Meena Kumari, an iconic actor of all times in Indian cinema, was born on August 1, 1933. Her stunning looks and sheer ability to evoke melancholy and layers of emotions made her evergreen.
Within six years of age, she made her debut in the 1939-released Leatherface and went on to work in 94 films. She collaborated with acclaimed directors such as Bimal Roy, Hrishikesh Mukerji and so. Meena Kumari died in March 1972 due to liver failure.
(Text and pictures compiled by Debasree Purkayastha)
Meena Kumari as Chhoti Bahu in ‘Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam’ is touted as one of the best performances of all times. The movie, starring Guru Dutt, received many awards and was India's official entry to Oscars.
Meena Kumari has the unbeaten record of being nominated in all slots in Filmfare 1963. She was nominated for "Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam", "Aarti" and "Main Chup Rahungi".
With “Pakeezah”, she etched herself in the history of Indian cinema as an evergreen heroine. According to Derek Malcolm, film critic of ''The Guardian'', the movie is “one of the most extraordinary musical melodramas ever made.” It is also one of his hundred favourite films.
"Pakezaah", which took 14 years to complete, initially bombed at the box office. However, it peaked and went on to become a hit soon after her death a month later.
Shedding her “tragedy queen” image, the acclaimed actor was seen in a light-hearted role in ‘Miss Mary’. She is seen here in "Adle-Jehangi".