Actress · Costume Designer · Music Department

Meena Kumari

Indian actress, costume designer

Born August 1, 1933 · Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Died March 31, 1972 · Bombay, Maharashtra, India

Died aged 385′3″ (1.60 m)Active 1939–1972Indian

Biography

Meena Kumari was one of the most celebrated actresses in the history of Indian cinema. Born Mahjabeen Bano, she began her journey in films as a child artist and gradually became one of Hindi cinema’s most respected leading ladies. Her powerful performances and ability to portray complex emotions earned her the popular title “The Tragedy Queen.”
She appeared in a wide range of films and became especially admired for her roles in dramatic stories. Movies such as Baiju Bawra, Parineeta, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai and Pakeezah remain important parts of her cinematic legacy. Her performances were known for their emotional depth, expressive screen presence and natural acting style.
Beyond acting, Meena Kumari was also interested in poetry and wrote under the pen name Naaz. Her final and most iconic film, Pakeezah, was released shortly before her death and went on to become one of the best-known films of her career.
Despite her relatively short life, Meena Kumari left a lasting mark on Indian cinema. She is remembered as a legendary actress whose memorable performances continue to be appreciated by audiences and filmmakers.

Notable works

Baiju Bawra1952Parineeta1953Azaad1955Sharada1957Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai1960Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam1962Main Chup Rahungi1962Kaajal1965Phool Aur Patthar1966Pakeezah1972

Awards & honours

Filmfare AwardsWins
Filmfare AwardBest Actress — Baiju Bawra — 1954 — Winner
Filmfare AwardBest Actress — Parineeta — 1955 — Winner
Filmfare AwardBest Actress — Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam — 1963 — Winner
Filmfare AwardBest Actress — Kaajal — 1966 — Winner
Filmfare AwardBest Actress — Azaad — 1956 — Nominated
Filmfare AwardBest Actress — Sahara — 1959 — Nominated
Filmfare AwardBest Actress — Chirag Kahan Roshni Kahan — 1960 — Nominated
Filmfare AwardBest Actress — Aarti — 1963 — Nominated
Filmfare AwardBest Actress — Main Chup Rahungi — 1963 — Nominated
Filmfare AwardBest Actress — Dil Ek Mandir — 1964 — Nominated
Filmfare AwardBest Actress — Phool Aur Patthar — 1967 — Nominated
Filmfare AwardBest Actress — Pakeezah — 1973 — Nominated
Bengal Film Journalists' Association AwardBest Actress (Hindi) — Sharada — 1958 — Winner
Bengal Film Journalists' Association AwardBest Actress — Aarti — 1963 — Winner
Bengal Film Journalists' Association AwardBest Actress — Dil Ek Mandir — 1965 — Winner
Bengal Film Journalists' Association AwardSpecial Award — Pakeezah — 1973 — Honoured
Shama-Sushma Film AwardBest Actress — Pakeezah — 1973 — Winner