Meena Kumari 91st Birth Anniversary: Did you know ‘Tragedy Queen’ used to hide her left hand in front of cameras? Here’s why

Meena Kumari 91st Birth Anniversary: Did you know ‘Tragedy Queen’ used to hide her left hand in front of cameras? Here's why

As I delve deeper into the captivating world of Bollywood, my admiration for the enigmatic Meena Kumari continues to grow. Her elegance and grace were not just confined to the silver screen but extended to her life off it as well, making her a true icon in every sense.


Meena Kumari was a Bollywood actress who embodied elegance and poise, leaving an indelible impact on the Indian film industry. Her star power was undeniable, making her a timeless icon in the world of cinema. Even though she had a relatively brief acting career, she remains a role model for contemporary actresses. Some of her unforgettable performances in films like Pakeezah, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, Baiju Bawra, and others are still considered iconic cult classics today.

In observance of what would have been Meena Kumari’s 91st birthday, we’re revealing the secret behind why this iconic actress often concealed her left hand.

Beyond the professional accomplishments of Meena Kumari, there are many personal aspects of her life that spark curiosity among fans. One intriguing detail that garnered significant attention was the actress’s habit of concealing her left hand. On numerous occasions, she would intentionally hide it from view, leaving everyone guessing about the reason behind this peculiar behavior.

As reported by DNA India, Tajdar Amrohi, Kumari’s stepson, disclosed that on May 21, 1951, while traveling from Mahabaleshwar to Mumbai, Kumari was involved in a severe car accident. This unfortunate incident caused her to spend numerous days in the hospital. The accident resulted in an injury to her hand and a fracture of her little finger.

Following the event, the finger underwent a transformation, adopting a more rounded appearance. As Tajdar explains, this change in shape was likely the reason Meena Kumari chose to conceal her hand from the camera during her subsequent film roles, as a means to camouflage the irregular form of her crooked finger.

For those who may not know, actress Meena Kumari got married to Indian film director and writer Kamal Amrohi in 1952 during a nikaah ceremony. Interestingly, Amrohi was previously wedded to Mehmoodie, and together they had three children, one of whom is Tajdar Amrohi.

Meena Kumari, originally named Mahjabeen Bano, earned the moniker ‘The Tragedy Queen’ and is recognized as one of the most exceptional and distinguished actresses in the annals of Indian cinema. Over a career that lasted nearly three decades, she appeared in over ninety films.

At only four years old, she started her acting career with roles in films such as “Leather Face” from 1939, “Adhuri Kahani,” “Pooja,” and “Ek Hi Bhool,” all released in the same year, as well as many other movies.

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2024-08-01 12:07