Meena Kumari

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Records

Meena Kumari stands as a titan of Indian cinema, holding the record for the most Filmfare Best Actress awards won by an actress in the 1950s and 1960s. She was the first woman to win the National Film Award for Best Actress twice. Her induction into various "Greatest Actresses" lists globally and within India cements her status as a cultural icon. The Padma Shri award she received in 1967 highlights her national importance. Her legacy is not just in numbers but in the way she transformed the archetype of the tragic heroine into a character of agency and intellect.

AwardsMeena Kumari won three Filmfare Awards for Best Actress and two National Film Awards for Best Actress. Her accolades reflect her unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema. She was awarded the Padma Shri in 1967 for her contributions to the arts. Her wins span from her breakthrough in 1952 to her final recognition in the 1960s, establishing her as one of the most decorated actresses of her time.

Honours & Distinctions

Padma Shri

Government of India·1967

Fourth-highest civilian award for contributions to the arts.

Hall of Fame Induction

Various Indian Cinema Bodies·1980

Inducted into the Hall of Fame for outstanding contribution to cinema.

Rankings & Lists

25 Greatest Asian Actors

Time Magazine·2005

Greatest Indian Actresses

India Today·2010

Magazine Covers

Filmfare

1955-06-01

Meena Kumari Cover

Cinema News

1962-09-01

Tragedy Queen Cover

Records & Feats

First Woman to Win Two National Film Awards

Awards·1964

Won Best Actress for Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam and another film.

Highest Paid Actress in India

Career Milestone·1955

Became the highest paid actress in India during the 1950s and 60s.