Mumbai, 23rd July 2023: After considerable conjecture, renowned designer Manish Malhotra has revealed that he will direct a biopic about legendary Bollywood actress Meena Kumari. In a recent interview, Manish revealed for the first time that he was working on a Meena Kumari biography. He also disclosed that the script for the film is being written.
When asked about speculations of him directing Meena Kumari’s biopic in an interview with Film Companion, Manish stated, “I don’t know how it got out but it is happening. We are still working on the script. The script is key, always. I have been reading her books. The film is based on her books. I have always been fascinated by Meena Kumari.”
Manish also revealed a touching story about how veteran actor Rekha inspired him to pursue this production.
He stated, “Rekha told me once that you know when you turn 40, you will understand the genius of Meena Kumari. And that is true. But I was young and I was busy working but when I turned 40 I not only understood the genius of Meena Kumari but even Nargis ji and Dilip Kumar and Guru Dutt. I started watching that cinema and understanding it so much better. I think Meena Kumari is phenomenal with her expressions, the way she uses her eyes and her adaa.”
There have previously been rumours about Manish directing the Meena Kumari biopic before his confirmation. Tajdar Amrohi, Meena Kumari’s stepson and the son of famed filmmaker Kamal Amrohi, reportedly expressed his displeasure and threatened legal action against Manish Malhotra and Kriti Sanon, who are being considered for the role of Meena Kumari on the big screen.
Meena Kumari, regarded as the “Tragedy Queen” of Hindi cinema, died three weeks after the release of her acclaimed film Pakeezah. In March 1972, she was admitted to St Elizabeth’s Nursing Home, but her condition quickly deteriorated. She died on March 31, 1972, when she was 38 years old.
