Remembering Meena Kumari on her 45th death anniversary

Remembering Meena Kumari on her 45th death anniversary.

By Ayushi Deb On March 31, 2021 13:52 IST

Remembering Meena Kumari on her 45th death anniversary Kumari (1 August 1933–31 March 1972), born Mahjabeen Bano, was an Indian film actress, singer and poet under the pseudonym “Naaz”.

Meena Kumari is also known as The Tragedy Queen of Indian cinema. Kumari is regarded as one of the greatest actresses to have appeared on the screens of Hindi cinema. During a career spanning 30 years from her childhood to her death, she starred in more than 90 films of variety of genres.

Many of which have achieved classic and cult status today such as Pakeezah, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, Mere Apne, Aarti, Baiju Bawra, Parineeta, Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai, Foot Path, Char Dil Char Rahen, Daera, Azaad, Miss Mary, Sharada, Dil Ek Mandir, Kaajal, Chirag Kahan Roshni Kahan, Majhli Didi, Phool Aur Patthar, Bhabhi Ki Chudiyan, Yahudi, Halaku, Baadbaan and Kohinoor.

Kumari was also a playback singer, as a child artist till 1945, later as an actress and as a heroine in Duniya Ek Sarai, Piya Ghar Aaja and Bichchade Balam.

The actress faced a poverty-stricken childhood and had to support her family in her early years. She married Kamal Amrohi, who was fifteen years older to her and a married man with a child. He refused to have kids with Meena Kumari as she was not a ‘Syed.’

After 12 years of marriage, they got divorced which pushed her into a deep depression. She took to alcohol that completely damaged her liver. In 1968, she fell seriously ill owing to her drinking habits. On the actress’s death anniversary, here’s a list of some of the beautiful melodies that were picturized on her.

Here we list some of her best works-

Pakeeza (1972)

Kohinoor(1960)