Meena Kumari

The Tragedy Queen of Indian Cinema

Early Life and Background

Meena Kumari, born Mahajabeen, was born on 1 August 1933 at Meetawala Chawl, Dadar East, in the Bombay Presidency, British India (now Mumbai, India). She was one of the daughters of Ali Bux, a Parsee theatre actor, singer and music teacher, and Iqbal Begum, a dancer.

Facing financial hardships and living near Rooptara Studios, Ali Bux sought film roles for his daughters. Mahajabeen, the middle child, was cast at the tender age of six, renamed Baby Meena, and made her screen debut in Vijay Bhatt’s ‘Leatherface’.

Entry into Cinema and Rise to Fame

Her early career included performances in mythological films directed by Homi Wadia and Nanabhai Bhatt. Vijay Bhatt later rechristened her Meena Kumari for his landmark musical ‘Baiju Bawra’, a film that firmly established her as a major star.

During the 1950s, she excelled in a variety of genres, earning acclaim for her performances in comedies such as ‘Miss Mary’ and socially relevant films like ‘Parineeta’. Her powerful role in Bimal Roy’s ‘Do Bigha Zameen’ further showcased her extraordinary acting depth.

Iconic Roles and Artistic Persona

Meena Kumari’s enduring screen persona was shaped by a series of emotionally intense films, including Kamal Amrohi’s ‘Daera’, Bimal Roy’s ‘Yahudi’, and Guru Dutt’s ‘Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam’. These performances culminated in her most celebrated and iconic film, ‘Pakeezah’, which became synonymous with her tragic yet graceful image.

She married filmmaker Kamal Amrohi, who directed some of her finest work. Despite personal and professional challenges, the couple completed ‘Pakeezah’ in 1971, shortly before her passing.

Poet and Singer

Beyond cinema, Meena Kumari was a gifted Urdu poet, writing under the pen name ‘Naaz’. Her poetry reflected deep emotional sensitivity and introspection. A collection of her poems, ‘Tanha Chand’ (The Solitary Moon), compiled by Gulzar, was published posthumously, and several of her verses were rendered into song by Meena Kumari herself.

Death and Legacy

Meena Kumari passed away on 31 March 1972 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Revered as “The Tragedy Queen” of Indian cinema, she remains one of the most poignant and influential figures in the history of Indian films, celebrated for her emotional intensity, lyrical expression and timeless performances.

Philatelic Tribute

As part of the distinguished series “Legendary Heroines of India”, India Post is happy to issue a commemorative postage stamp on Meena Kumari, honouring her as an iconic Indian film actress, singer and poet whose legacy continues to resonate across generations.