Meena Kumari
ActingAbout 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.
Meena Kumari Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Meena Kumari reflects exceptional commercial consistency. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Meena Kumari's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 100% of Meena Kumari's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Viruthan Shanku, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Meena Kumari Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Meena Kumari's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Meena Kumari has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Sahira | (archive) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | Gomti Ke Kinare | Ganga | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1968 | Viruthan Shanku | Bhargavi | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1968 | Baharon Ki Manzil | Nanda / Radha | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1967 | Noorjehan | Mehrunnisa / Noor Jehan | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1967 | Chandan Ka Palna | Shobha Rai | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1967 | Ramanan | Madhavi Amma | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1966 | Phool Aur Patthar | Shanti Devi | Hit | Similar → |
| 1966 | Pinjre Ke Panchhi | Heena Sharma | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1965 | Bheegi Raat | Neelima | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1965 | Purnima | Purnima | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | Main Bhi Ladki Hoon | Rajni | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | Benazir | Benazir | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | Gazal | Naaz Ara Begum | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | Chitralekha | Chitralekha | Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | Sanjh Aur Savera | Gauri | Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | Bandipotu | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | Kinare Kinare | Neelu | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | Dil Ek Mandir | Sita | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | Akeli Mat Jaiyo | Seema | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1962 | Aarti | Aarti Gupta | Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | Pyaar Ka Saagar | Radha / Rani | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | Bhabhi Ki Chudiyan | Geeta | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | Char Dil Char Rahen | Chavli | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | Shararat | Shabnam | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | Ardhangini | Chhaya | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | Sahara | Leela | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | Dawn | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | Miss Mary | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | Bond | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | Naya Andaz | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | Halaku | Niloufer Nadir | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | Mem Sahib | Meena | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | Ek-Hi-Rasta | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | Azaad | Shobha | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | Adl-e-Jehangir | Zareena | Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | Chandni Chowk | Zarina | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Footpath | Mala | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Parineeta | Lalita | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Two Acres of Land | Thakurain | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Daaera | Sheetal | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp | Princess Badar | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | Tamasha | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Lakshmi Narayan | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Sanam | Rani | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Hanumaan Pataal Vijay | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Hamara Ghar | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | Veer Ghatotkach | Surekha | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Pooja | Little Bina (as Baby Meena) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Leatherface | - | Hit | 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 "Viruthan Shanku" 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", "Sahira", and "Shararat".