Bollywood has seen a number of turbulent productions but few compare to Pakeezah a film that stretched across 14 years survived a marriage and a breakup and became a posthumous triumph for its legendary heroine. Yes you read it right! Wondering who are we talking about? She is Meena Kumari. Kamal Amrohis directorial starring his then-wife Meena Kumari the film began production in 1958. Originally shot in black-and-white the film’s progress was derailed by changing technology personal heartbreak and health crises. Why did Pakeezah’s production stall? The transition from black-and-white to colour was just the beginning. By 1964 Kamal Amrohi and Meena Kumari’s marriage ended in divorce bringing filming to a screeching halt. For four years the project lay dormant. In 1968 Amrohi revived the film. Meena Kumari by then struggling with alcoholism and severe illness nonetheless made a brave return to complete the film determined to honour the vision she had once believed in. When was the film finally completed? The shooting of the film was wrapped in 1971 and post-production followed swiftly. The film according to several media reports Pakeezah finally saw the light of day in 1972 a full 14 years after its inception. However just two months after its release Meena Kumari passed away a tragic twist that changed the film’s fate. Heres how Meena Kumari’s death impacted the film According to the reports initially Pakeezah saw lukewarm reception. But after Meena Kumari’s death audiences rushed to witness her swansong. The film’s poetic dialogues haunting melodies and Meena’s ethereal presence resonated like never before. The emotional weight of her passing coupled with the film’s lyrical beauty elevated it from an average release to a cultural phenomenon. Reportedly with a production cost of Rs 1.25 crore massive for its time Pakeezah went on to earn Rs 6 crore at the box office becoming one of the highest-grossing films of its era. More importantly it earned the rare title of a cult classic remembered for its music art direction and the sheer resilience behind its making. Today Pakeezah stands as more than just a film it’s a testament to cinematic obsession personal sacrifice and the undying aura of Meena Kumari the Tragedy Queen of Hindi cinema.