Meena Kumari Secret Wedding: Valentine’s Day 1952, Meena Kumari & Kamal Amrohi’s Secret Wedding

By Shanti Swaroop Tripathi

Meena Kumari Secret Wedding: In recent years, Valentine’s Day has sparked much controversy in India. It has often been criticized as a western influence. However, many may not know that on February 14, 1952, 73 years ago, legendary film director Kamal Amrohi and renowned actress Meena Kumari secretly tied the knot. At that time, Meena Kumari was 19 years younger than Kamal Amrohi. This love story, however, would eventually turn into a nightmare for Meena Kumari. They say that marrying for love and then making that love the cause of one's suffering is only possible for someone who is blinded by their own desires. The story of Kamal and Meena is a perfect example of what a toxic marriage can be, and reading about their relationship serves as a cautionary tale for many.

Kamal Amrohi, who had already been married twice and had three children, was looking for a third wife who would stay at home and live under his shadow. But it was well known that Meena Kumari, with her fame and career in the film industry, could never fit that mold. Still, Kamal pursued her, initially acting like a lovesick admirer and then trying to control her life once they married.

Meena Kumari & Kamal Amrohi: A Love Beyond Time

Kamal Amrohi first met Meena Kumari when she was just five years old. Back then, Kamal was searching for a child artist for his film. The two didn’t connect at that time. However, 14 years later, they met again on the sets of the film Tamasha, which was arranged by actor Ashok Kumar. Despite the 19-year age difference and the fact that Kamal was already married with children, he fell for Meena at first sight, although she initially saw him only as a director.

During the filming of Anarkali, when Meena Kumari was involved in a serious accident and was hospitalized, Kamal took it upon himself to care for her. During this time, they began exchanging letters, and their relationship began to grow. (Meena Kumari Secret Wedding)

Meena Kumari’s Secret Marriage to Kamal Amrohi

Meena Kumari’s father was very strict, and he didn’t allow her to go anywhere alone. After Meena’s accident, she had to go to the hospital for physiotherapy, and every day, her father would drop her off and pick her up at set times. Meena knew that her father wouldn’t approve of her marrying Kamal, so they decided to marry in secret.

On February 14, 1952, Kamal Amrohi took Meena and her sister, Madhumati, to a mosque while her father was away. There, they secretly wed in a small ceremony, completing the process in just two hours, from 8 AM to 10 AM. After the marriage, they returned to the hospital before her father could arrive.

However, Meena Kumari was too afraid to reveal the truth to her father. She continued living with him, hiding her marriage. But as expected, her father eventually found out. He pressured her to get a divorce, but Meena and Kamal refused. Eventually, Meena was forced to leave her father’s house and move in with Kamal. (Meena Kumari Secret Wedding)

Meena Kumari’s Marriage: Love, Control & Heartbreak

After their marriage, Kamal’s true nature began to show. Kamal became possessive and controlling, much like Meena’s father. He insisted that Meena quit acting in films, and he imposed strict conditions for her to continue working, including curfews and controlling her transportation. He even had a spy, his assistant Bakar Ali, keeping an eye on her. Meena Kumari was often seen crying on the set of Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, exhausted by the oppressive conditions. (Meena Kumari Secret Wedding)

Kamal’s arrogance also became apparent when he publicly corrected a dignitary at a function. When veteran director Sohrab Modi introduced Kamal and Meena to Mumbai’s governor as “Meena Kumari and her husband Kamal Amrohi,” Kamal immediately interrupted, saying, “No, I am Kamal Amrohi, and this is my wife Meena." His behavior embarrassed Meena and humiliated her in front of others.

Meena Kumari’s Pain: Love, Control & Lost Freedom

Kamal also controlled Meena's finances. One of their first major arguments was over just two rupees. Meena wanted to increase her maid’s salary by two rupees, but Kamal refused, arguing that she didn’t need a massage. The situation escalated, and he eventually dismissed the maid.

One memorable incident occurred during a Filmfare awards ceremony in 1955 when Meena won Best Actress for Parineeta. When she went up to receive her award, she left her purse behind. Later, actress Nimmi returned the purse to Meena. When she asked Kamal if he had seen the purse, Kamal replied, "Yes, I saw it, but I didn’t pick it up. Today, I would pick up your purse, tomorrow your slippers.” (Meena Kumari Secret Wedding)

Meena Kumari’s Painful Divorce & Halala Ordeal

Kamal’s control over Meena’s life continued to escalate. One day, in a fit of rage, he gave her “three talaqs” (a form of Islamic divorce). However, he regretted it later and sought reconciliation. To remarry her, Meena was forced to undergo "halala"—a traditional practice in which a woman must marry and consummate with another man before she can remarry her first husband. Meena Kumari had to marry Zinnat Aman’s father, Aman Ullah Khan, to fulfill this requirement. This experience was a deep emotional wound for Meena, and she referred to it as one of the lowest points of her life, even comparing herself to a prostitute.

Meena Kumari & Kamal Amrohi: Love, Betrayal & Pakeezah

Their relationship grew even more toxic, and Meena Kumari’s life became unbearable. One day, Kamal’s assistant, Bakar Ali, slapped Meena for allowing filmmaker Gulzar into her makeup room. When Meena complained to Kamal, he refused to intervene. This was the final straw for Meena, and she left Kamal’s home. They eventually divorced in 1964.

After the divorce, Meena Kumari fell into a spiral of alcoholism. Her health deteriorated, and she was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver in 1968. Despite treatment in London and Switzerland, she never fully recovered and was told she didn’t have much time to live. Kamal Amrohi, however, remained determined to finish Pakeezah, a film that had been left incomplete due to their separation. (Meena Kumari Secret Wedding)

In 1969, Kamal wrote a letter to Meena, begging her to return to the set and complete the film. In her weakened condition, Meena agreed to return, and her first day back on set was emotional. Kamal welcomed her with a bouquet of flowers.

Finally, Pakeezah was released on February 4, 1972, and became a massive hit. Sadly, Meena Kumari passed away on March 31, 1972. Kamal Amrohi, who had stayed by her side during her final days, ensured that he was buried beside her when he passed away on February 11, 1993, at the age of 75. His final wish was to be laid to rest next to Meena Kumari in the Rahmatabad cemetery.

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