The Script Is In The Works
Famous celebrity fashion and costume designer Manish Malhotra has confirmed that he will be directing the biopic based on the life of iconic Bollywood actress Meena Kumari. The announcement comes after much speculation as to his involvement in the project.
Malhotra confirmed this in an interview with Anupama Chopra for Film Companion, saying “I don’t know how it got out but it is happening. We are still working on the script. The script is key, always. I have been reading her books. The film is based on her books. I have always been fascinated by Meena Kumari.”
Manish Malhotra inspired to do it by Rekha
He also added that it was living legend Rekha who actually inspired him to delve deeper into the life of Meena Kumari. He said Rekha’s belief that he would see the genius of film personalities like Meena Kumari and Guru Dutt came true and he was mesmerised and impressed by Kumari’s ‘adaa’ and expressions.
Legal action by stepson
The reports Manish was asked about have been circulating for some time, and it is alleged that Tajdor Amrohi, Meena’s stepson from her marriage with filmmaker Kamal Amrohi was against the film being made and even threatened legal action against Manish and Kriti Sanon who is reportedly in talks to play the titular Meena Kumari.
However, he said in an interview with Bollywood Bubble that he is holding off on taking legal action because the production hasn’t started yet and he does not wish to come across as ‘publicity hungry.’
While the controversy around the making of the biopic is a point of contention, Meena Kumari is beloved across India as Bollywood’s ‘Tragedy Queen.’
Her real life was perhaps as dramatic as her reel life, and she played the beautiful but doomed heroine.
Meena Kumari’s Career
Born Mahajabeen Bano, Meena Kumari was considered one of Bollywood’s greatest actors with a career spanning over 30 years till her death in 1972. She was forced by her parents to work as a child actress and debuted in Director Vijay Bhatt’s ‘Leatherface,’ becoming the breadwinner of her family at a very young age.
She acted in various films like ‘Parineeta’ and ‘Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai’ and earned many filmfare nominations and 4 ‘Best Actress’ awards, but perhaps her most lauded film remains Guru Dutt’s ‘Saheb, Bibi aur Ghulam,’ in which she played the alcoholic ‘Chhoti Bahu.’ The film garnered critical acclaim and became India’s official entry to the Oscars.
Personal tragedies
Her illustrious career slumped after her marriage to Kamal Amrohi in 1952. Her husband put many stipulations on her continuing her work as an actress which she tried to rebel against and allegedly physically abused her, which she never admitted but was confirmed by six sources.
She also battled with insomnia, for which she was prescribed a nightcap of Brandy every night, but the medicine soon turned into an alcohol addiction after Kumari separated from her husband.
Meena Kumari’s Death
Kumari was diagnosed with Liver cirrhosis which she got treated for but remained frail, and after the release of Pakeezah, she finally succumbed to the illness at 38 years old. As per her request, her tombstone reads “She ended life with a broken fiddle, with a broken song, with a broken heart, but not a single regret.”
This tragic end to a life too short certainly marked as a heroine not only in life but in death.
Will the biopic by Manish Malhotra do justice to Meena Kumari’s legacy?
It is to be seen whether Manish Malhotra will do justice to ‘The Tragedy Queen’s life. While he is renowned for his work as a couturier and costumer, he has delved into many careers like modelling, interior designing, and his set to make his directorial debut in a Dharma Productions period romantic drama.
