Contents
Meena Kumari
The emotionally powerful performances of Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam and Pakeezah.
Baiju Bawra · Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam
- Born
- 1 August 1933
- Birthplace
- India
- Died
- 31 March 1972
More people
Meena Kumari
Meena Kumari was a Hindi-film actor and poet. Known for tragic roles, she also performed comedy and became the first winner of Filmfare’s best actress award.
Early life
Performing family
Was born Mahjabeen Bano to parents who worked in entertainment.
Child actor
Began appearing in films as Baby Meena in the late 1930s.
Career
- 1939
Early film
Appeared in Leatherface.
- 1952
Breakthrough
Starred in Baiju Bawra.
- 1963
Award sweep
Held all three best actress nominations at Filmfare.
- 1972
Pakeezah
Appeared in the long-awaited film shortly before her death.
Selected work
Baiju Bawra
Played Gauri in the musical drama.
Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam
Played the neglected Chhoti Bahu.
Pakeezah
Portrayed a courtesan in Kamal Amrohi’s film.
Beyond work
Poetry
Wrote Urdu verse and recorded readings of her poems.
Family
Married filmmaker Kamal Amrohi in 1952; they later separated.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Biography and career evidence ↗Photo: Ministry of Communications. GODL-India · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
