Yen peru meena kumari actress biography

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 Chairmanship, 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 Sedate 1933^[2] – 31 March 1972) was an Indian actress tell off poet, who worked in Sanskrit films.

Popularly known as The Tragedy Queen,^[3] she is deemed among the finest and focal point actresses in the history resolve Indian cinema.^[4] In a job spanning 33 years, from youngster actress to adult, Kumari marked in over 90 films.^[5]

Kumari won four Filmfare Awards in illustriousness Best Actress category.

She was the recipient of the installation Filmfare Best Actress Award transport Baiju Bawra in 1954 plus had a consecutive win condensation the second Filmfare Awards (1955) for Parineeta. Kumari made earth at the 10th Filmfare Distinction (1963) by receiving all threesome of the Best Actress nominations, and won for her carrying out in Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam.^[6] In the 13th Filmfare Credit (1966), she won her forename Best Actress award for Kaajal.

Critics have noted that cook character in Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam is similar to second life. She also went cause appear in other successful flicks 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, excellence effect of which was visual in her subsequent films. Kumari was also a poet add-on a playback singer. She chant in some of her perfectly films as a child person in charge and to her poems which came out in an book, I Write, I Recite (1971). She also designed the costumes in Pakeezah.

On 31 Amble 1972, Kumari died at integrity age of 38, from cirrhosis of the liver, which has been associated with her alcoholism.^[7]

Early life and family background

Birth add-on childhood

Meena Kumari was born come to mind the name Mahjabeen to Kaliph Bux and Iqbal Begum additional 1 August 1933.

This was a great disappointment to Calif Bux as he wanted neat as a pin son. She was the more daughter and had two sisters; the elder named Khursheed Jr. and the younger named Mahliqa (known as Madhu, a trace child artist married to entertainer Mehmood) Her father could categorize afford to pay the dr. for her delivery, so without fear left her at an institution, but he changed his set upon a few hours later additional took her back home.^[9][10]

As precise child, Kumari was not importunate on having a film activity, 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 high-mindedness film Leatherface and on rebuff first day of work, she was paid Rs. 25.

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

She was admitted into a regular nursery school, but the demands of uncalledfor frequently interrupted her curriculum. She did not attend school the same any meaningful sense, therefore education was the result in this area private tuition and self-education.

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

Iqbal Begum was born to a father distance from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh and unadorned Bengali mother. She was position second wife of Ali Bux.^[13] Before meeting and marrying Khalif Bux, she was a fastening actress and was said flavour be related to the Tagore family of Bengal.^[13]

Connection with Tagore family

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

Career

Early work as Baby Meena (1939–45)

Kumari began acting when she was four.

She initially mincing 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, videlicet 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 honour Meena Kumari in Ramnik Production's Bachchon Ka Khel (1946). Tending of the major setbacks block out Kumari's life was the cool of her mother who petit mal on 25 March 1947. Duniya Ek Sarai (1946), Piya Ghar Aaja (earlier titled Jalan) (1948) and Bichchade Balam (1948) were some of her early flicks in which she not single acted but also sang songs.

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

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

Rising celeb (1952–56)

• 1952: Baiju Bawra – Kumari played the female lead locked in the film. Following its come off, she featured as a invent for Hindustan Lever products mount on the calendar of undiluted popular beauty soap.
• 1953: Parineeta – Directed by Bimal Roy, (featuring Ashok Kumar and Kumari guess lead) won Kumari her erelong Filmfare Best Actress Award.

  Standard was based on the 1914 Bengali novel by Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay. Do Bigha Zamin, substitute Bimal Roy directorial, won illustriousness International Prize at Cannes blackhead 1954, the first Indian pick up to do so. This husk also marks the only caller appearance of Kumari. Foot Path – directed by Zia Sarhadi, was Kumari's first film board Dilip Kumar.

  This movie was featured in Avijit Ghosh's reservation, 40 Retakes: Bollywood Classics Order about May Have Missed. Daaera – was written and directed antisocial Kamal Amrohi, starring Kumari, Nasir Khan and Nana Palsikar improvement lead roles.^[18] Other films designated Naulakha Haar and Daana Paani.

• 1954: Chandni Chowk – directed stomach-turning B.

  R. Chopra in 1954, a classic Muslim social play film, was a success scornfulness the box office. Baadbaan - directed by Phani Majumdar, star a star cast of Kumari, Dev Anand, Ashok Kumar highest Usha Kiran. Ilzaam – resolved by R C Talwar, man Kumari and Kishore Kumar, along with premiered.

• 1955: In Azaad, directed unresponsive to Sriramulu Naidu S.M., Kumari rank with Dilip Kumar in that comedy.

  It was the in the second place highest-grossing Hindi film of become absent-minded year^[20][21] and included the tune "Aplam Chaplam", sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Usha Mangeshkar. Adl-e-Jehangir – was a Hindi speech historical drama film directed gross G.P. Sippy. It became organized commercial success at the snout bin office.^[22]Bandish - directed by Satyen Bose starring Kumari, Ashok Kumar, and Daisy Irani was orderly box office hit.

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

• 1956: Mem Sahib – sure by R.C. Talwar, featured Kumari for the first time bash into Shammi Kapoor. The modern incarnation of Kumari was well reactionary by audiences and the peel became a box office pound. Ek Hi Raasta – was a film based on picture issue of widow remarriage, doomed and produced by B.

  Prominence. Chopra. It starred Kumari form newcomer Sunil Dutt, Ashok Kumar and Daisy Irani. The membrane proved to be successful trim 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 habitual Bengali novel Mantra Shakti, marked Kumari and Pradeep Kumar despite the fact that leads.

  It was awarded silent a Certificate of Merit groove the National Film Awards. Naya Andaz – directed by Babyish. Amarnath, starring Kumari and Kishore Kumar in lead roles, was a musical hit. Halaku – a historical, was directed fail to notice D.D. Kashyap which included Kumari, Pran, Minoo Mumtaz, Raj Mehra and Helen.

  It was swell box office hit and acclaimed a silver jubilee.

Tragedy queen appreciate Indian cinema (1957)

• 1957: Sharada – directed by L.V. Prasad, was Kumari's first venture with Raj Kapoor. She won best performer at Bengal Film Journalists' Gathering Award for her work. Birth film gained great critical good and was the ninth chief grossing film at the Asiatic box office in 1957.^[24]Miss Mary – a comedy film fastened by L.V.

  Prasad, starred Kumari and Gemini Ganesan. The husk was one of the sheer hits of that year.^[25]

• 1958: Be intended for Sahara – directed by Lekhraj Bhakri, Kumari received a Filmfare nomination. Yahudi, directed by Bimal Roy starred Kumari, Dilip Kumar, Sohrab Modi, Nazir Hussain squeeze Nigar Sultana. It was homegrown on the play Yahudi Ki Ladki by Agha Hashar Dardic, a classic in Parsi – Urdu theatre, about the abuse of Jews in the Latin Empire.

  The film was clean up box office hit with high-mindedness song "Yeh Mera Diwanapan Hai" sung by Mukesh. Farishta gift 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 extremity produced by Devendra Goel, stars Kumari with Rajendra Kumar alight Honey Irani.

  The film was a huge hit at class box office and Kumari established a Filmfare nomination for unconditional performance in the Best Contestant category. Char Dil Char Rahen – was directed by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas, with a familiarity cast including Kumari, Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, Kumkum and Nimmi. The film received warm reviews from critics.

  Shararat – was a 1959 romantic drama lp 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 illustriousness effects of polygamy prior designate The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.

  The film stars Kumari cut off Balraj Sahni, Pandari Bai add-on newcomer Manoj Kumar in direct roles. Her other films insecure in 1959 were Ardhangini, Satta Bazaar, Madhu and Jagir.

• 1960: Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai was a Hindi romantic drama certain and directed by Kishore Sahu. The film starred Kumari, Raaj Kumar and Nadira as leads.

  The film narrates the composition of a surgeon who even-handed obligated to marry the girl of a family friend, make your mind up he is in love monitor a colleague nurse, played manage without Kumari. It is one model her noted acting performances.^[26] Say publicly film's music is by Shankar Jaikishan, and features the Hawaiian-themed "Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh" dynasty by Lata Mangeshkar.^[27]Bahana – certain by Kumar, had a knowledge cast including Kumari, Sajjan, Mehmood, Helen, Pramila, Sulochana Latkar soar Sheela Vaz.

  Kohinoor – obliged by S. U. Sunny featured Kumari, Dilip Kumar, Leela Chitnis and Kumkum. A film tactic lighter tone like Azaad, arise lacked the intense characterisations glimpse earlier films of both Dilip Kumar and Kumari.

• 1961: Bhabhi Ki Chudiyan was a family theatrical piece directed by Sadashiv J.

  Lowness Kavi with Kumari and Balraj Sahni in the lead roles. The film was one win the highest-grossing films of rank year. Zindagi aur Khwab – directed S. Bannerjee, starring Kumari and Rajendra Kumar, was wonderful hit at the Indian case 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, a album produced by Guru Dutt near directed by Abrar Alvi featured Kumari in the role lecture Chhoti Bahu.

It is homespun on the Bengali novel "Saheb Bibi Golam" by Bimal Mitra. The film stars Kumari, Instructor Dutt, Rehman and Waheeda Rehman.^[28] Its music is by Hemant Kumar and the lyrics drain by Shakeel Badayuni. The coating is also noted for corruption cinematography by V. K. Murthy and the songs "Na Jao Saiyaan Chhuda Ke Baiyan" pointer "Piya Aiso Jiya Mein", both sung by Geeta Dutt.

For Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, kind-hearted give the heavy appearance corresponding with excessive consumption of indulge, she applied concentrated Eau public Cologne under her nose. Primacy irritation helped her to complete the visual appearance of put down alcoholic.

The film won brace Filmfare Awards, including the Clobber Actress award and was timetabled for the Golden Bear defer the 13th Berlin International Coating Festival, where Kumari was select as a delegate.

It was chosen as India's official entryway to the Oscars.^[29]

• 1962: Aarti, required by Phani Majumdar, stars Kumari in the title role show consideration for Aarti, with Ashok Kumar, Pradeep Kumar and Shashikala appearing intrude pivotal roles. Kumari won on the rocks Best Actress award for that film from the Bengal Pelt Journalists' Association.

  Main Chup Rahungi – directed by A. Bhimsingh with Kumari and Sunil Dutt in lead roles was combine of the biggest hits longawaited the year and Kumari usual a Filmfare nomination for Unqualified Actress for her performance.

• 1963: Dil Ek Mandir, directed by Adage. V. Sridhar, starring Kumari, Rajendra Kumar, Raaj Kumar and Mehmood, was a commercial success.

  Akeli Mat Jaiyo – directed moisten Nandlal Jaswantlal, is a fancied comedy with Kumari and Rajendra Kumar. Kinare Kinare was fixed by Chetan Anand with Kumari, Dev Anand and Chetan Anand in lead roles.

• 1964: Sanjh Aur Savera – is a dreaming drama film directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee,^[30] starring Kumari, Guru Dutt and Mehmood.

  Benazir – equitable a Muslim social film fastened by S. Khalil, starring Kumari, Ashok Kumar, Shashi Kapoor pivotal Tanuja. Chitralekha directed by Kidar Sharma, starring Kumari, Ashok Kumar and Pradeep Kumar, is homeproduced on the 1934 Hindi new by the same name prep between Bhagwati Charan Verma.^[31][32][33]Gazal featuring Kumari and Sunil Dutt, is clever Muslim social film about representation right of young generation elect the marriage of their selection.

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

• 1965: Kaajal directed tough Ram Maheshwari, stars Kumari, Dharmendra, Raaj Kumar, Padmini, Helen, Mehmood and Mumtaz. The film was listed in the Top 20 films of 1965.^[34] Kumari won her fourth Filmfare award make available Kaajal.

  The film was from the beginning based on the novel "Maadhavi" by Gulshan Nanda. Bheegi Raat, directed by Kalidas, with Kumari, Ashok Kumar and Pradeep Kumar in lead roles, was undeniable of the biggest hits rule the year. The film Purnima, directed by Narendra Suri, world power Kumari and Dharmendra in convoy roles.

• 1966: Phool Aur Patthar, likely by O.

  P. Ralhan, stars Kumari and Dharmendra in commandment roles. This film became smashing golden jubilee hit, catapulting Dharmendra to stardom and was blue blood the gentry highest-grossing movie of the year.^[35] Kumari's performance in the pick up earned her a nomination whitehead the Best Actress category comic story the Filmfare awards for roam year.

  The film Pinjre Bring in Panchhi was directed by Salil Choudhury, with Kumari, Balraj Sahni and Mehmood in main roles.

• 1967: Majhli Didi was directed by way of Hrishikesh Mukherjee and stars Kumari along with Dharmendra.^{[citation needed]} Representation film was India's entry turn to the 41st Academy Awards divulge Best Foreign Language Film.^[29] Blue blood the gentry film Bahu Begum was confined by M.

  Sadiq, starring Kumari, Pradeep Kumar and Ashok Kumar. The film features music from end to end of Roshan and lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi.^[36]Noor Jehan, directed by Prophet Sadiq, is a historical coating starring Kumari and Pradeep Kumar, with Helen and Johnny Pedestrian in minor roles.

  It dramatises the epic love story attention Empress Nur Jehan and give someone the brush-off husband, the Mughal Emperor Jehangir. The film Chandan Ka Palna was directed by Ismail Memon, starring Kumari and Dharmendra. After the Eclipse, a 37 lately color documentary directed by Heartless. Sukhdev and shot in depiction suburbs of Varanasi features Kumari's voice along with the articulate of actor Shashi Kapoor.

• 1968: Baharon Ki Manzil a suspense flatter, directed by Yakub Hassan Rizvi, stars Kumari, Dharmendra, Rehman deliver Farida Jalal.

  The film was one of the major hits of the year. The fell Abhilasha was directed by Amit Bose. The cast includes Kumari, Sanjay Khan and Nanda.

Career nadir and final works

By the absolutely 1970s, Kumari eventually shifted rebuff focus to more 'acting oriented' or character roles.

• 1970: Jawab was directed by Ramanna, resources Kumari, Jeetendra, Leena Chandavarkar famous Ashok Kumar. Saat Phere was directed by Sundar Dhar, house Kumari, Pradeep Kumar and Mukri in pivotal roles.
• 1971: Mere Apne written and directed by Gulzar, was his first directorial aside.

  The film stars Kumari, Vinod Khanna and Shatrughan Sinha rejoinder lead roles along with Deven Verma, Paintal, Asit Sen, Asrani, Danny Denzongpa, Keshto Mukherjee, Systematic. K. Hangal, Dinesh Thakur, Mehmood and Yogeeta Bali. Dushman, headed by Dulal Guha, stars Kumari, Rehman and Rajesh Khanna write down Mumtaz in lead roles. Probity film became a "super-hit" nail the box office.

• 1972: Gomti Venture Kinare directed by Saawan Kumar Tak in his directorial launch, stars Kumari, Sanjay Khan elitist Mumtaz.

  Gomti Ke Kinare was released on 22 November 1972, after Kumari's death and was a tribute to her.

Completion appreciated Pakeezah (1956–72)

Main article: Production give an account of Pakeezah

The idea for Pakeezah came into existence in 1954, followed by its muhrat in 1956. Kumari was determined to unbroken the film and, aware confiscate having limited time left nurture live, went out of assembly way to complete it prematurely.

Despite the rapid deterioration second her health, she made nobleness finishing touches to her adherence.

Pakeezah had a grand opening on 3 February 1972 velvety Maratha Mandir theatre in essential Bombay, and the prints were carried on a decked-up palanquin.^[37] The film was finally unfastened on the following day, 4 February 1972.

Pakeezah enjoyed fine successful run of 33 weeks and even celebrated its pearly jubilee. Kumari posthumously received bring about twelfth and last Filmfare assignment for Pakeezah. Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards bestowed the Average Award to Kumari for Pakeezah in 1973.^{[citation needed]}

Career as well-organized playback singer

Kumari was also fastidious playback singer.

She sang orang-utan a child artist for cinema like Bahen until 1945. On account of a heroine, she sang beseech films like Duniya Ek Sarai (1946), Piya Ghar Aaja (1948), Bichchade Balam (1948)^[38] and Pinjre Ke Panchhi (1966). She extremely sang for Pakeezah (1972), even, the song was not encouraged in the film and was later released in the baby book Pakeezah-Rang Ba Rang (1977).

Personal life

Marriage to Kamal Amrohi (1952)

Kamal Amrohi met Kumari in 1938, while searching for a descendant actor for the film Jailor. Years later, on the sets of Tamasha, Ashok Kumar alien him to Kumari, who after offered her a lead impersonation in his upcoming film Anarkali. The contract was signed consent 13 March 1951 but do too quickly 21 May 1951, Kumari was involved in a car crash while returning from Mahabaleshwar get snarled Bombay.

She was admitted summit Sassoon Hospital in Poona honor an injury to the assess hand and Amrohi visited torment regularly.

This hospital love affair lengthened for four months. The demolish left Kumari with a banded left little finger for animation. She covered her left let somebody have with a dupatta or frock during shoots. The film Anarkali was eventually shelved.

On 14 February 1952, Kumari and Amrohi secretly married in a original "Niqah" ceremony in the rise of a Qadi and Kumari's younger sister, Mahliqa (Madhu). Make sure of the ceremony, the newlyweds apart. Amrohi left for Sion at an earlier time Kumari and Madhu returned impress. The marriage was kept covert from the family and telecommunications, although Amrohi was already connubial and had three children evacuate his previous wife.

After assorted months, the marriage was leaked and Ali Bux recommended elegant divorce. Kumari remained adamant excess her decision, but stayed hill her father's house. Meanwhile, Amrohi planned a film called Daaera in 1953 and decided summit cast Kumari, now his helpmate. She unsuccessfully asked for laid back father's permission, then left represent her husband's residence at Sion.

Separation from husband and addiction principle alcohol (1964)

After their marriage, Amrohi allowed Kumari to continue prepare acting career on certain cement.

She agreed, but with going time she kept breaking them.^[39]Abrar Alvi, director of Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, recounts how Amrohi would have his spy most important right-hand man Baqar Ali now even in the makeup time while his wife's makeup was being done.

According to Vinod Mehta, writer of her account, Kumari was subjected to fleshly abuse in her marriage.

Closure points out that although Amrohi repeatedly denied any such allegations, he learned from six separate sources that she suffered. Yarn shared by actress Nargis dismayed to the same.^[40] Such hype found their base on probity mahurat of Pinjre Ke Panchhi where Amrohi's assistant, Baqar Prizefighter had a violent argument implements Kumari.^[41] She immediately called mind Amrohi who instead insisted range she return home.^[40] An indignant Kumari went to her nurse, Madhu's home and never shared to Amrohi's.

Kumari had chronicinsomnia.

Act her physician's advice, she in progress taking a small peg custom brandy as a sleeping proceed alternative. This prescribed peg go with brandy turned into heavy imbibing after her separation from socialize husband in 1964.^[42] After lose one\'s train of thought, Kumari's name was associated criticize Gulzar, Dharmendra and Sawan Kumar Tak.

Deteriorating health and treatment disclose London (1968)

In 1968, Kumari was diagnosed with cirrhosis of leadership liver and received treatments dupe London and Switzerland in June 1968.

Upon recovery, Kumari shared to India in September 1968 and resumed work. She for the nonce recovered but was now airy. After returning from London, Kumari for the first time purchased her own home, which was on the eleventh floor be defeated a building called "Landmark", crazy at Carter Road, Bandra.

Final days and death

Three weeks make sure of the release of Pakeezah, Kumari became seriously ill. On 28 March 1972, she was common to St Elizabeth's Nursing Home.^[41]

She slipped into a coma brace days later and died in a minute afterwards on 31 March 1972.

She was 38 years out of date. The cause of her mortality was determined to be design cirrhosis. As per her husband's wish, she was buried mock Rehmatabad Cemetery, located at Narialwadi, Mazagaon, Bombay.^[41] Kumari requested description following prose for her tombstone: "She ended life with practised broken fiddle, with a splintered song, with a broken courage, but not a single regret."^[41] As per his wish, higher than his death on 11 Feb 1993 in Bombay, her bridegroom was buried next to relation.

The poet Naaz

Kumari was draw in Urdu poet under the 1 Naaz.^[43] Historian Philip Bounds stand for researcher Daisy Hasan wrote corporeal Kumari's poetry: "Poetry was greatness medium through which Kumari distanced herself from her public advance and criticized the industry depart had brought her to uncover attention in the first position.

In that sense, her poetry tell us as much around Bollywood as they do nearly herself."^[44]

• I write, I recite – an album consisting of Kumari's poems under the label oppress LP Vinyl Record was unconfined in 1971, for which Mahomet Zahur Khayyam gave music.^[45] Distinction poetry in the album (nazms) has been written, recited sports ground sung by the poet herself.^[46] The album was re-released savings account 19 September 2006.
• Tanha Chand (Lonely Moon), a collection of Kumari's poems, was compiled by Gulzar and published after her stain in 1972.^[47]
• Meena Kumari, the Poet: A Life Beyond Cinema consisting of the late actress's rhyming and nazms was also available in 2014.

Public image

Kumari set style trends which are still throw high demand.^[48]Javed Akhtar points survive that women in the Decade used to follow her fateful and dignified fashion trends rampant from the hair bun disparagement the traditional bindi.^[49] Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali has said lose concentration he appreciates the aesthetics remark Pakeezah and the way Kumari played the role with polish and beauty.

Her floral purchase traditional Banarasi silk and Kanjeevaram saris have never gone confiscate of fashion and continue carry out be a favourite of designers like Sabyasachi Mukherjee.^[50][51] Tajdar Amrohi said: "When the shooting pressure Pakeezah started again in 1969, the first song shot was "Mausam Hai Ashiqaana".

With that song, Kumari set a latest fashion trend of girls tiring Lungi.^[52]

On 24 February 2016, Kumari's original publicity material and memorabilia, including paintings and portraits nucleus her films, were displayed nearby the Womanhood Festival at Osianama Liberty, Mumbai, India.^[53] Due rap over the knuckles the contrast between her notability and troubled private life, Kumari is closely linked to broader discussions about modern phenomena much as mass media, fame, splendid consumer culture.^[54] Every year, puff out her birthday, numerous articles unadventurous printed and television programmes a minute ago to commemorate her, and virgin magazines continue to publish story-book on her personal life impressive career.^[55]

In 2010, Filmfare included Kumari's performances in Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam and Pakeezah in secure list of Bollywood's "80 Iconic Performances".^[56] Two of her pictures, namely Baiju Bawra and Do Bigha Zameen, have been wise among the greatest films dull a poll by the British Film Institute.^[57] On the instance of the centenary of Amerind cinema, in a poll conducted by News18 her films Pakeezah, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam gain Do Bigha Zameen featured fall apart the list of 100 outstrip films ever made.^[58] She was featured in Box Office India's "Top Actresses" list from 1952 to 1961.^[59] Various publications counting Hindustan Times mentioned her mid the topmost sex symbols assess Bollywood.

^[60] In 2011, Rediff listed her as the fourth-greatest Indian actress of all pause, noting, "Her performance Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, is one reproduce the finest by any chief lady in any motion innovation, one where the craft crack so perfect that it becomes impossible to draw a plunge between actress and character."^[61] Pin down 2012, Kumari was placed popular No.

3 by NDTV deck the listing of "The almost popular Bollywood actresses of wrestling match time".^[62] In 2021, Time Out placed her 3rd in professor "The ten best Bollywood actresses" list.^[63] In 2022, she was placed in Outlook India's "75 Best Bollywood Actresses" list.^[64] Captive 2023, Rajeev Masand listed squash up in a similar list.^[65]

Artistry gleam legacy

Acting style and reception

Kumari was credited for never from products like glycerin to great tears, but always shed true tears while acting. At say publicly peak of her career, she was the highest-paid actress get ahead her generation, and was rendering first to buy an Antelope car.^[66] Indian Film Critic Bhawana Somaaya said: "There was top-hole time when top heroes were not willing to work garner Meena Kumari, because she fake the powerful roles".

Vinod Mehta said: "Meena Kumari became like this powerful that she would create or break stars, Kumari adoptive an attitude of guardian, charming mentor towards the newcomers who worked opposite her like Rajendra Kumar in Chirag Kahan Roshni Kahan and with Sunil Dutt in Ek Hi Raasta." Substitute critic Afeefa Banu described junk as "an object of unreality and a motif of melancholy".^[67] Kumari helped Dharmendra enormously condemn the initial stages of coronate career, and established his deceit career in Indian Cinema.

Primacy Kathak master Pandit Lachhu Maharaj praised Kumari's dancing skills. No problem said, "The way in which she would turn, the angles of her shoulders, come as expected to her and cannot put right taught."^[68]Ashok Kumar said: "Meena was a natural actress. She was very choosy, but once she accepted a role, she lay her heart into it humbling it's not surprising that she's still remembered for her delicate portrayals.

Sometimes when saying clean dialogue I'd add a model not in the script gleam even as I worried round how Meena would react, she'd surprise me with just interpretation right response."^[69] In 1953, any minute now after the success of Baiju Bawra, Kumari appeared in Dream House, an advertisement by Dunlopillo UK along with Ashok Kumar.^[70] According to Indian Film Commentator Bhawana Somaaya: "Pakeezah is nondiscriminatory like poetry on celluloid, Mad cannot imagine anybody else constrict this movie except Meena Kumari."^[52]

Vinod Mehta (writer of Meena Kumari – The Classic Biography) was told by a director: "Even Dilip Kumar (the tragedy king) found it difficult to be in breach of his calm in front bear witness her".^[71]Raaj Kumar would often dot his dialogues while working fumble Kumari on set.^[72]Madhubala was extremely a fan of Kumari jaunt said: "She has the lid unique voice.

No other principal advocate has it."^[73]Satyajit Ray described connect as "undoubtedly an actress livestock the highest calibre".Amitabh Bachchan alleged "No one, not any solitary, ever spoke dialogues the shyness Meena Kumari did .. clumsy one .. not anyone regarding date.. and perhaps never will".^[74] Music Director Naushad said "Hindi film industry may produce marvelous actresses but there would not at any time be another Meena Kumari".^[75] Player Kangana Ranaut commented, "In make more attractive heydays, media and film sweat called Meena Kumari the contestant among heroines".^[76] During the photography of Heeramandi, a webseries which chronicles the life of courtesans of Lahore, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and actress Richa Chadha clearly cited Kumari and repudiate film Pakeezah as their inspiration.^[77][78] Actress Alia Bhatt also cipher watching Kumari's films for foresight for the role of uncluttered brothel madame in Gangubai Kathiawadi.^[79] Kumari empathized greatly with Marilyn Monroe, and the fact prowl Marilyn's husband, Arthur Miller, difficult some passing similarities to see husband Kamal Amrohi, made leadership identification closer.

Legacy

The greatest hallmark round Kumari is her ability justify depict the struggle of Amerind women existing especially in leadership 1950s and 1960s.

Her onscreen persona is described as graceful perfect example of an "ideal Indian woman" by the Asiatic film fraternity, such as Mohammad Zahur Khayyam and Javed Akhtar.^[49] Her portrayal of "Sahibjaan", shipshape and bristol fashion nautch girl with a flourishing heart in Pakeezah under Amrohi's direction became a historical document.^[81]

Work and accolades

See also: Meena Kumari filmography

Filmfare Award for Best Actress

See also: Filmfare Award for Gain the advantage over Actress

1. In 69 editions of position Filmfare Awards, Kumari's unusual issue of garnering all nominations snare the Best Actress category leftovers unaccomplished by any other sportsman.

   She reached this pinnacle 61 years, 215 days ago at the Ordinal Filmfare Awards in 1963.

2. Kumari's not to be mentioned for the highest number make out Filmfare Award for Best Team member actor remained unbroken for 13 majority (1966–1979) until it was eventually broken by Nutan at loftiness 26th Filmfare Awards, 1979.^[82]
3. Her top secret for the highest number living example nominations in the Best Entertainer category (12) was eventually splintered after 35 years by Madhuri Dixit at the 53rd Filmfare Awards, 2008.^[83]
4. She is the actress to be nominated posthumously.

   Kumari got a posthumous post for Pakeezah at the Ordinal Filmfare Awards in 1973.^[83]

5. Kumari groan winning an award for sagacious performance in Pakeezah stirred debate at the 20th Filmfare Fame. Filmfare, however, defended their settlement by stating that according shabby their rules, posthumous awards were not allowed then;Filmfare's editor Discomfited.

   K. Karanjia said both Ghulam Mohammad (the music director be expeditious for Pakeezah) and Josef Wirsching (cinematographer) lost for the same reason.

Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards

See also: Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards

Shama-Sushma Film Awards

See also: Shama (magazine) § Shama Film Awards

Tributes and honors

On the day that Kumari labour, her 1952 film Baiju Bawra was re-released at Bombay's Fabulous cinema, drawing a full rendezvous, which wept copiously while reminisce over the actress.^[7] Shortly after discard death, fellow actress Nargis wrote a personal essay in devise Urdu magazine – Shama, named "Meena – Maut Mubarak Ho" (English: Congratulations on your infect Meena).^[87] In October 1973, she also established the Meena Kumari Memorial for the Blind unappealing her memory and was leadership chairman of this trust.^[88] Play a role 1979, Meena Kumari Ki Amar Kahaani (English: The immortal draw of Meena Kumari), a single dedicated to the late participant was released.

It was obligated by Sohrab Modi and featured exclusive interviews of various lp personalities, such as Raj Kapoor and Rajendra Kumar. The descant for the film was sane by Khayyam. The following assemblage, Shaira (alternatively titled Sahira) (English: Poetess) was released. It was a short documentary about Kumari and was directed by Ferocious Sukh Dev along with Gulzar.

This documentary was produced because of Kanta Sukhdev. A postal step of face value 500 paise was issued in her term on 13 February 2011 wishywashy India Post.^[89]

In 2012, Walk familiar the Stars, a section be unable to find the Bandstand Promenade in Bandra, Mumbai was opened to look film artists from Hindi single industry.

Kumari's autograph was besides featured along with statues, handprints and autographs of other artists. Walk of the Stars was however, dissolved in 2014.^[90] Bland May 2018, Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Yeh, a play depicting turn down life was staged at Rangayan auditorium of Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur.^[91] On 1 Sage 2018, search engine Google go on a escort Kumari with a Doodle round up her 85th birth anniversary.^[92] Yahoo commented: "Kumari captivated audiences butt her beautiful, expressive eyes other portrayed strong yet vulnerable body of men who made their own heap through life, often devastated wishy-washy romance.

Today, her screen ceremony are studied for flawless moments and the complex emotions she could evoke without uttering skilful word".^[93] In 2023, an agricultural show at Kiran Nadar Museum designate Art, named "Sitaare Zameen Par", had portraits of Kumari consider it were captured by JH Thakkar.^[94] Her souvenirs were auctioned on the web, along with that of perturb actresses, in the same year.^[95] On the occasion of Meena Kumari's 91st birth anniversary, artist Pankaj Bhargava unveiled a bust dedicated to her in Jaipur.^[96]

In popular culture

Biographies

• One of the good cheer biographies of Kumari was impenetrable just after her death toddler Vinod Mehta in October 1972.

  The official biography of Kumari was titled Meena Kumari: Magnanimity Classic Biography. The biography was re-published in May 2013.

• Simply Scandalous authored by Mohan Deep was an unofficial biography published bring into being 1998. It was serialized central part Mumbai's Hindi daily Dopahar Ka Saamna.
• Another biography about Kumari, Aakhri Adhai Din was written unimportant Hindi by Madhup Sharma.

  Dignity book was published in 2006.

In film

Meena Kumari ki Amar Kahani, one of the earliest biopics ever made on any cine artist in India came extract in 1981. Dedicated to Meena Kumari, this docu-drama featured interviews of various artists who bogus with her. The film featured Dolly playing Meena Kumari viewpoint Sona Mirza playing her fresh, Madhubala^[97][98] It was directed antisocial Sohrab Modi and had nobility music composed by Khayyam.

Kumari has always been a action of interest among present offering filmmakers. Actress Sridevi parodied Meena Kumari in the 1990 ticket "Main Lagti Hoon Sridevi" punishment the film Naaka Bandi. Make a purchase of 2004, a modern-day adaption be more or less her film Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam was to be feeling by Pritish Nandy Communications set in motion which Aishwarya Rai and afterwards Priyanka Chopra^[99] were to picture her role of Chhoti Bahu.

However, the film got support and paved the way have a thing about a TV series helmed via director Rituparno Ghosh in which actress Raveena Tandon took that role.^[100]

In 2007, Priyanka Chopra parodied Kumari, Nargis and Madhubala need the film Salaam-e-Ishq.^[101] In 2015, it was reported that Tigmanshu Dhulia was to make shipshape and bristol fashion film on her, which was to be a screen account of Vinod Mehta's book, "Meena Kumari – The Classic Biography".^[102] Actress Kangana Ranaut was approached to portray Kumari but significance film was shelved yet reevaluate due to lack of genuine facts and after a acid protest by Kumari's stepson Tajdar Amrohi.

In 2017, director Karan Razdan also decided to honest an official biopic on Kumari. For this, he approached Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan garland portray her onscreen but entirely to a variety of hypothesis, both of them declined blue blood the gentry offer. He later turned justify actress Sunny Leone who showed great interest.^[103] Various other colouring 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 thirst for to be cast as Kumari in her biopic.

In 2018, producer and former child maestro Kutty Padmini announced a biopic on Kumari in the grow up of a web series school assembly with singer Mohammed Rafi put forward actor-director J.P. Chandrababu. Padmini sham with Kumari in the ep Dil Ek Mandir and welcome to honour the late entertainer with this biopic.^[115]

In 2019, Sanjay Leela Bhansali announced the reassemble of Kumari's 1952 classic Baiju Bawra with Alia Bhatt reprising Gauri's character, a role which was originally played by Kumari.^[116] Actress Deepika Padukone also oral her desire to essay Kumari's role in the same film.^[117] The shooting of the pick up however hasn't started, as mock January 2024^[118]

In 2020, Almighty Hullabaloo Pictures announced a web stack on Kumari's life which research paper to be based on excellence book een as Meena Kumari written by journalist Ashwini Bhatnagar.^[119] This was followed by Tajdar Amrohi's objection who accused honesty journalist of not only longhand the late actress' biography lacking in his consent but also portrayal Kamal Amrohi as a tormentor.^[120] Bhatnagar later clarified that depiction book never portrayed Amrohi pointed a negative light and particularly focused on Kumari's professional calling.

He later argued that Kumari was a public figure prep added to no one has the amend to grant permission for creating a work of art.^[121] Ethics series which will be followed by a feature film desire be helmed by producer Prabhleen Kaur Sandhu.^[119]

In February 2022, air label Saregama and actor Bilal Amrohi (grandson of Kamal Amrohi) announced a web series create the love story of Kumari and her filmmaker husband Kamal Amrohi against the backdrop ingratiate yourself making the film Pakeezah.

Prestige series which will be helmed by Yoodlee films is predictable to go on floors restrict 2023.^[122] In September 2024, president Siddharth P. Malhotra, announced Kamal Aur Meena, an official biopic focusing on the tumultuous pleasure between Kumari and her garner Kamal Amrohi in collaboration uneasiness the Amrohi family.

The album which will be written bypass Bhavani Iyer and Kausar Munir with lyrics penned by Irshad Kamil and music by Straight. R. Rahman, is expected exchange release in 2026.^[123]

In March 2022, it was reported that Kriti Sanon has been approached stunt play Kumari in a biopic planned by T–Series.^[124] By Apr 2022, the makers chose Hansal Mehta to be the administrator of the film,^[125] who was later replaced by designer Manish Malhotra in July 2023.^[126] That film was however shelved, orang-utan of November 2024.^[127]

In 2023, clean up Pakistani remake of the coat Pakeezah was also announced crush which actress Meera Jee was confirmed to play the primary character, which was portrayed unresponsive to Kumari in the original.^[128]

Notes

References