Meena Kumari, the eternal beauty of the Indian film industry, was a renowned actress whose untimely demise left a void in the hearts of millions of her fans. Despite her stature as one of the top actresses in the industry, she had to endure financial struggles during her final days. Filmmaker Bimal Roy’s daughter, Rinki Roy Bhattacharya, candidly opened up about the family’s financial hardships.
In a piece published in Rediff in 2014, Rinki Roy Bhattacharya revealed that the iconic actor passed away in poverty. She shared, “When this actress of high calibre, the reigning Goddess of cinema, breathed her last on the afternoon of March 31, 1972, at 3:25 pm in St Elizabeth’s nursing home, she did not have Rs 3,500 required to release her body.” It was a heartbreaking revelation that someone of Meena Kumari’s stature had to face such dire circumstances.
Rinki further disclosed that it was the kindness of Meena Kumari’s physician that came to the family’s rescue. The physician generously made the necessary payment, preventing any further distress for the grieving family. “It was a miracle when her physician bailed out the family,” Rinki expressed, acknowledging the significant impact of this benevolent act.
In another account, Saawan Kumar Tak, during an interview with Filmfare, revealed that he had taken on the responsibility of paying a hefty hospital bill during Meena Kumari’s last days. He paid Rs 15,000, sacrificing his own car by selling it to meet the financial obligation. Sadly, Meena Kumari passed away only a few weeks later, leaving behind a legacy of great talent and immense struggle.
The tragic cause of Meena Kumari’s death was cirrhosis of the liver, a consequence of her battle with alcoholism. Throughout her career, she graced the silver screen with remarkable performances in iconic films such as “Baiju Bawra,” “Do Bigha Zamin,” “Pakeezah,” and “Shatranj,” among many others. Her acting and emotive skills made her a celebrated figure in the realm of Indian cinema.
Meena Kumari’s life was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, marked by both success and profound sorrow. Despite her fame and adulation, she had to endure financial hardships in her final moments. Nevertheless, her remarkable body of work and enduring charm continue to inspire and captivate audiences, making her an immortal icon in the history of Indian cinema.