The reigning Goddess of Cinema, Meena Kumari, was a mesmerizing actress whose unmatched aura captivated audiences through her stunning onscreen presence. Her early departure from this world at the age of 38 left fans heartbroken. Known as ‘The Tragedy Queen’, Meena Kumari’s life was marked by her struggle with alcoholism, which led to her hospitalization due to cirrhosis of the liver. Remarkably, she shot her final film’s scenes from her hospital bed.
Meena Kumari’s dedication to cinema was unparalleled, today on her birth anniversary reminiscing the heartbreaking fact of Goddess of cinema from past. Despite her severe illness, the actress completed her work. For her final film, ‘Dushman’ (1971), Kumari requested the filmmakers to accommodate her condition. Respecting her commitment, director Dulal Guha agreed and then made few changes of the film so she could shoot her scenes from the hospital bed.
Even from her hospital bed, Meena Kumari completed her scenes with grace and poise, appearing in her traditional bridal attire, adorned with jewels and ethnic garments. Her enchanting presence masked the pain she was enduring, making it hard for the audience to believe she was gravely ill.
Sadly, just a few days later, on March 31, 1972, Meena Kumari passed away, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Her failed marriage leading to loneliness made addiction to alcohol, ultimately facing an untimely death.
Nevertheless, Meena Kumari’s contributions to cinema were extraordinary stapled forever in the history of Indian cinema. For those unaware, she was not only an exceptional actress but also a talented singer and poet. Her career spanned 33 years, during which she appeared in 93 films, an advertisement, a radio program and a documentary. Not only that, she also designed costumes for the iconic film ‘Pakeezah’, which earned her a posthumous Filmfare nomination and a special Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Award.
Meena Kumari’s dedication to her profession even in her final days, lives an incredible example to her unwavering commitment to cinema. As we celebrate her birth anniversary, we remember and honour the remarkable actress she was, whose legacy continues to inspire generations.
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