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India Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam: A Tragedy That Foretold Meena Kumari's Doom
In our Retro Review series, we revisit Meena Kumari's haunting role in 'Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam', where her performance mirrored her unraveling life, weaving a tragic prophecy of love, loss, and Review: Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962)Starring: Meena Kumari, Guru Dutt, Waheeda Rehman, RehmanProducer: Guru DuttDirector: Abrar AlviMusic: Hemant KumarWhere To Watch: YouTubeWhy To Watch: For Meena Kumari's iconic portrayal of a woman yearning for her husband's love Moral of the Story: Art often mirrors life, turning into a tragic prophecy of love, loss, and actor Mahjabeen Alibux was known by two other names until her death, one of which became her first faced the camera at the tender age of four, carrying forward the legacy of her mother, herself an actor. Her fourth film, 'Ek Hi Bhool', earned her the screen name Baby Meena, bestowed upon her by the film's director, Vijay Bhatt. By the late 1940s, Meena had blossomed into a petite beauty, with a slightly rounded face and sparkling eyes. Captivated by her charm and innocence, directors eagerly cast her in romantic musicals and comedies. In 'Baiju Bawra', a film famously declined by Dilip Kumar to his lasting regret, Meena captivated India's heart as a village belle singing Naushad's melodies. Around the same time, she starred in 'Miss Mary', a spirited comedy that showcased her effortless flair for could have imagined that this star of romantic comedies and musicals would transform into a tragedy queen, a title that would come to mirror her own tumultuous life?Certain films serve as haunting prophecies of the lives of their actors and directors, acting as chronicles of tragedies foretold. No film captures Meena Kumari's transformation from romantic heroine to tragic figure, and her subsequent descent into alcoholism, more poignantly than 'Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam' (1962).A Tragedy that ForetoldThe film Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam is a paradox, a haunting reminder of humanity's struggle against inescapable destiny. By the late 1950s, Guru Dutt had lost confidence in his directorial vision, shaken by the commercial failure of Kaagaz Ke Phool. Beyond directing, he yearned to shed his onscreen persona as a tragic hero, an image forged through his soulful performances in Pyaasa and Kaagaz Ke Phool. Yet, his fascination with tragedy endured, drawing him to produce and star in Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, a poignant tale of decadent morality among Calcutta's zamindars and the devastating toll it exacts on its protagonist, Chhoti Bahu, portrayed by Meena Kumari. In a striking reversal of roles, Guru Dutt—the eternal tragedian—cast himself as a village bumpkin, infusing his character with shades of comedy and guileless charm. The weight of inescapable tragedy fell instead on Meena Kumari, once the effervescent star of romantic musicals and comedies. Her portrayal of Chhoti Bahu, a woman consumed by unfulfilled longing and spiraling into alcoholism, marked a seismic shift, transforming her into the tragedy queen and eerily foreshadowing her own descent into personal curses, perhaps, are inescapable.A Stirring Tragedy'Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam' is so layered that it invites multiple viewings, each revealing new depths. Yet, the frames that linger most are those where Meena Kumari pours out her anguish, first as a woman yearning for her husband's love, then as an alcoholic teetering on stirring voice, hollow laughter, and mournful eyes transform Chhoti Bahu into a haunting emblem of despair, a figure whose pain echoes Meena Kumari's own unraveling life, forever etching her tragedy queen persona into the annals of Kumari plays the doomed addict with haunting perfection. Her droopy eyes, slurred speech and unsteady gaze transform her persona, making her transition effortlessly between affection, rage, lust and melancholia. The camera captures her downfall with haunting closeups, creating a tableau of heartbreak so potent it encapsulates the film's tragic core, leaving an indelible mark on the viewer's iconic scene, where Chhoti Bahu's futile yearning collides with her husband's indifference, is a searing exploration of unattainable love. A drunk Chhoti Bahu implores her philandering husband, played by Rehman's with chilling detachment, to stay with her. 'Na Jao Saiyyan', she sings seductively, her eyes burning with pain and longing, her tresses falling on her playful face. When he refuses to stay with her, Meena Kumari breaks into hysterical laughter and heart-rending sobs. Rehman's restrained yet menacing presence amplifies Meena Kumari's vulnerability, making their interplay a goosebump-inducing pinnacle of art. The scene's stark cinematography and Hemant Kumar's melancholic score heighten its emotional weight, making it a touchstone for Indian cinema. Just for these fifteen minutes of wizardry, Meena Kumari deserves to be forever in the pantheon of Real To ReelFor Meena Kumari, this moment was more than performance, it was a haunting echo of her fractured relationships, a mirror held up to her life's marriage to Kamal Amrohi, director of the cult classic 'Pakeezah', had failed. Once a union of creative minds, it soured as his possessiveness and strict rules, such as barring her from signing new films or staying out late, stifled her spirit. Reports of physical altercations, including an incident where Amrohi's assistant allegedly slapped her, pushed her to leave his home, plunging her into depression and bond with Dharmendra, sparked during their collaborations on films like 'Phool Aur Patthar', was a brief respite. Resembling the dynamic between Chhoti Bahu and Guru Dutt's character, Bhoothnath, she mentored Dharmendra, nurturing his talent. But their rumored romance–denied by Dharemendra–ended in heartbreak. This rejection, coupled with her deteriorating health and financial ruin, hastened her tragic end, as she succumbed to liver cirrhosis at 38, leaving behind a legacy as luminous as it was its narrative, 'Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam' stands as a testament to the synergy between Meena Kumari and Guru Dutt, two artists bound by their shared affinity for tragedy. The film's opulent visuals, soulful music, and Abrar Alvi's incisive direction (under Guru Dutt's stewardship) created a timeless elegy to human the personal costs were profound: Meena Kumari's immersion in Chhoti Bahu deepened her descent, while Guru Dutt's inability to escape his tragic muse foreshadowed his untimely end. Together, they left behind a cinematic masterpiece that continues to resonate. It is a poignant reminder that some destinies are written in the stars they portray.- Ends
News18
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Ranveer Singh's Career Has Not Ended, R Madhavan Says: 'A Couple Of Not-So-Good Films...'
Ranveer Singh hasn't announced a new movie for a long time. While one of his films with Prasanth Varma got shelved, there have been no updates around Don 3 and Baiju Bawra. Ranveer Singh became an overnight sensation when he made his debut with the movie Band Baaja Baaraat in 2010. He later starred in films like Bajirao Mastani (2015), Padmaavat (2018) and Gully Boy (2019) and established himself as one of the prominent Bollywood actors. But his career took a hit with films like Jayeshbhai Jordar and Cirkus in 2022. Even though Ranveer bounced back with Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani in 2023 and later made a cameo in Singham Again, he hasn't announced a new movie for a long time now. While one of his films with HanuMan director Prasanth Varma got shelved, there have been no updates around Don 3 and Baiju Bawra too. Now that Ranveer Singh is all set to impress the audience once again with Dhurandhar, his co-star R Madhavan has commented on the actor's journey in the film industry. In a recent interview, Madhavan answered a question about Dhurandhar being Ranveer's comeback and said, 'I don't think Ranveer Singh has ever been written off. A couple of 'not so good' films don't end an actor's career. He's truly good and an extraordinary actor. But, it makes a good copy in the press and media to keep writing people off and bring them back," as quoted by the Indian Express. The actor further defended Singh and added, 'If you see the great actors in Hollywood like Tom Cruise and Tom Hanks, they don't do 50-60 films in their lifetime. They barely do 14-15 movies in their entire life. Even the biggest of stars, they also don't do beyond 15 films in their lifetime. That is the pace of doing good stories. Here we think that if we are not shooting for three months, it means we are losing our market. Both Ranveer and I don't come from that insecurity." 'This is a whole new era. Now, we have to work really hard for our characters and stories to convince our audience because the common man today is well-educated. If a plane gets delayed, they stand up and question the pilot. If we are making a movie for the empowered Indian, then we will have to make efficient films. It takes time. So writing us off and writing us in is the job of the media, but we don't think we are going anywhere," Madhavan concluded. Meanwhile, talking about Ranveer and Madhavan's Dhurandhar also features an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna and Arjun Rampal. Presented by Jio Studios, a B62 Studios production, Dhurandhar, written, directed, and produced by Aditya Dhar, produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Lokesh Dhar, it will hit theatres on December 5. First Published: July 16, 2025, 18:17 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NDTV
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
What We Know About Ranveer Singh-Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Fallout Over Ranbir Kapoor's Love & War
New Delhi: Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War is one of the most anticipated films, led by Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal. The film is tentatively scheduled for a March 2026 release. However, latest reports suggest that all is not well between Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ranveer Singh, the duo have delivered blockbusters such as Ram Leela, Bajirao Mastani, and Padmaavat. As per reports making the rounds, the Dhurandhar actor did not take it well when the filmmaker did not offer him the lead in Love & War. What's Happening Ranveer Singh and Sanjay Leela Bhansali have reportedly had a fallout after the latter did not offer Love & War to him. According to senior journalist Subhash K Jha, Ranveer Singh was approached to play the second lead in Love & War. After the actor declined it, the role went to Vicky Kaushal. The tension between Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ranveer Singh continued to grow, and the latter did not invite the director to his 40th birthday celebrations recently. The report states, "On July 6, Ranveer Singh celebrated his 40th birthday with a very private get-together where only close friends were welcome. Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who gave Ranveer the superstar status with Ram Leela, Bajirao Mastani and Padmaavat, was not one of the invitees. The director and actor are no longer close friends." There were reports of Ranveer Singh collaborating with SLB in Baiju Bawra opposite Alia Bhatt. However, right now he is only focusing on Love & War. There is no official confirmation from either side on the above statements. About Dhurandhar Jio Studios presents Dhurandhar, and it is a B62 Studios production. It is written, directed, and produced by Aditya Dhar, and co-produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Lokesh Dhar. The film explores the origins of unknown men involved in covert operations. Dhurandhar is scheduled to release on December 5, 2025. In A Nusthell New reports have surfaced online that state that things have turned sour between Ranveer Singh and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, after the filmmaker did not offer the lead role of Love & War to the Dhurandhar actor. No official confirmation has been shared from either side on the reports making the rounds.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Are Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt the reason behind rumoured rift between Ranveer Singh and Sanjay Leela Bhansali? Ranveer's 40th birthday sparks big question
All's not well between 'Ram Leela' star Ranveer Singh and his former mentor, director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Singh, who has delivered multiple hits with the auteur, such as 'Ram Leela' , 'Padmavaat,' and 'Bajirao Mastani,' has reportedly fallen out due to the latter's decision not to cast him in the leading role in his upcoming magnum opus, 'Love & War'. According to a report by senior journalist Subhash K. Jha, Ranveer had his eye on the main role, which is now being essayed by Ranbir Kapoor. However, he was offered the role of second lead, which he promptly declined. That role has now gone to Vicky Kaushal. Due to this rift, the director, who was once very close to Singh, was missing at his 40th birthday bash. Ranveer and Bhansali were supposed to collaborate for the remake of the 1952 blockbuster 'Baiju Bawra,' but the project has been put on the back burner for now. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gold Is Surging in 2025 — Smart Traders Are Already In IC Markets Learn More Undo On the work front, Ranveer has signed Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar. Shooting will reportedly commence in August. Bhansali is busy filming 'Love & War'. The period drama is an official remake of the 1964 Raj Kapoor-Vyjayanthimala starrer 'Sangam'. The movie will feature a love triangle between Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal's characters. 'Love & War' marks Kapoor's reunion with Bhansali almost two decades after 'Saawariya'. Bhansali Sets Stage for Intense Showdowns Between Ranbir and Vicky According to an exclusive update from Pinkvilla , director Sanjay Leela Bhansali is preparing to film some intense and emotionally charged confrontations between lead stars Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal starting August 2025. These sequences, designed to be dramatic high points in the film, will showcase the acting prowess of two of this generation's finest performers. Bhansali's production team is currently focused on building an expansive and detailed set, which will serve as the backdrop for these cinematic clashes. Known for his meticulous planning, Bhansali has invested significant time in pre-production, carefully sketching and envisioning these grand-scale scenes, which are expected to be rich in powerful dialogue and emotional tension. So far, the team has already wrapped up approximately 100 days of shooting for Love and War, with another 90 days still to go before the project reaches completion. Bhansali is reportedly aiming to finish principal photography by the end of 2025. Although a majority of the remaining shoot will take place across various film studios in Mumbai, an important international schedule is also on the cards. Once October arrives, the crew plans to shift focus to outdoor filming in select European locations. To finalize the specifics, Bhansali recently undertook a location scouting trip to Rome, exploring potential spots for the film's overseas portions. With the scale of production growing steadily and anticipation building, Love and War is shaping up to be another visually stunning and emotionally gripping tale from Bhansali's cinematic universe. The movie will hit the big screens in March 2026.
Hindustan Times
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Kiara Advani approached for Meena Kumari biopic, may mark return to acting after pregnancy with film on 'Tragedy Queen'
Even as Kriti Sanon's name had been doing the rounds as one of the favourites to play the late actor Meena Kumari in her biopic, new developments indicate Kiara Advani may be close to signing on the dotted line. Sources close to the development say that the actor has been approached for the role and she has loved the script. Kiara Advani is in talks to play Meena Kumari on the big screen. Sources say that Kiara has been approached for the ambitious project and was given a narration some time back. The actor is said to have 'loved the narration' according to the sources. However, the actor has not yet signed on the dotted line giving her final nod to the project. The film's team feels that Kiara is the perfect choice for the role, given the blend of her appearance and acting skills. Meena Kumari, born Mahjabeen Bano, is regarded as one of the most successful female stars in Hindi cinema history, and also one of the most critically acclaimed. Called the Tragedy Queen, Meena Kumari had a penchant for playing tragic and dramatic roles in a career that spanned two decades. She worked in hits like Baiju Bawra, Parineeta, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, Kaajal, and Pakeezah. Before her death at the age of 38, she won four Filmfare Best Actress Awards. The rights to Meena Kumari's life story have been acquired by Sidharth P. Malhotra in collaboration with Saregama and the Amrohi family. The family of Kamal Amrohi, filmmaker and Meena Kumari's husband, are backing the official biopic, which has generated a lot of buzz for the project. Kiara's upcoming work If Kiara signs the film, this could mark her first project post-pregnancy. The actor announced that she was expecting her first child with husband Sidharth Malhotra in February this year. The couple has not shared a due date for their child's delivery, but it is likely to be in the winter this year. Kiara has two other big projects lined up. She will be first seen in YRF Spy Universe film War 2, which stars Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR. Following this, she will appear alongside Yash in Toxic.
