Meena Kumari Birth, Death, Movies, and Biography

Meena Kumari

Meena Kumari

Meena Kumari (1 August 1933 – 31 March 1972) was an Indian actress and poet who worked in Hindi films. She was one of the most popular and critically acclaimed actresses of her time, and is often referred to as the “Tragedy Queen” of Hindi cinema.

Meena Kumari was born Mahjabeen Bano in Calcutta, British India. She began her acting career at a young age, appearing in her first film, Leatherface (1939), when she was six years old. She went on to star in over 90 films, including Baiju Bawra (1952), Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962), Pakeezah (1972), and Kaajal (1965).

Kumari’s performances were often praised for their emotional depth and intensity. She was particularly known for her portrayal of tragic heroines, and her films often dealt with themes of love, loss, and social injustice.

Kumari’s personal life was often turbulent. She was married twice, and both of her marriages ended in divorce. She also struggled with alcoholism and depression. In 1972, she died of cirrhosis of the liver at the age of 38.

Despite her personal struggles, Kumari’s legacy as an actress remains intact. She is considered one of the greatest actresses of Indian cinema, and her films continue to be popular with audiences today.

About Meena Kumari

Date of Birth1 August 1993
Date of Death31 March 1972
ProfessionActress
Place of BirthIndia

Meena Kumari Movies

  • Baiju Bawra (1952)
  • Pakeezah (1972)
  • Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962)
  • Kaajal (1965)
  • Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai (1960)
  • Mere Apne (1971)
  • Phool Aur Patthar (1966)
  • Bandini (1963)
  • Dil Ek Mandir (1963)

These are just a few of her many great films. Meena Kumari was a versatile actress who could play a wide range of roles. She was equally adept at portraying tragic heroines, strong-willed women, and comedic characters. Her films continue to be popular with audiences today, and she is considered one of the greatest actresses of Indian cinema.

Meena Kumari

Death Reason of Meena Kumari

Meena Kumari died on March 31, 1972, at the age of 38. The official cause of death was liver cirrhosis, which was likely caused by her alcoholism. However, there are some who believe that she may have died by suicide.

Kumari had been struggling with depression for many years, and her health had been declining in the months leading up to her death. She had been admitted to the hospital several times for treatment, but her condition had not improved.

On the day of her death, Kumari was found unconscious in her bed. She was rushed to the hospital, but she could not be revived.

Her death was a shock to the Indian film industry, and she was mourned by fans all over the country. She is still considered one of the greatest actresses of Hindi cinema, and her films continue to be popular today.

Here are some of the factors that may have contributed to Meena Kumari’s death:

  • Alcoholism: Kumari had been struggling with alcoholism for many years. Alcoholism can damage the liver, leading to cirrhosis.
  • Depression: Kumari had been struggling with depression for many years. Depression can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
  • Stress: Kumari had been under a lot of stress in the months leading up to her death. She was working on a film that was not going well, and she was also dealing with financial problems.

It is impossible to say for sure what caused Meena Kumari’s death. However, it is likely that a combination of factors contributed to her untimely death.

Meena Kumari Awards


Meena Kumari was a highly awarded actress, and she won numerous awards for her work in Hindi cinema. Here are some of the most notable awards she received:

  • Filmfare Award for Best Actress: She won this award four times, for her performances in the films Baiju Bawra (1954), Parineeta (1955), Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962), and Kaajal (1965).
  • Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Award for Best Actress: She won this award twice, for her performances in the films Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962) and Pakeezah (1972).
  • National Film Award for Best Actress: She was nominated for this award once, for her performance in the film Pakeezah (1972).
  • Rashtrapati Award: She was awarded the Rashtrapati Award in 1967, which is the highest civilian award in India.

Meena Kumari was also a recipient of the Padma Shri, which is the third-highest civilian award in India. She was awarded this award in 1969.

Meena Kumari

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