Meena Kumari मीना कुमारी مینا کماری |
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Meena Kumari
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Born |
Mahjabeen Bano 1 August 1933 Meetawala Chawl, Dadar East, Bombay, British India (present-day Mumbai, India) |
Died | 31 March 1972 Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
(aged 38)
Occupation | Actress, Singer, Poet |
Years active | 1939–1972 |
Spouse(s) | Kamal Amrohi 1952–1972 (her death) |
Signature | |
Meena Kumari (1 August 1933 – 31 March 1972), born Mahjabeen Bano, was an Indian film actress, singer and poet under the pseudonym "Naaz", also known as The Tragedy Queen.
Indian film critics regarded Meena Kumari as 'historically incomparable' actress of Hindi cinema. Meena Kumari made waves as an actor beyond compare in the 60s, Kumari got the author-backed roles and her male co-stars were said to be wary of starring opposite her. 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 Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, Pakeezah, 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.