Kamal Aur Meena: Kiara Advani beats Kriti Sanon to bag the role of Meena Kumari

Kiara Advani is cast as Meena Kumari in the biopic Kamal Aur Meena exploring her rocky marriage with director Kamal Amrohi. Advani must learn Urdu for the intensive role.

Kiara Advani; Kriti Sanon/Instagram

Kiara Advani's casting as the iconic Meena Kumari in the forthcoming biopic Kamal Aur Meena has finally been announced, after months of speculation that had pitted her against Kriti Sanon. The 'Tragedy Queen' and her director husband, Kamal Amrohi, had a rocky marriage, which will be explored in the film by Siddharth P. Malhotra and Bilal Amrohi.

Focus on the Pakeezah director and star's relationship

According to a report in Mid Day, the casting process has finally concluded, and Advani has secured the coveted role. The film is set to document the iconic actor's intimate and frequently difficult life, with a strong emphasis on her connection to the director of Pakeezah (1972).

A source close to the production revealed the reasons behind the final selection. They said that the negotiations had been going on for months. The filmmaker has discovered an actor with the charisma and heart of classic Bollywood in Advani, and she can finally bring Meena Kumari's story to life onscreen.

ALSO READ: Kiara Advani to portray 'Tragedy Queen' Meena Kumari in upcoming biopic?

Milestone role in Kiara Advani's career

The release of Kamal Aur Meena will mark a watershed moment in Advani's career. This role marks Advani's first portrayal of a real-life character and is also her first film production after becoming a mother in July.

In the first half of 2026, production is set to commence on the massive project. The lead actor will have plenty of time to prepare for her role, according to this schedule. Another source shared that it gives Advani enough time to prepare, as she will have to pick up the basics of Urdu, in reference to the intensive preparation needed for the role. To portray the legendary actor from the heyday of Hindi cinema faithfully, fluency in the language is essential.

Exploring the complicated marriage to Kamal Amrohi

In particular, the film seeks to provide an up-close look at the complicated and frequently dramatic arcs of Meena Kumari's marriage to Kamal Amrohi. She is both a tragic and adored character in Indian cinematic history because of her tragic parts and unmatched acting talent. Passion, strife, and eventual breakup characterised her separation from Amrohi.

Actors are supposedly still being sought to play Kamal Amrohi, although the female lead has already been cast. To capture the dramatic, real-life chemistry of the main relationship on film, the choice of male lead is just as important. Director Siddharth P. Malhotra will sensitively and unflinchingly depict their lives in the film.

Portraying a life of tragedy and splendour

One of the most talked-about biopics in production, the film will try to portray the tragedy and splendour of a life cut short, but one that will live on in cinematic memory.

FAQs:

Q: Who is playing Meena Kumari in the biopic Kamal Aur Meena?

A: The role of the late legendary actress Meena Kumari will be played by Kiara Advani. Mid-Day has reported that Advani is set to lead the ambitious film after months of speculation.

Q: Which director is making the Meena Kumari biopic?

A: The film, titled Kamal Aur Meena, is being directed by Siddharth P Malhotra, known for films like Hichki.

Q: What is the Meena Kumari biopic Kamal Aur Meena about?

A: The film chronicles the stormy relationship between Meena Kumari and her husband, filmmaker Kamal Amrohi. The Bilal Amrohi production will focus particularly on the cine icon's life and her marriage to the Pakeezah (1972) director.

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