Born Mahjabeen Bano in 1933, Meena Kumari established herself as a central figure in Hindi cinema through a career spanning 33 years. From her initial appearances as a child artist to her roles as a lead actor, she featured in over 90 films, ultimately shaping the industry during the transition from the British Raj to post-independence India.
Early Career and Childhood
The daughter of Master Ali Bux and Iqbal Begum, she entered the film industry at age four to support her family. Director Vijay Bhatt provided her early opportunities, casting her in Leatherface and later rebranding her as Baby Meena. While her formal education was minimal due to the demands of film production, she gained professional experience across various productions throughout the 1940s.
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Her prominence in Hindi film grew significantly during the 1950s. She secured the inaugural Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her role in the 1954 film Baiju Bawra, followed by another win in 1955 for Parineeta. Her career was further marked by her performance in Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, which earned her a third Filmfare Award in 1963, alongside recognition from the Bengal Film Journalists' Association.
Artistic Versatility and Final Years
Beyond acting, she engaged in poetry and playback singing, releasing an album titled I Write, I Recite in 1971. She also contributed to film production as a costume designer for Pakeezah. By the late 1960s, her health declined due to an alcohol addiction that manifested in her final performances. She died from cirrhosis of the liver in Mumbai on 31 March 1972 at the age of 38.
Fast facts
- Born: 1933, Dadar
- Died: 1972, Mumbai
- Total Filmfare Best Actress Awards: 4
- First Film: Leatherface (1939)
- Notable Poetry Album: I Write, I Recite (1971)
- Languages: Hindi
- Religion: Islam
- Career span: 33 years
Questions readers ask
How many Filmfare awards did she win?
Meena Kumari won four Filmfare Awards in the Best Actress category.
What caused her death?
She died in 1972 from cirrhosis of the liver.
Achievements
- Worked as actor, poet and costume designer
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