A Star Once, She Died Penniless At 34; Was Taken To The Crematorium On A Handcart

News18

2 days ago

Meena Kumari is often remembered as Bollywood's original 'Tragedy Queen', but few know that another actress shared a similarly heartbreaking fate. That actress is Vimi, a stunning and talented performer who passed away tragically at just 34.
Vimi captured the attention of both audiences and filmmakers with her debut in B.R. Chopra's Hamraaz (1967), acting alongside legends like Raj Kumar and Sunil Dutt. Hailed as a promising new star, she was graceful, educated, and trained in music, qualities that made her stand out. However, as her professional star began to rise, her personal life began to crumble.
Despite initial support from her husband, Shiv Agarwal, the son of a wealthy industrialist, Vimi faced opposition from her family who disapproved of her decision to enter films. She had married young, against her parents' wishes, and had two children.
At a social gathering in Kolkata, she was introduced to music director Ravi, who recognised her potential and urged her to try acting. With Ravi's recommendation, she and Shiv were introduced to BR Chopra, who cast her in Hamraaz.
Although she signed a three-film deal with BR Chopra, tensions eventually arose, leading to her release from the contract. Sadly, her subsequent films underperformed at the box office, and producers began distancing themselves.
Financial difficulties followed. Her husband became an alcoholic, grew violent, and pushed her to accept lesser roles in lower-budget productions. The relationship broke down, and Vimi moved to Kolkata, where she began living with a film distributor named Jolly.
Hoping for a comeback, Vimi instead found herself sinking further. In an episode of Tabassum Talkies, veteran actress Tabassum claimed that Jolly not only introduced Vimi to alcohol but also coerced her into prostitution, ultimately destroying her spirit and career.
In 1977, her liver failed, and she died while receiving treatment at Nanavati Hospital. Her death was not only tragic but also deeply humiliating. According to The Times of India, no family or film industry members were present to carry her body. With no money left, her remains were taken to the crematorium on a handcart.
Only Sunil Dutt is reported to have attended her funeral. In a bitter postscript to her life, a media person wrote in Anandabazar Patrika that her death was a relief, dismissing her cruelly as a 'girl with wandering eyes.'
During her short and tumultuous career, Vimi starred in films such as Aabroo (1968) opposite Ashok Kumar, the Punjabi classic Nanak Nam Jahaz Hai (1969) with Prithviraj Kapoor and I.S. Johar, and appeared briefly in Jaya Bhaduri's Guddi (1971). Her final film, Krodhi (1981) (featuring Dharmendra and Shashi Kapoor), was released posthumously.
In a world that celebrates glamour and success, Vimi's story remains a stark reminder of the darker, forgotten side of the film industry, a tale of dreams, downfall, and devastating loneliness.