Meena Kumari Birth Anniversary: 6 Films Of 'Tradegy Queen' To Watch

Meena Kumari, the legendary Bollywood actor, was a major force in the industry during the 1950s and 60s. Often referred to as the ‘Tragedy Queen of Bollywood,’ her unforgettable performances still resonate deeply with cinema lovers. On her 91st birth anniversary, we celebrate the life and legacy of this iconic actor.

Meena Kumari was born to Iqbal Begum and Ali Bux as Majjabeen on August 1, 1933 and had a vividly delightful career in Hindi cinema, late Kumari is also known as the tallest star of Indian Cinema.

Kumari made her acting debut at the age of six with the film Leatherface. Post which she appeared in more than ninety movies and is strongly remembered as the tragedy queen of the film industry.

6 Films Of Meena Kumari We Can Watch Now And Fall In Love With

1. Pakeezah

Pakeezah was released in the year 1972 and it is not only known as Meena Kumari's best work but it is also known as one of the best musical melodramas of the Indian film industry. It's a movie that holds a supernatural power to move you to the parallel world of fantasy. The movie was made under the directorial of Kamal Amrohi. Kumari played the role of Sahibjaan, a character of a prostitute who wishes to elope from the brothel.

2. Baiju Bawra

Baiju Bawra was released in 1952. Kumari played the love interest of Baiju played by Bharat Bhushan. It is directed by Vijay Bhatt and is still very popular for the divine music inculcated in the movie. 

3. Gazal 

Gazal was released in 1964. It is an Urdu-Hindi musical film made under the direction of Ved-Madan. The movie is based on the right of the young generation to choose a partner of their own choice. It stars Sunil Dutt as a poet who falls head-over-heels in love with a woman (Meena Kumari) after he hears her sing. He meets her secretly but it does not go down well with the woman's fiance, the Nawab.

4. Kaajal

Kaajal was released in 1965. This movie made Meena Kumari win her fourth and last Filmfare award. The film was adapted from 'Maahavi' a novel written by Gulshan Kumar and turned out to be a hit at the box office.

5. Kohinoor

Kohinoor was released in 1960 in which Meena Kumari and Dilip Kumar played the role of Princess and Prince of different kingdoms. This movie made the versatile Meena Kumari popular for her comical scene in the film.

6. Parineeta 

Parineeta was released in 1953 and was based on a Bengali novel named Parineeta which was written by Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay. Kumari played the role of an orphaned niece of a poor clerk and is known as Kumari's one of the finest works.