Birthday girl Meena Kumari: How she became the tragedy queen

August 1 marks the 84th birth anniversary of the exceptionally intriguing Bollywood actor, Meena Kumari. Meena was also a poet who wrote under the pen name Naaz. Browse through some beautiful, classic pics of the diva.

Updated on: Aug 01, 2016 2:22 PM IST

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August 1 marks the 84th birth anniversary of the exceptionally intriguing Bollywood actor, Meena Kumari. Meena was also a poet who wrote under the pen name Naaz. Browse through some beautiful, classic pics of the diva.

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Meena Kumari played a courtesan in Pakeezah, one of her best movies, opposite Ashok Kumar and Rajkumar.

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Another iconic film, Saheb Biwi Aur Ghulam, established Meena’s stature as the tragedy queen.

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Meena Kumari became an alcoholic at an early age after she was separated from her husband Kamal Amrohi.

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Meena Kumari passed away on March 31, 1972.

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Interestingly, Meena Kumari essayed the de-glam role of a dejected woman and that of a courtesan with equal expertise in Kamal Amrohi's Pakeezah with Raaj Kumar.

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Meena Kumari won four Filmfare Best Actress Awards Baiju Bawra, Parineeta, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam and Kaajal.

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Meena Kumari was also a poet. Her first role was in the 1939 film Farzand-e-Watan.