In the year 1972, Meena Kumari was shooting for the film Gomti Ke Kinare. This became his last project. The film’s director Sawan Kumar Tak faced financial problems during the production of this film. The shooting dragged on as Meena’s health continued to deteriorate. As a result, the project came to a halt.
Meena Kumari had realized that her end was near. Considering the situation, he took a very emotional and humane decision, which is still recorded as an example in the history of cinema.
When Meena handed over her house
Meena Kumari told Mumtaz that she wanted to give her Bandra bungalow to her. Mumtaz was counted among the most expensive actresses of Hindi cinema in those days. He was to get a fee of Rs 7.5 lakh for the film, out of which about Rs 5 lakh was left. In such a situation, Meena asked Mumtaz, “Would you mind if I give you my bungalow in place of the remaining amount?”
At first Mumtaz found this proposal strange and uncomfortable. She knew that this bungalow was Meena Kumari’s dream — an emotional part of her life. But Meena politely and firmly said that she was no longer a guest, and this house should remain with someone close to her.
truth of rumors
Later many rumors were spread regarding this deal. It was said that Meena Kumari had gone bankrupt and was forced to sell the house. But the reality was different. Meena had given this house to Mumtaz not under any compulsion, but as a conscious decision.
He had no family member to whom he could hand over his inheritance. In such a situation, he gave the thing closest to his heart – his home – to a person who understood him and his struggles.
a favor without return
The film’s director Saavan Kumar himself had told that when there was a shortage of money due to the delay in the shooting, Meena arranged for Rs 1.5 lakh in a few days. Then they did not know that Meena had handed over her bungalow to Mumtaz to raise that amount.
She had clearly said – “I am not giving you charity, consider it as a loan, return it as soon as possible.” Such words testify to the self-respect and self-confidence of a great actress.
a fortunate inheritance
Mumtaz adopted the house and later admitted that the bungalow brought her good fortune. Her career touched new dimensions, but within the walls of that house, Meena Kumari’s spirit, her sacrifice and her dignity are still alive.
This story of Meena Kumari is not just about a bungalow, but about a feeling which is related to humanity and self-respect. While leaving, he proved that the real legacy is not land and property, but the spirit which makes its place forever in the hearts of others.