Mumbai: Rare original publicity material and memorabilia from Meena Kumari's films and a retro of some of her best movies will be the highlights of a special tribute to the actress here tomorrow.
The actress-poetess whose real name was Mahjabeen Bano starred in over 90 classic, cult films in the 30 years from her childhood to her death.
Now, the Tragedy Queen of Indian cinema is back on the silver screen as part of Osianama’s ongoing Womanhood festival. Three of her iconic films ‘Pakeezah’, ‘Parineeta’ and ‘Daera’ will be screened.
Besides the films, Osianama at Liberty will display the ‘Pakeezah’ and ‘Daera’ paintings, ‘Kohinoor’ and ‘Benazir’ portraits, besides the poster of ‘Meena Kumari ki Amar Kahani’, ‘Behana’, ‘Phool Aur Pathar’ and the images of ‘Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam’ among others.
"The memories of Meena Kumari reflect a deeply complex and contradictory soul which reaches out to the world to be understood and loved anew. She is a true icon for Womanhood and Cinema, absorbing all, breaking all, in the search to be herself," says Neville Tuli, chairman of Osian's Group.
"Her life truly represents the ironic truth of - from dust to dust - but what a full life in those short 41 years. Along with Nargis and Madhubala she represents the feminine iconicity just as 'Mother India', 'Mughal-E-Azam' and 'Pakeezah' represent a different trinity of Indian cinema," he says.
Meena Kumari's portrayal of Chhoti Bahu in ‘Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam’ (1962) is one of her most memorable films that bought her critical and commercial success, alike, besides winning her the coveted Filmfare Award that had eluded her with nominations earlier with ‘Aarti’ and ‘Main Chup Rahungi’.
Her other memorable films include ‘Baiju Bawra’ (1952), ‘Parineeta’ (1953), ‘Azaad’ (1955), ‘Ek Hi Raasta’ (1956), ‘Miss Mary’ (1957), ‘Sharada’ (1957) and ‘Dil Apna Aur Preet Parayi’ (1960).
