Yen peru meena kumari actress biography

Meena Kumari

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 Tiller, British India (present-day Mumbai, Maharashtra, India)

Died31 March 1972(1972-03-31) (aged 38)

Bombay, Maharashtra, India

Burial placeRahmatabad cemetery, Mumbai
Other namesTragedy Queen
Occupations
  • Actress
  • poet
  • singer
  • costume designer
Years active1939–1972
WorksFull list
Spouse

Kamal Amrohi

(m. 1952; sep. 1964)​
RelativesSee Ali-Amrohi family
AwardsSee list
Musical career
Genres
Writing career
Pen nameNaaz

Musical artist

Meena Kumari[1] (born Mahjabeen Bano; 1 Honorable 1933[2] – 31 March 1972) was an Indian actress person in charge poet, who worked in Sanskrit films. Popularly known as The Tragedy Queen,[3] she is believed among the finest and unmatched actresses in the history stir up Indian cinema.[4] In a activity spanning 33 years, from toddler actress to adult, Kumari marked in over 90 films.[5]

Kumari won four Filmfare Awards in dignity Best Actress category. She was the recipient of the first Filmfare Best Actress Award ardently desire Baiju Bawra in 1954 spell had a consecutive win preparation the second Filmfare Awards (1955) for Parineeta. Kumari made depiction at the 10th Filmfare Bays (1963) by receiving all team a few of the Best Actress nominations, and won for her highest achievement 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 collect character in Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam is similar to accumulate life. She also went set 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, goodness effect of which was noticeable in her subsequent films. Kumari was also a poet deliver a playback singer. She herb in some of her absolutely films as a child master hand and to her poems which came out in an photo album, I Write, I Recite (1971). She also designed the costumes in Pakeezah. On 31 Foot it 1972, Kumari died at justness age of 38, from cirrhosis of the liver, which has been associated with her alcoholism.[7]

Early life and family background

Birth refuse childhood

Meena Kumari was born grasp the name Mahjabeen to Calif Bux and Iqbal Begum money up front 1 August 1933. This was a great disappointment to Khalifah Bux as he wanted uncut son. She was the subsequent daughter and had two sisters; the elder named Khursheed Jr. and the younger named Mahliqa (known as Madhu, a earlier child artist married to affair Mehmood) Her father could slogan afford to pay the debase for her delivery, so operate left her at an condition, but he changed his be of the same opinion a few hours later famous took her back home.[9][10]

As clean child, Kumari was not obsessed on having a film growth, and would rather attend school.[11] Despite this, her parents afoot taking her to film studios for work opportunities. Director Vijay Bhatt cast Mahjabeen in position film Leatherface and on round out first day of work, she was paid Rs. 25.

Leatherface was released in 1939.[12] She became the breadwinner in rank Bux family at a progress young age. In an enquire given in 1962, Kumari explained that the fact that she had supported her parents use up the age of four gave her immense satisfaction. She was admitted into a regular college, but the demands of preventable frequently interrupted her curriculum. She did not attend school just right any meaningful sense, therefore be involved with education was the result compensation private tuition and self-education.

Kumari's father was a Sunni Mohammedan named Master Ali Bux who had migrated from Bhera (now in West Punjab, Pakistan).[13] Agreed was a veteran of Parsi theater, played harmonium, wrote Sanskrit poetry, composed music and besides played small roles in out few films.[13] Kumari's mother Iqbal Begum, whose original name was Prabhavati Devi, was a Christianly, who converted to Islam rearguard her marriage. Iqbal Begum was born to a father let alone Meerut, Uttar Pradesh and straight Bengali mother. She was position second wife of Ali Bux.[13] Before meeting and marrying Calif Bux, she was a notice actress and was said add up be related to the Tagore family of Bengal.[13]

Connection with Tagore family

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

Career

Early work as Baby Meena (1939–45)

Kumari began acting when she was four. She initially high-sounding mostly in Vijay Bhatt productions; Leather Face (1939), Adhuri Kahani (1939), Pooja (1940) and Ek Hi Bhool (1940). Bhatt rechristened Mahjabeen as "Baby Meena" nigh 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). Give someone a tinkle of the major setbacks put it to somebody Kumari's life was the complete of her mother who monotonous 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 lone acted but also sang songs. By the late 1940s, she shifted her focus to beliefs 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 costume cast. Kumari's rise came better her mentor Vijay Bhatt's euphonic, Baiju Bawra (1952).

Rising skill (1952–56)

  • 1952: Baiju Bawra – Kumari played the female lead in good health the film. Following its good, she featured as a anxiety for Hindustan Lever products captain on the calendar of grand popular beauty soap.
  • 1953: Parineeta – Directed by Bimal Roy, (featuring Ashok Kumar and Kumari disturb lead) won Kumari her subordinate Filmfare Best Actress Award. Consumption was based on the 1914 Bengali novel by Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay. Do Bigha Zamin, alternative Bimal Roy directorial, won say publicly International Prize at Cannes nervous tension 1954, the first Indian layer to do so. This ep also marks the only company appearance of Kumari. Foot Path – directed by Zia Sarhadi, was Kumari's first film defer Dilip Kumar. This movie was featured in Avijit Ghosh's work, 40 Retakes: Bollywood Classics Spiky May Have Missed. Daaera – was written and directed newborn Kamal Amrohi, starring Kumari, Nasir Khan and Nana Palsikar kick up a rumpus lead roles.[18] Other films contained Naulakha Haar and Daana Paani.
  • 1954: Chandni Chowk – directed stop B. R. Chopra in 1954, a classic Muslim social representation film, was a success wrap up the box office. Baadbaan - directed by Phani Majumdar, facade a star cast of Kumari, Dev Anand, Ashok Kumar don Usha Kiran. Ilzaam – predestined by R C Talwar, important Kumari and Kishore Kumar, as well premiered.
  • 1955: In Azaad, directed brush aside Sriramulu Naidu S.M., Kumari model with Dilip Kumar in that comedy. It was the subsequent highest-grossing Hindi film of think it over year[20][21] and included the sticky tag "Aplam Chaplam", sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Usha Mangeshkar. Adl-e-Jehangir – was a Hindi slang historical drama film directed invitation G.P. Sippy. It became deft commercial success at the container office.[22]Bandish - directed by Satyen Bose starring Kumari, Ashok Kumar, and Daisy Irani was spick box office hit. Rukhsana - was directed by R.C. Talwar and starred Kumari and Kishore Kumar.
  • 1956: Mem Sahib – fated by R.C. Talwar, featured Kumari for the first time skilled Shammi Kapoor. The modern incarnation of Kumari was well standard by audiences and the hide became a box office give a reduction on. Ek Hi Raasta – was a film based on greatness issue of widow remarriage, secured and produced by B. Notice. Chopra. It starred Kumari get newcomer Sunil Dutt, Ashok Kumar and Daisy Irani. The layer proved to be successful spick and span 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 favourite Bengali novel Mantra Shakti, asterisked Kumari and Pradeep Kumar introduce leads. It was awarded disconnect a Certificate of Merit regulate the National Film Awards. Naya Andaz – directed by Youth. Amarnath, starring Kumari and Kishore Kumar in lead roles, was a musical hit. Halaku – a historical, was directed chunk D.D. Kashyap which included Kumari, Pran, Minoo Mumtaz, Raj Mehra and Helen. It was exceptional box office hit and acclaimed a silver jubilee.

Tragedy queen refer to Indian cinema (1957)

  • 1957: Sharada – directed by L.V. Prasad, was Kumari's first venture with Raj Kapoor. She won best sportswoman at Bengal Film Journalists' Trellis Award for her work. Influence film gained great critical come after and was the ninth first grossing film at the Amerind box office in 1957.[24]Miss Mary – a comedy film forced by L.V. Prasad, starred Kumari and Gemini Ganesan. The hide was one of the first hits of that year.[25]
  • 1958: Go all-out for Sahara – directed by Lekhraj Bhakri, Kumari received a Filmfare nomination. Yahudi, directed by Bimal Roy starred Kumari, Dilip Kumar, Sohrab Modi, Nazir Hussain current Nigar Sultana. It was homespun on the play Yahudi Ki Ladki by Agha Hashar Dard, a classic in Parsi – Urdu theatre, about the agony of Jews in the Authoritative Empire. The film was a-one box office hit with illustriousness song "Yeh Mera Diwanapan Hai" sung by Mukesh. Farishta put up with 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 essential produced by Devendra Goel, stars Kumari with Rajendra Kumar roost Honey Irani. The film was a huge hit at grandeur box office and Kumari customary a Filmfare nomination for rustle up performance in the Best Sportswoman category. Char Dil Char Rahen – was directed by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas, with a morning star cast including Kumari, Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, Kumkum and Nimmi. The film received warm reviews from critics. Shararat – was a 1959 romantic drama coating 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 do without Lekhraj Bhakri focused on distinction effects of polygamy prior exchange The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. The film stars Kumari confront Balraj Sahni, Pandari Bai lecturer newcomer Manoj Kumar in subtract roles. Her other films on the loose in 1959 were Ardhangini, Satta Bazaar, Madhu and Jagir.
  • 1960: Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai was a Hindi romantic drama cursive and directed by Kishore Sahu. The film starred Kumari, Raaj Kumar and Nadira as leads. The film narrates the parcel of a surgeon who legal action obligated to marry the bird of a family friend, from way back he is in love arrange a deal a colleague nurse, played timorous Kumari. It is one in this area her noted acting performances.[26] Picture film's music is by Shankar Jaikishan, and features the Hawaiian-themed "Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh" speaking by Lata Mangeshkar.[27]Bahana – likely by Kumar, had a taking cast including Kumari, Sajjan, Mehmood, Helen, Pramila, Sulochana Latkar current Sheela Vaz. Kohinoor – bound by S. U. Sunny featured Kumari, Dilip Kumar, Leela Chitnis and Kumkum. A film do away with lighter tone like Azaad, surgical mask lacked the intense characterisations draw round earlier films of both Dilip Kumar and Kumari.
  • 1961: Bhabhi Ki Chudiyan was a family photoplay directed by Sadashiv J. Prepare Kavi with Kumari and Balraj Sahni in the lead roles. The film was one obvious the highest-grossing films of rank year. Zindagi aur Khwab – directed S. Bannerjee, starring Kumari and Rajendra Kumar, was smart hit at the Indian remain 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 integument produced by Guru Dutt spreadsheet directed by Abrar Alvi featured Kumari in the role remind Chhoti Bahu. It is homeproduced on the Bengali novel "Saheb Bibi Golam" by Bimal Mitra. The film stars Kumari, Guardian Dutt, Rehman and Waheeda Rehman.[28] Its music is by Hemant Kumar and the lyrics splinter by Shakeel Badayuni. The pelt is also noted for sheltered cinematography by V. K. Murthy and the songs "Na Jao Saiyaan Chhuda Ke Baiyan" suffer "Piya Aiso Jiya Mein", both sung by Geeta Dutt.

For Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, figure up give the heavy appearance reciprocal with excessive consumption of tipple, she applied concentrated Eau session Cologne under her nose. Leadership irritation helped her to succeed in the visual appearance of mediocre alcoholic.

The film won quaternary Filmfare Awards, including the Blow Actress award and was tabled for the Golden Bear fate the 13th Berlin International Ep Festival, where Kumari was elect as a delegate. It was chosen as India's official document to the Oscars.[29]

  • 1962: Aarti, fixed by Phani Majumdar, stars Kumari in the title role place Aarti, with Ashok Kumar, Pradeep Kumar and Shashikala appearing school in pivotal roles. Kumari won great Best Actress award for that film from the Bengal Layer Journalists' Association. Main Chup Rahungi – directed by A. Bhimsingh with Kumari and Sunil Dutt in lead roles was given of the biggest hits jump at the year and Kumari ordinary a Filmfare nomination for Outrun Actress for her performance.
  • 1963: Dil Ek Mandir, directed by Byword. V. Sridhar, starring Kumari, Rajendra Kumar, Raaj Kumar and Mehmood, was a commercial success. Akeli Mat Jaiyo – directed surpass Nandlal Jaswantlal, is a with one`s head in the 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 – assay a Muslim social film constrained by S. Khalil, starring Kumari, Ashok Kumar, Shashi Kapoor become peaceful Tanuja. Chitralekha directed by Kidar Sharma, starring Kumari, Ashok Kumar and Pradeep Kumar, is homegrown on the 1934 Hindi unconventional by the same name unhelpful Bhagwati Charan Verma.[31][32][33]Gazal featuring Kumari and Sunil Dutt, is put in order Muslim social film about nobility right of young generation nearly the marriage of their selection. Main Bhi Ladki Hoon was directed by A. C. Tirulokchandar. The film stars Kumari show newcomer Dharmendra.
  • 1965: Kaajal directed bid 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 fulfill Kaajal. The film was initially based on the novel "Maadhavi" by Gulshan Nanda. Bheegi Raat, directed by Kalidas, with Kumari, Ashok Kumar and Pradeep Kumar in lead roles, was give someone a ring of the biggest hits cataclysm the year. The film Purnima, directed by Narendra Suri, essence Kumari and Dharmendra in remove roles.
  • 1966: Phool Aur Patthar, predestined by O. P. Ralhan, stars Kumari and Dharmendra in eliminate roles. This film became grand golden jubilee hit, catapulting Dharmendra to stardom and was interpretation highest-grossing movie of the year.[35] Kumari's performance in the coating earned her a nomination show the Best Actress category domestic the Filmfare awards for defer year. The film Pinjre Plain Panchhi was directed by Salil Choudhury, with Kumari, Balraj Sahni and Mehmood in main roles.
  • 1967: Majhli Didi was directed soak Hrishikesh Mukherjee and stars Kumari along with Dharmendra.[citation needed] Picture film was India's entry be adjacent to the 41st Academy Awards aspire Best Foreign Language Film.[29] Picture film Bahu Begum was sure by M. Sadiq, starring Kumari, Pradeep Kumar and Ashok Kumar. The film features music vulgar Roshan and lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi.[36]Noor Jehan, directed by Muhammad Sadiq, is a historical fell starring Kumari and Pradeep Kumar, with Helen and Johnny Footslogger in minor roles. It dramatises the epic love story indicate Empress Nur Jehan and quash husband, the Mughal Emperor Jehangir. The film Chandan Ka Palna was directed by Ismail Memon, starring Kumari and Dharmendra. After the Eclipse, a 37 scarcely color documentary directed by Unmerciful. Sukhdev and shot in righteousness suburbs of Varanasi features Kumari's voice along with the check of actor Shashi Kapoor.
  • 1968: Baharon Ki Manzil a suspense gothick novel, directed by Yakub Hassan Rizvi, stars Kumari, Dharmendra, Rehman current Farida Jalal. The film was one of the major hits of the year. The tegument casing Abhilasha was directed by Amit Bose. The cast includes Kumari, Sanjay Khan and Nanda.

Career faded and final works

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

  • 1970: Jawab was directed by Ramanna, leading role Kumari, Jeetendra, Leena Chandavarkar famous Ashok Kumar. Saat Phere was directed by Sundar Dhar, criticize 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 put in the bank lead roles along with Deven Verma, Paintal, Asit Sen, Asrani, Danny Denzongpa, Keshto Mukherjee, Trig. K. Hangal, Dinesh Thakur, Mehmood and Yogeeta Bali. Dushman, destined by Dulal Guha, stars Kumari, Rehman and Rajesh Khanna approximate Mumtaz in lead roles. Integrity film became a "super-hit" monkey the box office.
  • 1972: Gomti Unemotional Kinare directed by Saawan Kumar Tak in his directorial opening, stars Kumari, Sanjay Khan bear Mumtaz. Gomti Ke Kinare was released on 22 November 1972, after Kumari's death and was a tribute to her.

Completion suggest Pakeezah (1956–72)

Main article: Production bazaar Pakeezah

The idea for Pakeezah came into existence in 1954, followed by its muhrat in 1956. Kumari was determined to put away the film and, aware an assortment of having limited time left pause live, went out of minder way to complete it entirely. Despite the rapid deterioration prescription her health, she made interpretation finishing touches to her top score.

Pakeezah had a grand debut on 3 February 1972 power Maratha Mandir theatre in main Bombay, and the prints were carried on a decked-up palanquin.[37] The film was finally out on the following day, 4 February 1972. Pakeezah enjoyed excellent successful run of 33 weeks and even celebrated its silver plate jubilee. Kumari posthumously received move up twelfth and last Filmfare assignment for Pakeezah. Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards bestowed the Mutual Award to Kumari for Pakeezah in 1973.[citation needed]

Career as ingenious playback singer

Kumari was also neat as a pin playback singer. She sang hoot a child artist for motion pictures like Bahen until 1945. Pass for a heroine, she sang stingy films like Duniya Ek Sarai (1946), Piya Ghar Aaja (1948), Bichchade Balam (1948)[38] and Pinjre Ke Panchhi (1966). She very sang for Pakeezah (1972), nevertheless, the song was not softhearted in the film and was later released in the stamp album Pakeezah-Rang Ba Rang (1977).

Personal life

Marriage to Kamal Amrohi (1952)

Kamal Amrohi met Kumari in 1938, while searching for a toddler actor for the film Jailor. Years later, on the sets of Tamasha, Ashok Kumar extrinsic him to Kumari, who closest offered her a lead representation capacity in his upcoming film Anarkali. The contract was signed modus operandi 13 March 1951 but tune 21 May 1951, Kumari was involved in a car misadventure while returning from Mahabaleshwar nominate Bombay. She was admitted tip off Sassoon Hospital in Poona engage in an injury to the sinistral hand and Amrohi visited out regularly.

This hospital love affair continuing for four months. The projection left Kumari with a banded left little finger for animation. She covered her left concentrate on with a dupatta or sari during shoots. The film Anarkali was eventually shelved. On 14 February 1952, Kumari and Amrohi secretly married in a unembellished "Niqah" ceremony in the regal of a Qadi and Kumari's younger sister, Mahliqa (Madhu). Afterwards the ceremony, the newlyweds apart. Amrohi left for Sion opinion Kumari and Madhu returned fondle. The marriage was kept concealed from the family and public relations, although Amrohi was already joined and had three children flight his previous wife. After a handful months, the marriage was leaked and Ali Bux recommended put in order divorce. Kumari remained adamant press on her decision, but stayed proclaim her father's house. Meanwhile, Amrohi planned a film called Daaera in 1953 and decided make ill cast Kumari, now his helpmeet. She unsuccessfully asked for cook father's permission, then left guarantor her husband's residence at Sion.

Separation from husband and addiction make something go with a swing alcohol (1964)

After their marriage, Amrohi allowed Kumari to continue bring about acting career on certain attachment. She agreed, but with ephemeral time she kept breaking them.[39]Abrar Alvi, director of Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, recounts how Amrohi would have his spy bear right-hand man Baqar Ali introduce even in the makeup latitude while his wife's makeup was being done.

According to Vinod Mehta, writer of her chronicle, Kumari was subjected to carnal abuse in her marriage. Smartness points out that although Amrohi repeatedly denied any such allegations, he learned from six ridiculous sources that she suffered. Legend shared by actress Nargis unclean to the same.[40] Such newspeak found their base on depiction mahurat of Pinjre Ke Panchhi where Amrohi's assistant, Baqar Prizefighter had a violent argument approximate Kumari.[41] She immediately called vindicate Amrohi who instead insisted saunter she return home.[40] An beside oneself with rag Kumari went to her sis, Madhu's home and never exchanged to Amrohi's.

Kumari had chronicinsomnia. Deduce her physician's advice, she begun taking a small peg slope brandy as a sleeping pellet alternative. This prescribed peg break into brandy turned into heavy drunkenness after her separation from smear husband in 1964.[42] After dump, Kumari's name was associated buy and sell Gulzar, Dharmendra and Sawan Kumar Tak.

Deteriorating health and treatment imprint London (1968)

In 1968, Kumari was diagnosed with cirrhosis of birth liver and received treatments double up London and Switzerland in June 1968.

Upon recovery, Kumari exchanged to India in September 1968 and resumed work. She for a short while recovered but was now thin erroneous. After returning from London, Kumari for the first time purchased her own home, which was on the eleventh floor be more or less a building called "Landmark", dippy at Carter Road, Bandra.

Final days and death

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

She slipped into a coma a handful of days later and died before long afterwards on 31 March 1972. She was 38 years notice. The cause of her infect was determined to be liver-colored cirrhosis. As per her husband's wish, she was buried pound Rehmatabad Cemetery, located at Narialwadi, Mazagaon, Bombay.[41] Kumari requested significance following prose for her tombstone: "She ended life with unornamented broken fiddle, with a tractable fearless song, with a broken dishonorable, but not a single regret."[41] As per his wish, suppose his death on 11 Feb 1993 in Bombay, her partner was buried next to multipart.

The poet Naaz

Kumari was unadorned Urdu poet under the stage name Naaz.[43] Historian Philip Bounds deliver researcher Daisy Hasan wrote get the picture Kumari's poetry: "Poetry was loftiness medium through which Kumari distanced herself from her public clue and criticized the industry meander had brought her to get around attention in the first alter. In that sense, her rhyming tell us as much acquire Bollywood as they do intend herself."[44]

  • I write, I recite – an album consisting of Kumari's poems under the label supplementary LP Vinyl Record was on the loose in 1971, for which Prophet Zahur Khayyam gave music.[45] Probity poetry in the album (nazms) has been written, recited tolerate sung by the poet herself.[46] The album was re-released cosmos 19 September 2006.
  • Tanha Chand (Lonely Moon), a collection of Kumari's poems, was compiled by Gulzar and published after her cessation in 1972.[47]
  • Meena Kumari, the Poet: A Life Beyond Cinema consisting of the late actress's rhyming and nazms was also accessible in 2014.

Public image

Kumari set plan trends which are still load high demand.[48]Javed Akhtar points office temporary that women in the Decennium used to follow her teetotal and dignified fashion trends all-embracing from the hair bun fight back the traditional bindi.[49] Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali has said renounce he appreciates the aesthetics be advisable for Pakeezah and the way Kumari played the role with stomachchurning and beauty. Her floral suddenly traditional Banarasi silk and Kanjeevaram saris have never gone resuscitate of fashion and continue tot up be a favourite of designers like Sabyasachi Mukherjee.[50][51] Tajdar Amrohi said: "When the shooting illustrate Pakeezah started again in 1969, the first song shot was "Mausam Hai Ashiqaana". With that song, Kumari set a different fashion trend of girls fatiguing Lungi.[52]

On 24 February 2016, Kumari's original publicity material and memorabilia, including paintings and portraits care her films, were displayed enthral the Womanhood Festival at Osianama Liberty, Mumbai, India.[53] Due go up against the contrast between her distinguished and troubled private life, Kumari is closely linked to broader discussions about modern phenomena specified as mass media, fame, contemporary consumer culture.[54] Every year, be at odds her birthday, numerous articles castoffs printed and television programmes immediately to commemorate her, and another magazines continue to publish folkloric on her personal life gift career.[55]

In 2010, Filmfare included Kumari's performances in Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam and Pakeezah in closefitting list of Bollywood's "80 Iconic Performances".[56] Two of her motion pictures, namely Baiju Bawra and Do Bigha Zameen, have been putative among the greatest films cultivate a poll by the British Film Institute.[57] On the instance of the centenary of Amerindic cinema, in a poll conducted by News18 her films Pakeezah, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam come first Do Bigha Zameen featured lessening the list of 100 finest films ever made.[58] She was featured in Box Office India's "Top Actresses" list from 1952 to 1961.[59] Various publications containing Hindustan Times mentioned her mid the topmost sex symbols time off Bollywood. [60] In 2011, Rediff listed her as the fourth-greatest Indian actress of all purpose, noting, "Her performance Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, is one confiscate the finest by any paramount lady in any motion extent, one where the craft wreckage so perfect that it becomes impossible to draw a door between actress and character."[61] Enclosure 2012, Kumari was placed fall back No. 3 by NDTV be thankful for the listing of "The chief popular Bollywood actresses of exchange blows time".[62] In 2021, Time Out placed her 3rd in well-fitting "The ten best Bollywood actresses" list.[63] In 2022, she was placed in Outlook India's "75 Best Bollywood Actresses" list.[64] End in 2023, Rajeev Masand listed lead in a similar list.[65]

Artistry contemporary legacy

Acting style and reception

"Had she lived, it is possible she could have inspired the alternative intelligent of our writers current directors to put together topping film worthy of her talent. Now she is gone, wind source of inspiration is gone."

—Khwaja Ahmad Abbas on Meena Kumari (Meena Kumari The Classic Biography)

Kumari was credited for never employment products like glycerin to fulfilled tears, but always shed bona fide tears while acting. At goodness peak of her career, she was the highest-paid actress attention to detail her generation, and was rectitude first to buy an Antelope car.[66] Indian Film Critic Bhawana Somaaya said: "There was skilful time when top heroes were not willing to work coworker Meena Kumari, because she assumed the powerful roles". Vinod Mehta said: "Meena Kumari became unexceptional powerful that she would assemble or break stars, Kumari adoptive an attitude of guardian, esthetic mentor towards the newcomers who worked opposite her like Rajendra Kumar in Chirag Kahan Roshni Kahan and with Sunil Dutt in Ek Hi Raasta." Regarding critic Afeefa Banu described multiple as "an object of charade and a motif of melancholy".[67] Kumari helped Dharmendra enormously behave the initial stages of potentate career, and established his true career in Indian Cinema. Greatness Kathak master Pandit Lachhu Maharaj praised Kumari's dancing skills. Filth said, "The way in which she would turn, the angles of her shoulders, come needless to say to her and cannot aptitude taught."[68]Ashok Kumar said: "Meena was a natural actress. She was very choosy, but once she accepted a role, she butt her heart into it extract it's not surprising that she's still remembered for her tender portrayals. Sometimes when saying trim dialogue I'd add a serration not in the script cranium even as I worried look on to how Meena would react, she'd surprise me with just magnanimity right response."[69] In 1953, in a little while 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 equitable like poetry on celluloid, Unrestrainable cannot imagine anybody else mosquito 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 restrain his calm in front hillock her".[71]Raaj Kumar would often kneejerk his dialogues while working assemble Kumari on set.[72]Madhubala was as well a fan of Kumari view said: "She has the virtually unique voice. No other leading character has it."[73]Satyajit Ray described socialize as "undoubtedly an actress carry out the highest calibre".Amitabh Bachchan thought "No one, not any unified, ever spoke dialogues the withdraw Meena Kumari did .. clumsy one .. not anyone touch date.. and perhaps never will".[74] Music Director Naushad said "Hindi film industry may produce undisturbed actresses but there would on no account be another Meena Kumari".[75] Contestant Kangana Ranaut commented, "In in sync heydays, media and film drudgery called Meena Kumari the performer among heroines".[76] During the cinematography of Heeramandi, a webseries which chronicles the life of courtesans of Lahore, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and actress Richa Chadha clearly cited Kumari and troop film Pakeezah as their inspiration.[77][78] Actress Alia Bhatt also presence watching Kumari's films for groundwork for the role of keen brothel madame in Gangubai Kathiawadi.[79] Kumari empathized greatly with Marilyn Monroe, and the fact go Marilyn's husband, Arthur Miller, challenging some passing similarities to torment husband Kamal Amrohi, made honesty identification closer.

Legacy

"In her youth, eyes emitted fire. She was stunning. Her complexion had well-organized sensuous quality to it. While in the manner tha you saw her, you matt-up like grabbing her in your arms."[80]

—Dev Anand on Meena Kumari (Filmfare, 1989)

The greatest hallmark comment Kumari is her ability act upon depict the struggle of Amerindian women existing especially in picture 1950s and 1960s. Her onscreen persona is described as fastidious perfect example of an "ideal Indian woman" by the Amerind film fraternity, such as Mohammad Zahur Khayyam and Javed Akhtar.[49] Her portrayal of "Sahibjaan", first-class nautch girl with a palmy 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 Superlative Actress

  1. In 69 editions of significance Filmfare Awards, Kumari's unusual unease of garnering all nominations withdraw the Best Actress category indication unaccomplished by any other contestant. She reached this pinnacle 61 years, 215 days ago at the Tenth Filmfare Awards in 1963.
  2. Kumari's epidemic for the highest number reproach Filmfare Award for Best Team member actor remained unbroken for 13 time (1966–1979) until it was at long last broken by Nutan at rectitude 26th Filmfare Awards, 1979.[82]
  3. Her slant for the highest number carefulness nominations in the Best Team member actor category (12) was eventually brittle after 35 years by Madhuri Dixit at the 53rd Filmfare Awards, 2008.[83]
  4. She is the nonpareil actress to be nominated posthumously. Kumari got a posthumous prison term for Pakeezah at the Twentieth Filmfare Awards in 1973.[83]
  5. Kumari whoop winning an award for present performance in Pakeezah stirred dispute at the 20th Filmfare Fame. Filmfare, however, defended their judgement by stating that according drive their rules, posthumous awards were not allowed then;Filmfare's editor Maladroit. K. Karanjia said both Ghulam Mohammad (the music director diagram 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 monotonous, her 1952 film Baiju Bawra was re-released at Bombay's Chief cinema, drawing a full opportunity, which wept copiously while remembrance the actress.[7] Shortly after discard death, fellow actress Nargis wrote a personal essay in implication Urdu magazine – Shama, entitled "Meena – Maut Mubarak Ho" (English: Congratulations on your inattentive Meena).[87] In October 1973, she also established the Meena Kumari Memorial for the Blind nervous tension her memory and was rendering chairman of this trust.[88] Delete 1979, Meena Kumari Ki Amar Kahaani (English: The immortal gag of Meena Kumari), a layer dedicated to the late player was released. It was fast by Sohrab Modi and featured exclusive interviews of various album personalities, such as Raj Kapoor and Rajendra Kumar. The harmony for the film was equanimous by Khayyam. The following era, Shaira (alternatively titled Sahira) (English: Poetess) was released. It was a short documentary about Kumari and was directed by Tough Sukh Dev along with Gulzar. This documentary was produced beside Kanta Sukhdev. A postal tramp of face value 500 paise was issued in her infamy on 13 February 2011 harsh India Post.[89]

In 2012, Walk oust the Stars, a section be partial to the Bandstand Promenade in Bandra, Mumbai was opened to nickname film artists from Hindi disc industry. Kumari's autograph was extremely featured along with statues, handprints and autographs of other artists. Walk of the Stars was however, dissolved in 2014.[90] Lid May 2018, Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Yeh, a play depicting have time out life was staged at Rangayan auditorium of Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur.[91] On 1 Noble 2018, search engine Google conform with each other Kumari with a Doodle check on her 85th birth anniversary.[92] Dmoz commented: "Kumari captivated audiences unwanted items her beautiful, expressive eyes paramount portrayed strong yet vulnerable corps who made their own transfer through life, often devastated bypass romance. Today, her screen observance are studied for flawless moments and the complex emotions she could evoke without uttering precise word".[93] In 2023, an agricultural show at Kiran Nadar Museum endorsement Art, named "Sitaare Zameen Par", had portraits of Kumari cruise were captured by JH Thakkar.[94] Her souvenirs were auctioned on the net, along with that of overturn actresses, in the same year.[95] On the occasion of Meena Kumari's 91st birth anniversary, sculpturer Pankaj Bhargava unveiled a statuette dedicated to her in Jaipur.[96]

In popular culture

Biographies

  • One of the labour biographies of Kumari was graphical just after her death gross Vinod Mehta in October 1972. The official biography of Kumari was titled Meena Kumari: Illustriousness Classic Biography. The biography was re-published in May 2013.
  • Simply Scandalous authored by Mohan Deep was an unofficial biography published diminution 1998. It was serialized remove Mumbai's Hindi daily Dopahar Ka Saamna.
  • Another biography about Kumari, Aakhri Adhai Din was written lecture in Hindi by Madhup Sharma. Loftiness 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 providing in 1981. Dedicated to Meena Kumari, this docu-drama featured interviews of various artists who troubled with her. The film featured Dolly playing Meena Kumari see Sona Mirza playing her coexistent, Madhubala[97][98] It was directed timorous Sohrab Modi and had birth music composed by Khayyam. Kumari has always been a topic of interest among present vacation filmmakers. Actress Sridevi parodied Meena Kumari in the 1990 melody "Main Lagti Hoon Sridevi" exaggerate the film Naaka Bandi. Include 2004, a modern-day adaption go along with her film Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam was to be feeling by Pritish Nandy Communications increase by two which Aishwarya Rai and late Priyanka Chopra[99] were to render her role of Chhoti Bahu. However, the film got on the back burner and paved the way letch for a TV series helmed tough director Rituparno Ghosh in which actress Raveena Tandon took that role.[100]

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

In 2017, director Karan Razdan also decided to conduct an official biopic on Kumari. For this, he approached Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan there portray her onscreen but question paper to a variety of rationale, both of them declined interpretation offer. He later turned blow up actress Sunny Leone who showed great interest.[103] Various other toss 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 have in mind to be cast as Kumari in her biopic.

In 2018, producer and former child principal Kutty Padmini announced a biopic on Kumari in the go of a web series legislative body with singer Mohammed Rafi added actor-director J.P. Chandrababu. Padmini affected with Kumari in the crust Dil Ek Mandir and required to honour the late competitor with this biopic.[115]

In 2019, Sanjay Leela Bhansali announced the redo 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 explicit her desire to essay Kumari's role in the same film.[117] The shooting of the membrane however hasn't started, as close January 2024[118]

In 2020, Almighty Portage Pictures announced a web program on Kumari's life which psychotherapy to be based on prestige book een as Meena Kumari written by journalist Ashwini Bhatnagar.[119] This was followed by Tajdar Amrohi's objection who accused influence journalist of not only chirography the late actress' biography destitute his consent but also portray Kamal Amrohi as a tormentor.[120] Bhatnagar later clarified that honesty book never portrayed Amrohi shaggy dog story a negative light and principally focused on Kumari's professional life's work. He later argued that Kumari was a public figure skull no one has the pardon to grant permission for creating a work of art.[121] Depiction series which will be followed by a feature film inclination be helmed by producer Prabhleen Kaur Sandhu.[119]

In February 2022, refrain label Saregama and actor Bilal Amrohi (grandson of Kamal Amrohi) announced a web series draw up to the love story of Kumari and her filmmaker husband Kamal Amrohi against the backdrop some making the film Pakeezah. Interpretation series which will be helmed by Yoodlee films is predicted to go on floors essential 2023.[122] In September 2024, bumptious Siddharth P. Malhotra, announced Kamal Aur Meena, an official biopic focusing on the tumultuous satisfaction between Kumari and her spouse Kamal Amrohi in collaboration restore the Amrohi family. The single which will be written offspring Bhavani Iyer and Kausar Munir with lyrics penned by Irshad Kamil and music by Spruce. R. Rahman, is expected go on parade release in 2026.[123]

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

In 2023, well-organized Pakistani remake of the layer Pakeezah was also announced central part which actress Meera Jee was confirmed to play the middle character, which was portrayed timorous Kumari in the original.[128]

Notes

References