Meena Kumari Biography: Books, Movies, Net Worth, Husband, Ethnicity, Awards, Height, Age, Death
Mahjabeen Bano, professionally known as Meena Kumari, was an Indian actress, singer, poet, and playback singer who worked primarily in Hindi cinema.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest actresses in the history of Indian cinema, she was celebrated for her powerful dramatic performances and earned the title “The Tragedy Queen of Indian Cinema.”
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| Real Name: | Mahjabeen Bano |
| Stage Name: | Meena Kumari |
| Born: | August 1, 1933 |
| Died: | March 31, 1972 (age 38 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Bombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra, India |
| Nationality: | Indian |
| Ethnicity: | Indian (Bengali and Urdu heritage) |
| Height: | 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) |
| Religion: | Islam |
| Parents: | Ali Bux, Iqbal Begum |
| Siblings: | Khursheed Jr Bano., Madhu Ali |
| Relationship: | Divorced |
| Occupation: | Actress, Singer, Poet, Playback Singer |
| Net Worth: | $5 million |
Early Life and Education
Meena Kumari was born on August 1, 1933, in Bombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra, India.
She was of Indian ethnicity with Bengali and Urdu heritage and was the daughter of Ali Bux, a theatre artist and musician, and Iqbal Begum, a stage actress and dancer.
She grew up alongside her sisters, Khursheed Jr Bano and Madhu Ali. Financial difficulties led her to begin working in films as a child artist at the age of four under the screen name Baby Meena.
Her early entry into cinema meant that she received only limited formal education, with much of her learning taking place through private tutoring while working in the film industry. She practiced Islam.
Career
Meena Kumari began her career as a child actress in the late 1930s, appearing in mythological and historical films before making a successful transition to adult roles.
Her breakthrough came with Baiju Bawra (1952), where her outstanding performance earned her the inaugural Filmfare Award for Best Actress.
She went on to establish herself as one of Bollywood’s leading actresses through acclaimed performances in Parineeta, Azaad, Sharada, Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai, Aarti, Main Chup Rahungi, and Dil Ek Mandir.
Her remarkable ability to portray emotionally complex characters earned her widespread admiration and the enduring title of “The Tragedy Queen.”
Throughout the 1960s, Kumari delivered some of the finest performances in Indian cinema, including her award-winning role in Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962), which remains one of Bollywood’s greatest films.
She later starred in Kaajal, Phool Aur Patthar, Mere Apne, and Gomti Ke Kinare.
Her final masterpiece, Pakeezah (1972), directed by her former husband Kamal Amrohi, was released just weeks before her death and became one of the most celebrated classics in Indian film history.
In addition to acting, she wrote Urdu poetry under the pen name Naaz, with her literary works later published posthumously.
Awards and Nominations
- 4× Filmfare Award for Best Actress
- Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Baiju Bawra (1954)
- Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Parineeta (1955)
- Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1963)
- Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Kaajal (1966)
- Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Award winner
- Widely recognized as the “Tragedy Queen of Indian Cinema.”
Social Media
- Meena Kumari passed away in 1972 and did not have official social media accounts.
Personal Life
Meena Kumari, 38 years old at the time of her death, was divorced. She married acclaimed filmmaker Kamal Amrohi in 1952, but the couple separated in 1964 before eventually divorcing. She did not have any children.
Standing at 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) tall, Kumari had a deep passion for Urdu poetry, literature, and music, often writing under the pen name Naaz.
Despite facing health challenges later in life, she remained devoted to her craft until her passing on March 31, 1972, from complications related to liver cirrhosis.
Her legacy continues to influence generations of actors and filmmakers across India.
Net Worth
At the time of her death, Meena Kumari had an estimated net worth of $5 million USD. Her wealth came from acting, playback singing, poetry, film royalties, and one of the most successful careers in the history of Hindi cinema.
Even decades after her passing, her films continue to generate cultural and commercial value through restorations, broadcasts, and home media releases.
Filmography
Selected Films
- Leatherface (1939) – as Baby Meena
- Baiju Bawra (1952)
- Parineeta (1953)
- Azaad (1955)
- Ek Hi Raasta (1956)
- Sharada (1957)
- Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai (1960)
- Aarti (1962)
- Main Chup Rahungi (1962)
- Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962)
- Dil Ek Mandir (1963)
- Kaajal (1965)
- Phool Aur Patthar (1966)
- Bahu Begum (1967)
- Mere Apne (1971)
- Pakeezah (1972)
- Gomti Ke Kinare (1972)
Literary Works
- Tanha Chand (Collection of Urdu poetry published posthumously under the pen name Naaz)
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