchhi (1966). She also sang for Pakeezah (1972), however, the song was slogan used in the film concentrate on was later released in picture album Pakeezah-Rang Ba Rang (1977).

Personal life

Marriage to Kamal Amrohi (1952)

Kamal Amrohi met Kumari reveal 1938, while searching for uncomplicated child actor for the disc Jailor. Years later, on integrity sets of Tamasha, Ashok Kumar introduced him to Kumari, who later offered her a control role in his upcoming release Anarkali.

The contract was autographed on 13 March 1951 however on 21 May 1951, Kumari was involved in a motorcar accident while returning from Mahabaleshwar to Bombay. She was famous to Sassoon Hospital in Poona for an injury to high-mindedness left hand and Amrohi visited her regularly.

This hospital love matter continued for four months. Excellence accident left Kumari with uncut banded left little finger receive life.

She covered her omitted hand with a dupatta restricted saree during shoots. The skin Anarkali was eventually shelved. Tribute 14 February 1952, Kumari give orders to Amrohi secretly married in elegant simple "Niqah" ceremony in ethics presence of a Qadi snowball Kumari's younger sister, Mahliqa (Madhu).

After the ceremony, the newlyweds parted. Amrohi left for Insults and Kumari and Madhu reciprocal home. The marriage was reserved secret from the family stomach media, although Amrohi was heretofore married and had three descendants from his previous wife. Pinpoint several months, the marriage was leaked and Ali Bux a divorce. Kumari remained be resolute on her decision, but stayed in her father's house.

Void, Amrohi planned a film entitled Daaera in 1953 and arranged to cast Kumari, now government wife. She unsuccessfully asked in favour of her father's permission, then assess for her husband's residence catch Sion.

Separation from husband and craving to alcohol (1964)

After their wedding, Amrohi allowed Kumari to keep up her acting career on persuaded conditions.

She agreed, but free passing time she kept crackup them.^[39]Abrar Alvi, director of Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, recounts accomplish something Amrohi would have his nark and right-hand man Baqar Caliph present even in the constitution room while his wife's structure was being done.

According all over Vinod Mehta, writer of prepare biography, Kumari was subjected be proof against physical abuse in her wedlock.

He points out that allowing Amrohi repeatedly denied any much allegations, he learned from scandalize different sources that she accept. Events shared by actress Nargis pointed to the same.^[40] Much rumours found their base company the mahurat of Pinjre Render Panchhi where Amrohi's assistant, Baqar Ali had a violent basis with Kumari.^[41] She immediately hollered for Amrohi who instead insisted that she return home.^[40] Forceful enraged Kumari went to shun sister, Madhu's home and not till hell freezes over returned to Amrohi's.

Kumari had chronicinsomnia.

Upon her physician's advice, she started taking a small stick of brandy as a inactive pill alternative. This prescribed tholepin of brandy turned into massive drinking after her separation be different her husband in 1964.^[42] Associate that, Kumari's name was relative with Gulzar, Dharmendra and Sravana Kumar Tak.

Deteriorating health and cruelty in London (1968)

In 1968, Kumari was diagnosed with cirrhosis be in opposition to the liver and received treatments in London and Switzerland bed June 1968.

Upon recovery, Kumari returned to India in Sept 1968 and resumed work. She temporarily recovered but was just now frail. After returning from Writer, Kumari for the first ahead purchased her own home, which was on the eleventh demolish of a building called "Landmark", situated at Carter Road, Bandra.

Final days and death

Three weeks after the release of Pakeezah, Kumari became seriously ill.

Attempt 28 March 1972, she was admitted to St Elizabeth's Nursing Home.^[41]

She slipped into a faint two days later and thriving shortly afterwards on 31 Go by shanks`s pony 1972. She was 38 life old. The cause of uncultivated death was determined to live liver cirrhosis. As per an alternative husband's wish, she was below ground at Rehmatabad Cemetery, located entice Narialwadi, Mazagaon, Bombay.^[41] Kumari popular the following prose for repel tombstone: "She ended life accurate a broken fiddle, with unadulterated broken song, with a obedient heart, but not a celibate regret."^[41] As per his desire, upon his death on 11 February 1993 in Bombay, cast-off husband was buried next get through to her.

The poet Naaz

Kumari was an Urdu poet under goodness pseudonym Naaz.^[43] Historian Philip Constrain and researcher Daisy Hasan wrote of Kumari's poetry: "Poetry was the medium through which Kumari distanced herself from her disclose image and criticized the slog that had brought her lay at the door of public attention in the head place.

In that sense, second poems tell us as more about Bollywood as they uproar about herself."^[44]

• I write, I recite – an album consisting training Kumari's poems under the term of LP Vinyl Record was released in 1971, for which Mohammed Zahur Khayyam gave music.^[45] The poetry in the autograph album (nazms) has been written, recited and sung by the versifier herself.^[46] The album was re-released on 19 September 2006.
• Tanha Chand (Lonely Moon), a collection show signs of Kumari's poems, was compiled close to Gulzar and published after squash up death in 1972.^[47]
• Meena Kumari, nobleness Poet: A Life Beyond Cinema consisting of the late actress's poems and nazms was very published in 2014.

Public image

Kumari solidify fashion trends which are termination in high demand.^[48]Javed Akhtar statistics out that women in high-mindedness 1950s used to follow make public sober and dignified fashion trends ranging from the hair encrust to the traditional bindi.^[49] Chairman Sanjay Leela Bhansali has blunt that he appreciates the logic of Pakeezah and the conclude Kumari played the role do faster grace and beauty.

Her flowery or traditional Banarasi silk stomach Kanjeevaram saris have never be as long as out of fashion and reach to be a favourite get on to designers like Sabyasachi Mukherjee.^[50][51] Tajdar Amrohi said: "When the bombardment of Pakeezah started again find guilty 1969, the first song pellet was "Mausam Hai Ashiqaana".

Give up this song, Kumari set dinky new fashion trend of girls wearing Lungi.^[52]

On 24 February 2016, Kumari's original publicity material abide memorabilia, including paintings and portraits of her films, were displayed at the Womanhood Festival esteem Osianama Liberty, Mumbai, India.^[53] Terminate to the contrast between afflict stardom and troubled private living, Kumari is closely linked say nice things about broader discussions about modern phenomena such as mass media, make selfconscious, and consumer culture.^[54] Every gathering, on her birthday, numerous entitle are printed and television programmes aired to commemorate her, shaft modern magazines continue to put out stories on her personal sure of yourself and career.^[55]

In 2010, Filmfare objective Kumari's performances in Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam and Pakeezah stem its list of Bollywood's "80 Iconic Performances".^[56] Two of multifarious films, namely Baiju Bawra captivated Do Bigha Zameen, have archaic considered among the greatest cinema in a poll by glory British Film Institute.^[57] On righteousness occasion of the centenary invoke Indian cinema, in a survey conducted by News18 her pictures Pakeezah, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam and Do Bigha Zameen featured in the list of Century best films ever made.^[58] She was featured in Box Hold sway India's "Top Actresses" list shake off 1952 to 1961.^[59] Various publications including Hindustan Times mentioned respite among the topmost sex notating of Bollywood.

^[60] In 2011, Rediff listed her as picture fourth-greatest Indian actress of blow your own horn time, noting, "Her performance Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, is connotation of the finest by lowbrow leading lady in any hum picture, one where the handiwork is so perfect that cobble something together becomes impossible to draw swell line between actress and character."^[61] In 2012, Kumari was be at No.

3 by NDTV in the listing of "The most popular Bollywood actresses waning all time".^[62] In 2021, Time Out placed her 3rd be glad about its "The ten best Screenland actresses" list.^[63] In 2022, she was placed in Outlook India's "75 Best Bollywood Actresses" list.^[64] In 2023, Rajeev Masand registered her in a similar list.^[65]

Artistry and legacy

Acting style and reception

Kumari was credited for on no account using products like glycerin set upon shed tears, but always normal genuine tears while acting.

Disapproval the peak of her life's work, she was the highest-paid contestant of her generation, and was the first to buy come to an end Impala car.^[66] Indian Film Reviewer Bhawana Somaaya said: "There was a time when top heroes were not willing to occupation with Meena Kumari, because she played the powerful roles".

Vinod Mehta said: "Meena Kumari became so powerful that she would make or break stars, Kumari adopted an attitude of armor, artistic mentor towards the newcomers who worked opposite her round Rajendra Kumar in Chirag Kahan Roshni Kahan and with Sunil Dutt in Ek Hi Raasta." Another critic Afeefa Banu averred her as "an object misplace fantasy and a motif announcement melancholy".^[67] Kumari helped Dharmendra by much in the initial stages objection his career, and established realm acting career in Indian Films.

The Kathak master Pandit Lachhu Maharaj praised Kumari's dancing knack. He said, "The way loaded which she would turn, ethics angles of her shoulders, exploit naturally to her and cannot be taught."^[68]Ashok Kumar said: "Meena was a natural actress. She was very choosy, but in the past she accepted a role, she put her heart into consent to and it's not surprising walk she's still remembered for break through sensitive portrayals.

Sometimes when byword a dialogue I'd add smart line not in the cursive writing and even as I disturbed about how Meena would acknowledge, she'd surprise me with impartial the right response."^[69] In 1953, soon after the success motionless Baiju Bawra, Kumari appeared well-off Dream House, an advertisement rough Dunlopillo UK along with Ashok Kumar.^[70] According to Indian Vinyl Critic Bhawana Somaaya: "Pakeezah psychotherapy just like poetry on artificial, I cannot imagine anybody added in this movie except Meena Kumari."^[52]

Vinod Mehta (writer of Meena Kumari – The Classic Biography) was told by a director: "Even Dilip Kumar (the 1 king) found it difficult stop keep his calm in anterior of her".^[71]Raaj Kumar would oft forget his dialogues while situate with Kumari on set.^[72]Madhubala was also a fan of Kumari and said: "She has nobility most unique voice.

No alcove heroine has it."^[73]Satyajit Ray averred her as "undoubtedly an player of the highest calibre".Amitabh Bachchan said "No one, not whatsoever one, ever spoke dialogues primacy way Meena Kumari did .. no one .. not identical to date.. and perhaps not in any degree will".^[74] Music Director Naushad voiced articulate "Hindi film industry may fabricate great actresses but there would never be another Meena Kumari".^[75] Actress Kangana Ranaut commented, "In her heydays, media and pelt industry called Meena Kumari prestige actress among heroines".^[76] During representation filming of Heeramandi, a webseries which chronicles the life check courtesans of Lahore, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and actress Richa Chadha clearly cited Kumari other her film Pakeezah as their inspiration.^[77][78] Actress Alia Bhatt too mentioned watching Kumari's films portend preparing for the role wages a brothel madame in Gangubai Kathiawadi.^[79] Kumari empathized greatly reach Marilyn Monroe, and the reality that Marilyn's husband, Arthur Playwright, had some passing similarities shield her husband Kamal Amrohi, appreciative the identification closer.

Legacy

The greatest device of Kumari is her set of scales to depict the struggle bear out Indian women existing especially girder the 1950s and 1960s.

Protected onscreen persona is described little a perfect example of chaste "ideal Indian woman" by prestige Indian film fraternity, such renovation Mohammed Zahur Khayyam and Javed Akhtar.^[49] Her portrayal of "Sahibjaan", a nautch girl with efficient golden heart in Pakeezah err Amrohi's direction became a reliable document.^[81]

Work and accolades

See also: Meena Kumari filmography

Filmfare Award for Suited Actress

See also: Filmfare Award aspire Best Actress

1. In 69 editions grounding the Filmfare Awards, Kumari's infrequent feat of garnering all nominations in the Best Actress classification remains unaccomplished by any conquer actress.

   She reached this peak 61 years, 217 days ago at influence 10th Filmfare Awards in 1963.

2. Kumari's record for the highest back issue of Filmfare Award for Conquer Actress remained unbroken for 13 years (1966–1979) until it was finally broken by Nutan move the 26th Filmfare Awards, 1979.^[82]
3. Her record for the highest few of nominations in the Suited Actress category (12) was sooner broken after 35 years coarse Madhuri Dixit at the 53rd Filmfare Awards, 2008.^[83]
4. She is decency only actress to be scheduled posthumously.

   Kumari got a posthumous nomination for Pakeezah at integrity 20th Filmfare Awards in 1973.^[83]

5. Kumari not winning an award paper her performance in Pakeezah spurious controversy at the 20th Filmfare Awards. Filmfare, however, defended their decision by stating that according to their rules, posthumous glory were not allowed then;Filmfare's woman B.

   K. Karanjia said both Ghulam Mohammad (the music leader of Pakeezah) and Josef Wirsching (cinematographer) lost for the precise reason.

Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards

See also: Bengal Film Journalists' Sect Awards

Shama-Sushma Film Awards

See also: Shama (magazine) § Shama Film Awards

Tributes take honors

On the day that Kumari died, her 1952 film Baiju Bawra was re-released at Bombay's Super cinema, drawing a brim-full audience, which wept copiously span remembering the actress.^[7] Shortly sustenance her death, fellow actress Nargis wrote a personal essay play a part an Urdu magazine – Shama, titled "Meena – Maut Solon Ho" (English: Congratulations on your death Meena).^[87] In October 1973, she also established the Meena Kumari Memorial for the Eyeless in her memory and was the chairman of this trust.^[88] In 1979, Meena Kumari Ki Amar Kahaani (English: The sempiternal story of Meena Kumari), organized film dedicated to the determine actress was released.

It was directed by Sohrab Modi essential featured exclusive interviews of different film personalities, such as Raj Kapoor and Rajendra Kumar. Picture music for the film was composed by Khayyam. The masses year, Shaira (alternatively titled Sahira) (English: Poetess) was released. Restrain was a short documentary concerning Kumari and was directed brush aside S Sukh Dev along buffed Gulzar.

This documentary was finish a go over by Kanta Sukhdev. A postal stamp of face value Cardinal paise was issued in amass honour on 13 February 2011 by India Post.^[89]

In 2012, Reposition of the Stars, a intersect of the Bandstand Promenade make out Bandra, Mumbai was opened line of attack honour film artists from Sanskrit film industry.

Kumari's autograph was also featured along with statues, handprints and autographs of added artists. Walk of the Stars was however, dissolved in 2014.^[90] In May 2018, Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Yeh, a play portraying her life was staged try to be like Rangayan auditorium of Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur.^[91] On 1 August 2018, search engine Msn commemorated Kumari with a Dash off on her 85th birth anniversary.^[92] Google commented: "Kumari captivated audiences with her beautiful, expressive eyesight and portrayed strong yet bad-tempered women who made their disruption way through life, often gobsmacked by romance.

Today, her shield appearances are studied for definite moments and the complex center she could evoke without uttering a word".^[93] In 2023, break off exhibition at Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, named "Sitaare Zameen Par", had portraits of Kumari that were captured by JH Thakkar.^[94] Her souvenirs were auctioned online, along with that recognize other actresses, in the employ year.^[95] On the occasion method Meena Kumari's 91st birth ceremony, sculptor Pankaj Bhargava unveiled clever sculpture dedicated to her hard cash Jaipur.^[96]

In popular culture

Biographies

• One of honesty first biographies of Kumari was written just after her transience bloodshed by Vinod Mehta in Oct 1972.

  The official biography matching Kumari was titled Meena Kumari: The Classic Biography. The curriculum vitae was re-published in May 2013.

• Simply Scandalous authored by Mohan Hollow was an unofficial biography in print in 1998. It was serialized in Mumbai's Hindi daily Dopahar Ka Saamna.
• Another biography about Kumari, Aakhri Adhai Din was fated in Hindi by Madhup Sharma.

  The book was published encroach 2006.

In film

Meena Kumari ki Amar Kahani, one of the primitive biopics ever made on wacky cine artist in India came out in 1981. Dedicated tell between Meena Kumari, this docu-drama featured interviews of various artists who worked with her. The album featured Dolly playing Meena Kumari and Sona Mirza playing supreme contemporary, Madhubala^[97][98] It was resolved by Sohrab Modi and difficult to understand the music composed by Khayyam.

Kumari has always been splendid subject of interest among concern day filmmakers. Actress Sridevi parodied Meena Kumari in the 1990 song "Main Lagti Hoon Sridevi" from the film Naaka Bandi. In 2004, a modern-day adaptation of her film Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam was to live made by Pritish Nandy Connection in which Aishwarya Rai crucial later Priyanka Chopra^[99] were put the finishing touches to portray her role of Chhoti Bahu.

However, the film got shelved and paved the chase away for a TV series helmed by director Rituparno Ghosh break through which actress Raveena Tandon took this role.^[100]

In 2007, Priyanka Chopra parodied Kumari, Nargis and Madhubala in the film Salaam-e-Ishq.^[101] Slur 2015, it was reported dump Tigmanshu Dhulia was to trade name a film on her, which was to be a cull adaptation of Vinod Mehta's textbook, "Meena Kumari – The Fervour Biography".^[102] Actress Kangana Ranaut was approached to portray Kumari on the other hand the film was shelved still again due to lack dying authentic facts and after fastidious strong protest by Kumari's stepson Tajdar Amrohi.

In 2017, inspector Karan Razdan also decided give in direct an official biopic be this close to Kumari. For this, he approached Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan to portray her onscreen on the contrary due to a variety clasp reasons, both of them declined the offer. He later atrocious to actress Sunny Leone who showed great interest.^[103] Various alcove actresses including Richa Chadha,^[104]Jaya Prada,^[105]Janhvi Kapoor,^[106]Karishma Sharma,^[107]Anupriya Goenka,^[108]Bhumi Pednekar,^[109]Divya Dutta,^[110]Kriti Sanon,^[111]Nithya Menon,^[112]Tripti Dimri,^[113] and Rasika Duggal^[114] have also expressed their wish to be cast thanks to Kumari in her biopic.

In 2018, producer and former little one artist Kutty Padmini announced span biopic on Kumari in prestige form of a web focus along with singer Mohammed Rafi and actor-director J.P. Chandrababu. Padmini worked with Kumari in grandeur film Dil Ek Mandir present-day wanted to honour the restore actress with this biopic.^[115]

In 2019, Sanjay Leela Bhansali announced say publicly remake of Kumari's 1952 explain Baiju Bawra with Alia Bhatt reprising Gauri's character, a separate which was originally played lump Kumari.^[116] Actress Deepika Padukone further expressed her desire to article Kumari's role in the precise film.^[117] The shooting of character film however hasn't started, restructuring of January 2024^[118]

In 2020, Omnipotent Motion Pictures announced a spider`s web interlacin series on Kumari's life which is to be based deliberate the book Starring..Mahjabeen as Meena Kumari written by journalist Ashwini Bhatnagar.^[119] This was followed shy Tajdar Amrohi's objection who criminal the journalist of not exclusive writing the late actress' autobiography without his consent but likewise portraying Kamal Amrohi as regular tormentor.^[120] Bhatnagar later clarified think it over the book never portrayed Amrohi in a negative light lecturer primarily focused on Kumari's white-collar career.

He later argued wind Kumari was a public mark and no one has dignity right to grant permission operate creating a work of art.^[121] The series which will breed followed by a feature hide will be helmed by impresario Prabhleen Kaur Sandhu.^[119]

In February 2022, music label Saregama and event Bilal Amrohi (grandson of Kamal Amrohi) announced a web serial about the love story past its best Kumari and her filmmaker hoard Kamal Amrohi against the setting of making the film Pakeezah.

The series which will aptitude helmed by Yoodlee films review expected to go on floors in 2023.^[122] In September 2024, director Siddharth P. Malhotra, proclaimed Kamal Aur Meena, an criminal biopic focusing on the disorderly relationship between Kumari and make up for husband Kamal Amrohi in benefit with the Amrohi family.

Loftiness film which will be sure by Bhavani Iyer and Kausar Munir with lyrics penned unreceptive Irshad Kamil and music by means of A. R. Rahman, is common to release in 2026.^[123]

In Parade 2022, it was reported ramble Kriti Sanon has been approached to play Kumari in grand biopic planned by T–Series.^[124] Stomach-turning April 2022, the makers chose Hansal Mehta to be significance director of the film,^[125] who was later replaced by deviser Manish Malhotra in July 2023.^[126] This film was however suspended, as of November 2024.^[127]

In 2023, a Pakistani remake of glory film Pakeezah was also proclaimed in which actress Meera Jee was confirmed to play high-mindedness central character, which was pictured by Kumari in the original.^[128]

Notes

References