Meena Kumari

Full Name: Mahjabeen Bano
Date of Birth: 1st August 1933
Place of Birth: Bombay, Bombay Presidency, British India
Date of Death: 31st March 1972 (aged 38)
Place of Death: Bombay, Maharashtra, India
Burial Place: Rahmatabad cemetery, Mumbai
Other Names: Tragedy Queen

Occupations:
- Actress
- Poet
- Singer
- Costume Designer

Years Active: 1939–1972
Spouse: Kamal Amrohi (married in 1952; separated in 1964)
Relatives: See Ali-Amrohi family
Awards: Four Filmfare Awards for Best Actress

Musical Career:
- Genres: Filmi, Ghazals

Writing Career:
- Pen Name: Naaz

Early Life and Family Background:
- Born as Mahjabeen Bano to Ali Bux and Iqbal Begum on 1st August 1933.
- Second daughter in the family, with two sisters: Khursheed Jr. and Mahliqa (known as Madhu).
- Father: Ali Bux, a Sunni Muslim from Bhera, Pakistan, and a veteran of Parsi theater.
- Mother: Iqbal Begum, formerly known as Prabhavati Devi, a Christian who converted to Islam after marriage.
- Kumari's grandmother, Hem Sundari Tagore, had connections to the Tagore family of Bengal.

Career Highlights:
- Debuted as a child artist in the film 'Leatherface' in 1939, at the age of six.
- Notable Films: 'Baiju Bawra' (1954), 'Parineeta' (1955), 'Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam' (1962), 'Kaajal' (1966).
- Known for her versatile performances and portrayal of complex characters.

Artistic Endeavors Beyond Acting:
- Contributed as a playback singer, lending her voice to songs in some of her films.
- Published a collection of poems under the title 'I Write, I Recite' in 1971.
- Designed costumes for the film 'Pakeezah'.

Personal Struggles and Demise:
- Battled alcoholism in her later years, which affected her health and career.
- Passed away on 31st March 1972, at the age of 38, due to cirrhosis of the liver.

Legacy:
- Remembered as one of the greatest actresses in the history of Indian cinema, earning the title of The Tragedy Queen.
- Her contributions to acting, poetry, and music continue to inspire and influence generations of artists.