August 1st-Google celebrates tragedy queen Meena Kumari’s 85th birth anniversary

Google on August 1^st is celebrating with a doodle, Hindi actress,also popularly called tragedy queen Meena Kumari’s 85^th birth anniversary. An iconic actress of the 6os, she has acted in more than 90 films and is unsurpassed for her portrayal of tragic heroine. “Meena Kumari grew up on camera, lighting up the silver screen from the age of four when she was known as ‘Baby Meena’,” Google said in its blog describing the doodle. “Over time, she emerged as one of Indian cinema’s foremost actors.”

Meena Kumari, whose real name was Mahajabeen Ara Begum, was born on August 1, 1933. She began her career at the age of six under the name Baby Meena in Vijay Bhatt’s Leatherface (1939). In a career spanning nearly four decades, Meena Kumari acted in over 90 films, and her best-known roles included Gauri in Baiju Bawra(1952), the iconic Chhoti Bahu in Sabib, Biwi aur Ghulam (1962) and the courtesan Sahibjaan with a heart of gold in Pakeezah(1972). She died at the age of 38 on March 31, 1972 after a prolonged battle with alcoholism

“Heroes fumbled with their lines in front of her”

The Doodle goes on to say that she portrayed strong yet vulnerable women who made their own way through life, although they were often devastated by romance. Leading men were so bedazzled by Meena’s presence that Bollywood star Raj Kumar admitted to flubbing his lines when shooting scenes with her. It added, “Today, her screen appearances are studied for flawless moments and the complex emotions she could evoke without uttering a word.”