Latest news with #Pakeezah
India.com
a day ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
'She had no...': Mumtaz reveals Meena Kumari sold her Mumbai bungalow due to...
Bollywood industry will forever be incomplete without its beautiful diva actresses. Whether it is Madhubala, Mumtaz, Rekha, or Zeenat Aman, Sridevi, all these actresses across generations have given superhit films and also changed the winds in the industry. One among these famous actresses was Meena Kumari. Meena was among the top actresses of her time. Every director wanted to cast her. The legendary actress did some of the iconic movies including Pakeezah, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, Baiju Bawra and more. Meena Kumari shared a very close relationship with actress Mumtaz. Recently, Mumtaz opened up about the rumour of Meena Kumari going bankrupt and that's why she sold her bungalow to her. In 1972, Meena Kumari was a part of producer Saawan Kumar Tak's new project Gomti Ke Kinare. However, during that time, the actress was battling with alcoholism and her health had taken a hit. Because of Meena's deteriorating health, the shoot of the film was extended, giving a financial dent to the producer. In order to help Saawan, Meena decided to sell her Bandra bungalow, and it was bought by none other than Mumtaz. However, as soon as the news went out, people started assuming that Meena Kumari went bankrupt. In an interview with Radio Nasha, Mumtaz shed light on the matter and said, 'There are a lot of misconceptions about this incident.' Explaining what happened, the veteran actress said, 'Saawan Kumar Tak was her good friend. While making the film, the project faced some financial issues. There was a shortage of funds.' Mumtaz was yet to get her remuneration for the film. Mumtaz said, 'During those days, I used to charge Rs 7.5 lakh per film. I was the highest-paid actress. They were yet to pay me about Rs 5 lakh. It was during this time, when an extremely sick Meena Kumari asked, 'Mumtaz, would you mind if I give you my bungalow instead of your due payment?' At first, I hesitated, because it was a home she had built for herself, but she kept saying that she wouldn't be around for much longer due to her illness. I eventually took it.' Mumtaz added, 'All the news which claims she went bankrupt and that is why she sold her bungalow are false. She just knew she doesn't have any family, so she thought she better give away that bungalow to me than leaving it abandoned. I guess that house was quite lucky for me. I did well in my career after moving in.'
India.com
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet actress who started her career with cabaret dance, rose to fame with one role, was Meena Kumari's..., quit actin after..., is now...
In the 80s, 90s and the following years, the Indian TV serials were being picked up by people in India. While many serials made it to the audience's TV screens, only a few of them turned out to be a huge hit, and among them was Ramayan. Released in 1987, the show featured Arun Govil essaying the role of Lord Ram. The story of the series stuck with the audience and despite being 38 years since its release, the serial is still discussed among people. It was one of those serials which gave name and fame to all its actors. Among them was Padma Khanna. If the name doesn't ring a bell, then do you remember who played Kaikeyi in Ramayan? If the face appears in front of your mind, then it was Padma Khanna for you. Do you know that even before appearing in Ramayan, Padma was a cabaret dancer? Yes, you read that right! When Padma Khanna was hardly 7, she started to learn dance from Pandit Birju Maharaj. She was a very beautiful dancer. Seeing her talent, Padmini and Vaijayantimala suggested her to find a career in films. In 1970, Padma got a chance to work in Dev Anand's film Johnny Mera Naam. In this film, she appeared in the role of a cabaret dancer. However, Padma Khanna was stereotyped in the industry and was only offered roles of the dancers. Do you know that Padma worked as Meena Kumari's double in Pakeezah? Padma got her real identity from Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan. Although Padma initially rejected the offer of this show because of the negative role, Ramanand later convinced her a lot and finally Padma agreed to become 'Kaikeyi', which she portrayed on screen with such beauty and vivaciousness that even today one cannot even imagine seeing anyone else in this role. Padma now runs her own Kathak dance academy called Indianica Dance Academy.
India.com
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Actress Meena Kumari bought 2.5-acre plot in Mumbai's Pali Hill in 1959; here's why the property is going viral
Director Kamal Amrohi, who has delivered back-to-back hits like Mahal, Pakeezah, Daaera, was married to Meena Kumari. They met during the filming of 1952's Tamasha. Veteran actor Ashok Kumar introduced them. They fell in love and married in the same year. Their love story has been discussed several times in the past, and it has now again come into the news for a reason. When they were alive, Meena Kumari and Kamal Amrohi purchased a land measuring over 11,000 square yards at Pali Hill in Bandra. It was priced around Rs 5 lac at that time. The land was leased to the Cozihome Co-operative Housing Society Limited in 1966, who built five buildings at a rent of Rs 8,835 per month. 162 families In 1990, Amrohi terminated the lease agreement, claiming that the society had failed to pay the agreed rent and had defaulted in payments. The society said they paid less rent because some of the land did not belong to the owner. In 1991, Kamal Amrohi filed a suit to vacate the land as the rent was outstanding. The outstanding rent was Rs 66,060. Amrohi died two years after filing the case, but his children continued the legal battle. On April 23, 2025, the Small Cause Court of Bandra gave its verdict in favour of Kamal Amrohi's son, builder Tajdar Amrohi and Arham Land Developers. Tajdar said that they won the case. The society, with 162 families, has been asked to vacate the place within six months after a 33-year-long legal battle.
Pink Villa
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
5 Bollywood films that faced delays before finally hitting screens: Shah Rukh Khan's Raees to Akshay Kumar's Mere Jeevan Saathi
Several Bollywood films saw many delays before finally reaching audiences, battling challenges like financial crises, box office clashes, and legal disputes. Despite these hurdles, they eventually made their way to the big screen, sometimes years later. Today, let's dive into some notable movies that endured long waits before their release like Shah Rukh Khan's Raees and Akshay Kumar's Mere Jeevan Saathi, proving that good things truly come to those who wait. 1. Raees (2017) Delay Duration: 1 year The 2017 film Raees, starring Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role, showed the superstar's brooding intensity and his performance is still remembered till date. The crime drama faced a delay to avoid box office clash. Set to release in Eid 2016, it was pushed to Republic Day 2017 release to avoid clash with Salman Khan's Sultan. The film was further rescheduled to January 25, 2017, to avoid another box-office clash with Kaabil. Directed by Rahul Dholakia and produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and Excel Entertainment, it also stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui in an important role. Raees was a significant commercial and critical success. 2. Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam (2002) Delay Duration: 6 years Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam stars Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit and Salman Khan in lead roles. The film shows a complex love triangle as it revolves around themes of insecurity and emotional turmoil. SRK's character gets jealous and finds it difficult to deal with his wife's close bond with her childhood friend. The film was delayed for six years. Producer K.C. Bokadia was dealing with the financial crisis in the 1990s despite giving big hits like Aaj Ka Arjun and Phool Baney Angaaray leading to the delay in Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam. Though star-studded, it was a moderate success. The film became an average grosser earning Rs 34.76 crore worldwide and was made on a budget of Rs 12 crore. 3. Ugly (2014) Delay Duration: 2 years Directed by Anurag Kashyap, the 2014 film Ugly is a neo-noir psychological thriller that revolves around the kidnapping of a young girl. The film showcases human greed, egos, and the perfect presentation of emotions. The film faced a delay in release due to a legal battle with CBFC over anti-smoking disclaimer. Anurag filed a case against the rule of mandatory anti-smoking disclaimer and lost the case. This caused the delay in the release of the film. Ugly became a critical success, but unlike other Anurag's films it wasn't a massive box office hit. 4. Pakeezah (1972) Delay Duration: 16 years Pakeezah is directed by Kamal Amrohi and features Meena Kumari, Ashok Kumar, Kamal Kapoor, and Veena. Set in early 20th-century Lucknow, the story follows a courtesan and dancer who clings to the belief that her purity, both of heart and body, will lead her to find true love and honor. However, the film faced many obstacles. The personal fallout between director Kamal Amrohi and lead actress Meena Kumari in 1964 caused delays, and Kumari's struggle with alcoholism often hampered shooting. Tragically, she passed away just weeks after the film's release. Released in 1972, Pakeezah emerged as a landmark hit, becoming one of the most commercially successful films of its time. 5. Mere Jeevan Saathi (2006) Delay Duration: 2 years Starring Akshay Kumar, Karisma Kapoor, and Ameesha Patel in lead roles, Mere Jeevan Saathi revolves around Vicky, madly in love with Anjali. However, things take a turn when his ex-college friend Natasha enters their life and aspires to make him a global singer at all costs. The film faced delays due to several reasons like timing of cricket matches, production's financial crisis and more. There were also reports that a 'cat fight' between Kareena and Ameesha was also one of the reasons behind its delay. Mere Jeevan Saathi did not become an average grosser upon its release. Why do films get delayed? Films get delayed due to a mix of several reasons such as creative, logistical, and external challenges. Issues such as creative disagreements between cast and crew, script rewrites, reshoots, stalling progress, scheduling conflicts, financial crisis, filming halted natural disasters, pandemics, post-production hurdles, and more push release date ahead. Sometimes even to avoid box office clashes or to release it on certain festivals, studios also delay films' releases. The above-mentioned Bollywood films prove a perfect example of being patient and never losing hope. Despite several delays, the cast and crew remained committed to bringing the film to the audiences, and their wish ultimately got fulfilled. It shows passion, patience, and persistence ultimately pays off when the time comes.
India.com
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
'Maut MubarakHo': This superstar's letter exposed the wounds of Meena Kumari's life, accused her husband Kamal Amrohi of...
Meena Kumari was one of the legendary actresses Indian cinema has ever given. Known as the tragedy queen, Meena Kumari was not just an actress but an emotion to her fans. From Baiju Bawara to Dil Ek Mandir, Meena Kumari has given Indian cinema those hit films which are till date recalled by people with all the love. However, it was not just her personal life, but professional too that made noise among the fans. From enduring endless torture from husband Kamal Amrohi, who was a screenwriter, to heartbreak from Dharmendra, she gave everything to those she loved. However, never got the same love in return. Meena Kumari did 92 movies in 33 years. However, her successful career was overshadowed by the actress' personal life and it was March 31, 1972, when she passed away at the young age of 38. One of Meena's closest friends was Nargis. When Meena passed away, and her last rites were being performed, Nargis softly bubbled and said, 'Maut Mubarak Ho (Congratulations on your death).' Nargis in her column had written, ''Congratulations on your death' I have never said this earlier. Meena, today your baaji (elder sister) congratulates you on your death and asks you to never step into this world again. This place is not meant for people like you.' Going further in her column, the actress had recalled the incident which changed Meena and her relationship from industry colleagues to good friends. She had revealed, 'During the shooting of Main Chup Rahungi, my husband (Sunil Dutt) invited me on sets with the kids. There Meena and I became great friends. When I went for dinner with Dutt saab, Meena voluntarily took care of Sanjay and Namrata, changing their clothes to making their milk.' Nargis was angry when she saw violence against Meena Kumari Talking about Meena Kumari's health, Nargis said, 'One night I saw her panting in the garden, I told her, why don't you rest, you look very tired. She said, 'Baaji, resting is not in my destiny. I will just rest once.' That night there were sounds of fighting coming from her room. The next day I saw that her eyes were swollen. I caught hold of Kamal Amrohi's secretary Baqar and told him in plain words, 'Why do you people want to kill Meena? She has done a lot of work for you, how long will she feed you?' He said, when the right time comes, we will give her rest.' Nargis revealed that though after the incident Meena divorced Kamal, it left a deep mark on her mind. As a result, Meena Kumari dipped deeply into the addiction to alcohol which had resulted in her getting admitted to the hospital. Meena's health became so fragile that doctors advised her not to drink alcohol, else she would lose her life. Despite the actor leaving alcohol, her condition never improved. After the release of her last film Pakeezah, Meena was hospitalised at St. Elizabeth's Nursing Home and had died two days after being in a coma.
