In the 1950s, the Indian film industry, Bollywood, was replete with young and talented actresses all vying for the apex of stardom. Among the many illustrious names such as Nutan, Madhubala, and Waheeda Rehman, one particular star stood out not only for her beauty and talent but also for her tumultuous personal life – Meena Kumari.
Meena Kumari, often called the ‘tragedy queen of Bollywood’, reigned supreme in the 1950s and 60s. However, behind the glitz and glamour of the silver screen lay a life marred by personal tragedies and struggles that were far more heartbreaking than the roles she portrayed on screen.
**Meena Kumari’s Tragic Personal Life**
Born as Mahjabeen to parents Ali Bux and Iqbal Begum in 1933, Meena Kumari’s life seemed ill-fated from the start. Her father, Ali, desired a son, and this disappointment led him to leave newborn Mahjabeen at an orphanage as he couldn’t afford to pay for her delivery. However, in a change of heart, he brought her back hours later. Despite this, their relationship was always strained.
From a very young age, Mahjabeen was thrust into the film industry to become the family’s sole breadwinner. By the age of six, she had already entered the world of films, which laid the foundation for her stardom as Meena Kumari. As she blossomed into a beautiful young woman, she caught the eye of filmmaker Kamal Amrohi. Despite a significant age difference and the fact that Kamal was already married, they embarked on a romance and secretly tied the knot in 1952 when Meena was just 18 and Kamal was 33.
However, their marriage was far from idyllic. Kamal enforced strict conditions if Meena Kumari were to continue her acting career. Reports of physical abuse and constant surveillance by Kamal’s spies shadowed their relationship. The domestic discord eventually led to their separation, but the scars of the tumultuous union stayed with Meena Kumari for the rest of her life.
**Meena Kumari’s Stellar Bollywood Career**
In spite of personal tribulations, Meena Kumari’s career in Bollywood soared to lofty heights. She first made a significant impact with the film ‘Tamasha’, but her ascent to stardom truly began with ‘Baiju Bawra’ in 1952.
. Her performances in a string of hits during the 50s – ‘Parineeta’, ‘Chandni Chowk’, ‘Azaad’, and ‘Ek Hi Raasta’ – cemented her status as one of India’s leading actresses by the time she was just 25.
Her portrayal in films such as ‘Sharada’, ‘Sahara’, ‘Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai’, ‘Kaajal’, and especially ‘Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam’ made her the undisputed tragedy queen of Bollywood. These roles showcased her ability to emote deep pain and sorrow, resonating with audiences across the country and establishing her as a bigger star than many of her male contemporaries.
**How Alcohol Derailed Meena Kumari’s Life and Career**
In the late 1960s, Meena Kumari’s career began to show cracks, chiefly due to her increasing dependence on alcohol. The personal hardships she endured had driven her to seek solace in the bottle, which affected both her health and professional life. Despite continuing to work diligently, alcohol started to take a toll on her performances and relationships within the industry.
Despite the downward spiral, she managed to deliver a significant hit with the film ‘Mere Apne’ in 1971. However, this was an exception rather than a rule in her late career. Many films she worked on during this period failed to make an impact. By the end of 1971, her health had deteriorated severely, and she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis.
Even in her fragile state, Meena Kumari’s dedication to her craft remained unswerving. She completed her work on the magnum opus ‘Pakeezah’, which had been in production for nearly 14 years. When ‘Pakeezah’ released in 1972, it turned out to be a monumental success, a final testament to her extraordinary talent. Tragically, Meena Kumari did not live to enjoy its success; she succumbed to her illness just weeks after its release, at the tender age of 38.
Meena Kumari’s life story is a testimony to the fleeting nature of success and the hidden trials faced by those who seem to lead charmed lives. Her legacy continues not only through the enduring appeal of her films but also through the poignant reminder of the personal battles that the world rarely sees. Her life was a true embodiment of the tragic roles she so eloquently portrayed, making her a timeless icon of Indian cinema.
