Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : The golden age of Hindi cinema was filled with epic romances, both on and off the screen. One of the most poignant and tragic of these behind-the-scenes stories involves two of the era's biggest stars, Meena Kumari, the "Tragedy Queen," and the dashing Dharmendra. This heartbreaking tale was brought to light by another screen legend, Nargis Dutt.
In a personal account written for an Urdu magazine, Nargis shared a deeply personal and revealing memory. She recalled visiting her friend Meena Kumari on a film set and being struck by how unusually happy and radiant she appeared. When Nargis asked about the source of her joy, Meena Kumari confided a powerful secret: she was deeply in love with her co-star, Dharmendra, a handsome and charismatic rising star at the time.
Nargis, ever the pragmatic friend, expressed her concern, gently reminding Meena Kumari that she was still a married woman. But Meena, swept up in emotion, insisted that love was beyond her control.
However, the story took a tragic turn. According to Nargis's account, as Dharmendra's career skyrocketed and he became one of Bollywood's most sought-after heroes, he allegedly began to distance himself from Meena Kumari.
For Meena Kumari, who was already grappling with a troubled marriage and personal demons, this perceived betrayal was a devastating blow. Nargis wrote that the heartbreak shattered her friend's spirit, plunging her deeper into the loneliness and despair that would tragically define the final years of her life.
This story, as told by one icon about another, offers a haunting glimpse into the real-life passions and heartaches that existed behind the glamour of the silver screen, forever cementing Meena Kumari's legacy as the ultimate “Tragedy Queen.”
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