"A love that went beyond the grave."
On September 11, 2024, Siddharth P Malhotra announced his next directorial – Kamal Aur Meena.
The film will chronicle the saga of the loved yesteryear actress Meena Kumari and her husband, the filmmaker Kamal Amrohi.
Announcing the project on Instagram, Siddharth wrote: “Kamal Aur Meena – a cinematic experience that promises to capture one of the most iconic love stories in the history of Hindi cinema.
“Kamal Aur Meena will bring to life the epic, real-life romance between the legendary director and screenwriter Kamal Amrohi and the celebrated actress Meena Kumari.
“With access to over 500 handwritten letters exchanged between Kamal Sahab and Meena Ji as well as personal journals detailing their life together, the insights and research we have in telling this story are invaluable.
“It’s a profound privilege to direct this incredible true story, though the responsibility is immense.
“Their relationship was one of deep love and artistic collaboration, spanning over 20 years.
“From their first meeting when she was just 18 and he was 34 to the creation, shoot, release, and the legacy of Pakeezah.
“I’m glad to be allowed to get a stellar team of Bhavani Iyer and Kausar Muir along with Irshad Kamil and the maestro himself – AR Rahman – to compose and score the music of the film.
“Many thanks to Sid Kumar who introduced me to my brother for life, Bilam Rohi.
“I shall always remain indebted to them and the family Tajdar and Rukhsaar and all whom I’ve had the pleasure to meet and interact with.
“We as a team will do more than our best to deliver a memorable cinematic experience. The next announcement with the final cast will be soon.”
Siddharth also posted a video clip which showed a teaser of Kamal Aur Meena.
The clip opened with letters written in Arabic. In a voiceover, Kumari called Amrohi her “prince”.
Against a beautiful score, the teaser then depicted: “A filmmaker, a muse…their star-crossed love story.
“A dream that refused to die. A love that went beyond the grave.”
Lata Mangeshkar’s chartbuster from Pakeezah, ‘Chalte Chalte‘ was then heard.
Although the cast for the film has not been announced, fans were quick to make their suggestions.
One user wrote: “Cast Shraddha Kapoor as Meena.”
Another said: “Cast Shraddha Kapoor, please. She is perfect for this role.”
A third fan commented: “Cast Hrithik Roshan and Shraddha Kapoor, please.”
Meanwhile, netizens congratulated Siddharth P Malhotra for the project.
One person said: “Your ability to weave historical context into compelling narratives immerses us fully, making us believe we are living in another era.
“I am sure It’s going to be a true cinematic time machine.”
Another user wrote: “Epic written all over!”
Meena Kumari was one of Indian cinema’s legendary actors. She began her career in 1939.
She married Kamal Amrohi in 1952 and they separated in 1964.
Amrohi directed Kumari in Paakeezah which was released in March 1972, just weeks before Kumari’s death.
Kamal Aur Meena is scheduled to be released in 2026.
Watch the full announcement:
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