Behind the glitz and glamour of acting, Indian star Meena Kumari was also a sensitive poet

Following her death in 1972, a collection of poetry by the acclaimed Indian cinema actress titled “Tanha Chand” was published

Meena Kumari, one of the most acclaimed actresses of Indian cinema, was also a poet who wrote in Urdu under the pen name “Naaz”.

Remembered as the “Tragedy Queen” of Bollywood for portraying melancholic characters on screen, her poetry gives a glimpse into her personal world, which was shaped by solitude, love and sadness.

This lesser-known facet of her life was recently brought into focus by The Times of India, an Indian broadsheet, which highlighted her work as a poet.

Following her death in 1972, a collection of her poetry titled “Tanha Chand” was published.

The poems in that volume reflect a sensitive soul plagued by pain and her search for identity, TOI says.

For many admirers, the book opened a window into the inner life of Meena, far removed from the glamour and tragedy that defined her screen persona.

Much of her writing explores feelings of deep loneliness and the silence of unrequited love.

Her poems read like personal journal entries, and private confessions laid bare, TOI says.

At one point, her literary talent was also noticed by the Urdu poets and writers.

She was invited to poetry gatherings, and seasoned writers praised her ability to articulate emotional depth with clarity.

Actress Nargis, a close friend, once remarked that poetry was Meena’s way of exploring herself. Writing, she said, was not merely a craft for the actress but an act of self-exploration.

During periods of despair, Meena would often turn to poetry, filling notebook pages with rhythm and introspection.

“Poetry gave her hope to cope with the pain of loneliness,” Nargis said.

Meena’s artistic pursuits were not limited to acting and poetry. She was also a playback singer and costume designer.

Her film career began in 1946, when she starred in “Bachcho Ki Khel” as the lead actress at the age of 13.

Financial hardship forced her into relentless work, accepting one role after another.

In 1954, she became the first woman to win the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her performance in “Baiju Bawra”.

She won again the following year for “Parineeta”.

In 1963, she set a record by winning the Best Actress award across all categories for “Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam”.

Despite the acclaim, Meena’s personal life was marked by turmoil.

She had little contact with her parents from a young age.

Her 1952 marriage to renowned director Kamal Amrohi was fraught with tension.

A disagreement over her acting career soon led to estrangement, and she began living apart from both her husband and family shortly after the wedding.

Plagued by depression and a turbulent lifestyle, the actress later developed liver cirrhosis and died tragically young at the age of 39.