When Meena Kumari's step-son Tajdar scolded her for her alcohol addiction, said, "people would give her cheap liquor, we had fights but..."

Tajdar Amrohi and Meena Kumari

Meena Kumari, known as the “tragedy queen” of Indian cinema, lived a life that was as dramatic and poignant as the roles she portrayed. Behind her luminous on-screen persona lay a life riddled with challenges, including a tumultuous relationship with alcohol. In recent discussions surrounding her life and legacy, her step-son Tajdar Amrohi has shed light on their complex bond, highlighting moments of love, frustration, and his efforts to help her combat her addiction.

Tajdar Amrohi recalls days when Meena Kumari would stay with ex-husband Kamaal Amrohi

Tajdar, the son of Kamaal Amrohi and his second wife, shared that his relationship with Meena Kumari was deeply personal. He affectionately referred to her as “Chhoti Ammi,” reflecting a bond that was as much about love as it was about concern. Tajdar revealed that Meena Kumari’s struggles with alcohol began after she left her marital home with Kamaal Amrohi and moved to her Carter Road residence. “When she used to stay with us, we never knew that she used to consume alcohol. We only came to know of it once she moved out,” he said.

Tajdar was in touch with Meena Kumari after she got separated

Despite her departure, Tajdar remained in touch with her, frequently visiting her and expressing his concern about her drinking habits. Reflecting on their dynamic, Tajdar admitted, “I used to visit her sometimes and, many times, I had even scolded and reprimanded her for her alcoholism.” These confrontations often escalated into heated arguments. Tajdar recounted one such instance when he, in a fit of rage, threatened her. “I told her that I’ll break her arm if she drinks again. But to that, she retorted, asking me to go ahead and do it,” he revealed. This confrontation eventually led to a moment of reconciliation, where Tajdar asked Meena Kumari to promise him that she would stop drinking. “We regularly had these fights, but they were purely out of our love for each other,” he added.

"There were people who got Meena Kumari cheap liquor"

Tajdar’s anecdotes also revealed the protective side of his personality. He spoke about how certain individuals would offer Meena Kumari cheap liquor, exploiting her vulnerability. “There were people who got Meena Kumari cheap liquor, and that used to upset me very much. Chhoti Ammi was very innocent,” he shared. His anger stemmed from a desire to shield her from those who sought to take advantage of her fame and fragility.

When Meena Kumari slipped in bathroom

In another poignant episode, Tajdar recalled an incident where Meena Kumari injured herself. She had slipped in the bathroom, hurting her head so severely that she required three stitches. When she resumed work with the visible wound, rumors began to circulate that Kamaal Amrohi had assaulted her. Tajdar clarified that these rumors were baseless, emphasizing the deep respect and love that his father had for Meena Kumari. “Abbu never consumed liquor and never raised a hand on her,” he stated firmly.

Throughout their relationship, Tajdar’s attempts to intervene in Meena Kumari’s struggles with addiction were met with varying degrees of resistance. Yet, he always approached her with love and concern. Despite the challenges, their bond remained intact, a testament to the strength of their familial connection.

Tajdar about his father Kamaal Amrohi

Tajdar also addressed the ongoing plans for a biopic on Meena Kumari’s life. He expressed reservations about the portrayal of his father, fearing that the narrative might unjustly cast Kamaal Amrohi in a negative light. “My father never spoke ill of Meena Kumari, and the duo had immense love and respect for each other,” he remarked, underscoring his commitment to preserving their legacy.

Meena Kumari’s life, much like her films, was a blend of beauty and tragedy. Her relationship with Tajdar Amrohi adds a layer of complexity to her story, showcasing the enduring ties of family even amidst personal struggles. Tajdar’s efforts to protect and support her, though fraught with challenges, speak to a love that transcended the hardships they faced.

As discussions about Meena Kumari’s life continue to captivate audiences, it is stories like these that remind us of the human side of legends. Beyond the silver screen, she was a woman who battled her demons, loved deeply, and left an indelible mark on those who knew her.