Kamal Amrohi Biography: Wives, Children, Obituary, Awards, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Ethnicity, Songs, Films

Kamal Amrohi was an Indian Film director, screenwriter, and poet known for his distinctive storytelling and meticulous attention to detail.

His directorial debut, “Mahal” (1949), introduced audiences to a blend of gothic horror and reincarnation themes, setting a new precedent in Bollywood.

The film’s success was further amplified by the song “Aayega Aanewala,” which played a pivotal role in establishing Lata Mangeshkar’s career.

Profile

• Full name: Syed Amir Haider Kamal Naqvi
• Nickname: Chandan
• Date of birth: January 17, 1918
• Age as of 2025: Deceased
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Amroha, United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, British India (now Uttar Pradesh, India)
• State of origin: Uttar Pradesh
• Nationality: Indian
• Profession: Film director, screenwriter, poet
• Height: 5’8″ (173 cm)
• Parents: Father – Syed Ali Haider; Mother – N/A
• Siblings: Brother – Jamal Amrohi
• Spouse: First wife – Bilkis Bano, Second wife – Sayeda Al-Zehra Mehmoodi, Third wife – Meena Kumari, Fourth wife – Deep Kaur
• Children: Shandaar Amrohi, Tajdar Amrohi, Rukhsar Amrohi
• Relationship status: Married (at the time of death)
• Religion: Islam
• Ethnicity: Shia Muslim
• Net worth:₹200 crore (around USD 27 million at that time)

Early Life and Education

Kamal Amrohi was born on January 17, 1918, in Amroha, a town in the United Provinces of British India, now known as Uttar Pradesh. Raised in a Shia Muslim family. His father was Syed Ali Haider, and he had a brother named Jamal Amrohi.

At the age of 16, Amrohi left his hometown and moved to Lahore, where he pursued higher education. He graduated in Persian and Urdu from the Oriental College at the University of Punjab.

During his time in Lahore, he began writing Urdu stories and contributed to local magazines. His literary talents caught the attention of K.L. Saigal, who encouraged him to move to Bombay (now Mumbai) to explore opportunities in the film industry.

Personal Life

Multiple marriages marked Kamal Amrohi’s personal life. His first marriage was to Bilkis Bano, who had previously worked as a maid for Jaddan Bai, the mother of actress Nargis. After Bilkis Bano’s death, he married his cousin, Sayeda Al-Zehra Mehmoodi, daughter of Jamal Hasan.  

Together, they had three children: sons Shandaar and Tajdar and daughter Rukhsar. In 1952, Amrohi married actress Meena Kumari in a private ceremony. Their relationship faced challenges, leading to a separation in 1964. After Mehmoodi died in 1982, Amrohi married his physician, Deep Kaur, seeking companionship in his later years.

Career

Amrohi began his career in the film industry as a story writer for the film “Jailor” (1938) and as a dialogue writer for “Chhalia” (1938). He made his directorial debut with “Mahal” (1949), a film that combined elements of horror and romance. He later directed “Daera” (1953), “Pakeezah” (1972), and “Razia Sultan” (1983).

Amrohi was also a co-writer for the dialogues in “Mughal-e-Azam” (1960), a film renowned for its grandeur and storytelling. In 1958, he established Kamalistan Studio in Mumbai, which became a significant production hub for numerous films.

Awards

• Filmfare Award for Best Dialogue for “Mughal-e-Azam” (1961)
• Nominated for Filmfare Award for Best Director for “Pakeezah” (1972)

Net Worth

Kamal Amrohi’s net worth is approximately ₹200 crore (around USD 27 million at that time)

Death

Kamal Amrohi passed away on February 11, 1993, in Mumbai at the age of 75. He was laid to rest at Rehmatabad Qabristan, an Indian-Iranian graveyard in Mumbai, beside his third wife, Meena Kumari, honouring his last wish.

Social Media

• N/A

Filmography

• Mahal (1949)
• Daera (1953)
• Pakeezah (1972)
• Razia Sultan (1983)

Discography

• Thare Rahiyo (from the film “Such a Long Journey,” 1998)