Meena Kumari And Gulzar's Love Story: Extramarital Affair To Giving Him Her Most Prized Possession

Meena Kumari, born as Mahjabeen Bano is considered as one of the greatest actresses in the history of Indian cinema. Popularly known as 'The tragedy queen,' she worked in over 90 films in her illustrious career spanning over three decades. It is often stated that if her personal life had been less troublesome, she would've become Indian cinema's greatest actress ever. The reason behind it is the fact that Meena Kumari had all the qualities, from being an exceptional dancer to a critically acclaimed actress, she was also insanely popular across India.

Meena Kumari earned Rs. 25 for acting in her first-ever film, Leatherface at the age of six

For the uninitiated, Vijay Bhatt is the one, who handed Meena Kumari her first role as a child artist in the film, Leatherface (1939). The director paid the 6-year-old Meena a sum of Rs. 25. In the following years, she acted in a series of Vijay Bhatt's films, including Adhuri Kahani, Pooja, Ek Hi Bhool, and many more. Talking about Meena Kumari's most memorable films, the list includes the likes of Baiju Bawra, Parineeta, Azaad, Sahara, Chirag Kahan Roshni Kahan, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, Aarti, Main Chup Rahungi, Dil Ek Mandir, Kaajal, Phool Aur Patthar, and Pakeezah.

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Meena Kumari ruled the silver screens for decades, but her personal life always brought her a lot of pain and trouble. The iconic actress was married to famous film director, Kamal Amrohi, and it was a disastrous marriage. From facing domestic violence to being mentally tortured by her husband, Meena Kumari's personal life is the reason she developed alcoholism and eventually, her career took its toll.

Meena Kumari and Gulzar's unfinished love story: They came close due to their shared love for shayaris

There's a lesser-known chapter from Meena Kumari's marriage with Kamal Amrohi, which isn't known to everyone. For the uninitiated, while being married to Kamal, Meena found solace in the company of iconic writer and lyricist, Gulzar. Yes! You read it right. Gulzar and Meena Kumari came close despite the latter being a married woman. According to a report on Jagran.com, Meena Kumari and Gulzar came close due to their shared love for shayari.

Only a few people who were close to Meena knew that she used to write shayaris, and Gulzar was one of them. On one hand, Gulzar used to read Meena's shayaris and shared his valuable feedback with her. On the other hand, Meena Kumari's husband, Kamal Amrohi never took an interest or appreciated her shayaris. Apart from Meena's shayaris, Gulzar was a massive fan of her acting and dialogue delivery just like millions of people across the nation.

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As per a report in ABP Live, Meena Kumari and Gulzar became friends and came close during the shooting of Benazir. The film starred a series of actors, including Shashi Kapoor, Tanuja, Ashok Kumar, Tarun Bose, Nirupa Roy, and many more. Gulzar and Meena remained in touch till the latter's last days. For the unversed, as time passed, Meena suffered from liver cirrhosis, and her health started deteriorating. However, even then, she signed the film, Mere Apne, due to Gulzar, so they could spend some more time together.

Meena Kumari gave her most prized possession to Gulzar before her death

During the shooting of Mere Apne, Meena Kumari's health started declining, but she completed the film because of Gulzar. Mere Apne was released in 1971, after which she worked in Pakeezah and Gomti Ke Kinare. While Pakeezah became a massive hit, Gomti Ke Kinare was released after her demise. It was on March 31, 1972, when Meena Kumari breathed her last at the St Elizabeth's Nursing Home at the age of 38. However, before her death, Meena Kumari handed Gulzar her life's most prized possessions, her poetry and shayaris.

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For the uninitiated, Meena Kumari's shayaris and poems were quite close to her heart. The iconic actress used to express all her pain in her writings, which is why it was quite special for Gulzar to get hold of them. The lyricist compiled all the shayaris and poems written by Meena Kumari and published them as a book titled, Meena Kumari Ki Shayari. Not only this, but Gulzar also published another book, Tanha Chand, which contained Meena Kumari's poems. It's fair to say that Gulzar eased some of Meena Kumari's pain and came into her life just at the right time. Although they couldn't get married, but it was their caring attitude for each other that proved they loved each other unconditionally.

What are your thoughts on Meena Kumari's unfinished love story with Gulzar? Let us know.

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