Meena Shorey facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Meena Shorey
Shorey in Actress (1948)
Born	Khurshid Jehan 13 November 1921 Raiwind, Punjab, British India
Died	3 September 1989(1989-09-03) (aged 67) Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Resting place	Lahore
Other names	The Droll Queen of Partition Lux Lady of Pakistan The Lara Lappa Girl The Comedienne of Calibre
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1941 - 1983
Spouse(s)	Zahur Raja ​ ​ (m. 1941; div. 1942)​ Al Nasir Roop K. Shorey Raza Mir ​ ​ (m. 1946; div. 1947)​ Asad Bokhari
Children	3
Awards	Special Nigar Award for 30 years of excellence in Pakistani film industry in 1982

Meena Shorey (born Khurshid Jehan, 13 November 1921 – 3 September 1989) was a famous film actress. She worked in both Indian cinema and later Pakistani cinema. Meena acted in films in Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi. She became very well-known by her single name, Meena.

She started her acting journey in 1941 in the film Sikandar. Meena became famous in the mid-1940s with her husband's film Ek Thi Larki (1949). In this film, she starred opposite actor Motilal. The movie's music was a huge hit, and Meena became a symbol for young, modern women. She was even called the "Lara Lappa Girl" after a popular song from the film. Meena was also one of the first actresses in Indian cinema to be recognized as a skilled comedian. People also knew her as The Droll Queen of Partition because she worked in both India and Pakistan.

In 1956, Meena moved to Lahore, Pakistan, with her husband. They were invited by a Pakistani producer to make a film there. After making the film Miss 56, Meena decided to stay in Pakistan. She continued her acting career there. Some of her popular films in India included Chaman (1948), Actress (1948), Ek Thi Ladki (1949), Dholak (1951), and Ek Do Teen (1953).

Early Life and First Steps in Acting

Meena was born Khurshid Jehan on 17 November 1921, in Raiwind, Punjab, which was then part of British India. She was the second of four children. Her family faced financial difficulties.

An unexpected event changed her life. Film director Sohrab Modi saw Meena at the launch of his film Sikandar (1941). She was there with her brother-in-law. Modi offered her a small role in the film and gave her the name, Meena.

Acting Career Highlights

In India

An advertisement for Ek Thi Ladki in Filmindia magazine, August 1949

Meena's first film was Sikandar in 1941. She played a small role as the sister of the King of Taxila. This historical film was about Alexander's invasion of India. The movie was a big success across India and helped launch her career. After this, she acted in three more films for Sohrab Modi's company: Phir Milenge (1942), Prithvi Vallabh (1943), and Pattharon Ka Saudagar.

In 1948, Meena starred in Chaman, a Punjabi film directed by Roop K. Shorey. This was the first Punjabi film made in India after the Partition of India. The film was a major hit, and its music was very popular. One of the famous songs was "Chan Kithan Guzari Aai Raat Way".

In 1949, she starred in Ek Thi Larki, also directed by Roop K. Shorey. The song "Lara Lappa Lara Lappa Laayi Rakhdi" became the most famous part of the film. This song set a new trend and remained popular for many years. Even though Lata Mangeshkar sang the song, Meena, who lip-synced it in the film, became known as the "Lara-Lappa Girl." Ek Thi Larki was a huge success and made Roop K. Shorey a top comedy film director.

Meena tried to repeat the success of Ek Thi Ladki with the film Ek Do Teen in 1953. She again starred with Motilal, and the film used a similar "Lara Lappa" theme. However, it did not become as popular as her earlier hit. Her last two films released in India were Shrimati 420 and Chandu (1958).

In Pakistan

In 1956, Meena Shorey and her husband were invited to Pakistan by film producer J.C. Anand. They made the film Miss 1956. Meena was very well-liked in Lahore, and she decided to stay in Pakistan when her husband returned to India. She became the first Pakistani actress to model for Lux soap, earning her the nickname "Lux Lady of Pakistan."

Her most famous film in Pakistan was Sarfarosh (1956). She played a special character role in this film, which featured two very popular songs centered around her. The film was a super hit at the box office.

Meena continued to act in many Pakistani films. Some of her other notable films included Bara Aadmi (1957), Sitaron ki Duniya (1958), Jagga (1958), Behrupiya (1960), Mausiqar (1962), Andhi Mohabbat (1964), and Khamosh Raho (1964).

Personal Life

Meena Shorey had three children, two sons and an adopted daughter. Her most well-known marriage was to Roop K. Shorey, which lasted for about 7-8 years. She became famous using his last name, Shorey. They separated when Meena decided to stay in Pakistan after a film project there.

Later Life and Death

Towards the end of her life, Meena faced financial difficulties in Pakistan. She lived with her nephew, and a singer named Malika Pukhraj helped her financially. Meena Shorey passed away on 3 September 1989, in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. Her funeral arrangements were made with the help of charity money.

Filmography (Selected)

Meena Shorey acted in many films throughout her career, both in India and Pakistan.

Television

Awards and Recognition