Meena Kumari - Actor Profile

Meena Kumari

Acting
Freshness: Jan 19, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Aug 1, 1933
Birth Place: Solapur, Bombay Presidency, British India

About Meena Kumari

Meena Kumari (born Mahjabeen Bano; August 1, 1933 – March 31, 1972) was an Indian actress, as well as an occasional poet, playback singer and model. She was described by critics as a historically incomparable actress of Hindi Cinema. Though best known for her sensitive portrayals of struggling women, earning her the title "The Tragedy Queen", she starred in over 90 films that varied in genres, from traditional melodramas, mythological adventures, comedies, historicals and Muslim socials. At the peak of her career, she was the highest-paid actress, and set fashion trends for women in the 1950s.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Meena Kumari reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Meena Kumari's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 18% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Meena Kumari remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Chandan Ka Palna, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Meena Kumari Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Meena Kumari's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Meena Kumari.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1980 Sahira (archive) Flop Similar →
1972 Pakeezah Nargis / Sahibjaan Average Similar →
1972 Dushman Malti Flop Similar →
1971 Mere Apne Anandi Devi / Auaji (Aunt) Average Similar →
1970 Jawab Vidya Flop Similar →
1968 Viruthan Shanku Bhargavi Flop Similar →
1968 Baharon Ki Manzil Nanda / Radha Hit Similar →
1967 Noorjehan Mehrunnisa / Noor Jehan Average Similar →
1967 Majhli Didi Hema Average Similar →
1967 Chandan Ka Palna Shobha Rai Super Hit Similar →
1967 Bahu Begum Zeenat Jahan Begum Average Similar →
1967 Ramanan Madhavi Amma Flop Similar →
1966 Phool Aur Patthar Shanti Devi Average Similar →
1966 Pinjre Ke Panchhi Heena Sharma Flop Similar →
1965 Bheegi Raat Neelima Average Similar →
1965 Kaajal Madhavi Flop Similar →
1965 Purnima Purnima Flop Similar →
1964 Main Bhi Ladki Hoon Rajni Flop Similar →
1964 Gazal Naaz Ara Begum Average Similar →
1964 Chitralekha Chitralekha Flop Similar →
1963 Bandipotu - Flop Similar →
1963 Kinare Kinare Neelu Average Similar →
1963 Dil Ek Mandir Sita Flop Similar →
1963 Akeli Mat Jaiyo Seema Average Similar →
1962 Aarti Aarti Gupta Flop Similar →
1962 Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam Chhoti Bahu Hit Similar →
1962 Main Chup Rahungi Gayatri Flop Similar →
1961 Pyaar Ka Saagar Radha / Rani Super Hit Similar →
1960 Kohinoor Rajkumari Chandramukhi of Rajgarh Flop Similar →
1960 Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai Karuna Flop Similar →
1959 Char Dil Char Rahen Chavli Average Similar →
1959 Shararat Shabnam Flop Similar →
1958 Sahara Leela Hit Similar →
1958 Yahudi Hannah / Lydia Average Similar →
1958 Dawn - Flop Similar →
1957 Sharada Sharada Ram Sharan Average Similar →
1956 Bond - Flop Similar →
1956 Halaku Niloufer Nadir Super Hit Similar →
1956 Mem Sahib Meena Hit Similar →
1956 Ek-Hi-Rasta - Average Similar →
1955 Azaad Shobha Flop Similar →
1955 Bandish Usha Sen Flop Similar →
1955 Adl-e-Jehangir - Flop Similar →
1954 Chandni Chowk Zarina Flop Similar →
1953 Parineeta Lalita Hit Similar →
1953 Two Acres of Land Thakurain Super Hit Similar →
1953 Daaera Sheetal Average Similar →
1952 Baiju Bawra Gauri Average Similar →
1951 Madhosh Soni Flop Similar →
1939 Leatherface - Flop Similar →

Meena Kumari - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Meena Kumari?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Meena Kumari is "Chandan Ka Palna" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Meena Kumari acted in?

Meena Kumari has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Meena Kumari?

Other notable films include "Pyaar Ka Saagar", "Halaku", and "Two Acres of Land".