Kamal Amrohi’s name evokes grandeur, heartbreak, and unmatched artistry. With just four directorial ventures, he etched his place in Bollywood history. Born in 1918 in Amroha to wealth, his literary bent led to films via Minerva Movietone, scripting Modi’s epics and impressing Saigal.
‘Mahal’ (1949) was lightning in a bottle: supernatural romance with Madhubala, Ashok Kumar, and the evergreen ‘Aayega Aanewala’.
Personal muse Meena Kumari starred in ‘Daéra’ (1953), their real-life bond infusing authenticity. ‘Pakeezah’ (1972) was destiny’s cruel gift. Started in 1958 post-marriage, it spanned 14 tumultuous years—fights, illness, perseverance. Amrohi helmed every creative aspect, crafting Meena’s Sahibjaan as a symphony of grace and sorrow. Ghazals like ‘Inhi Logon Ne’ and ‘Chalte Chalte’ transcend time, their lyrics from his pen.
Final bow ‘Razia Sultan’ (1983) with Hema Malini dazzled with history and spectacle, though profits eluded it. Amrohi eyed more, but fate intervened.
Marital tapestry: Bilqis, Mahmoodi with kids Shandar, Tajdar, Rukhsar, and tempestuous Meena tie. Parted in life, united in Rahmatabad graves after his 1993 exit.
His studios symbolized ambition; his style, regal stubbornness. Amrohi taught cinema that fewer, finer strokes paint eternal pictures. His films, alive with poetic depth, remind us of a bygone mastery.