| Profile of Meena KumariShe probably shed
more tears on screen than any other heroine, earning for herself the title of Tragedy
Queen. But Meena Kumari was a consummate actress to take on an Azaad or a Kohinoor
and sparkle through the froth and fantasy. Yuhudi, Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam, Parineeta,
Main Chup Rahoongi, Main Sunder Hoon -- here was one actress who had more
heroine-backed films to her name than any other. Her marriage to the talented Kamal Amrohi
resulted in the unforgettable Pakeeza, which took decades in the making. And was
finally released when its heroine was almost on her death-bed. In real life, as in reel
life, Meena Kumari, born Mahajabeen, fielded sorrow and loneliness and gave vent to her
grief in poetry. Tragic in death as in life, she remains in public memory, a great artiste
and a broken star. |
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