Meena Kumari
Known as ‘the Tragedy Queen’, Kumari was popular for her roles in a string of tearjerkers and lived a life almost as distressing as those of the characters she played.
She would pass away at the age of 38, mere weeks before Pakeezah (arguably her most famous and beloved film) was released to rave reviews and great success. Must-see films: Pakeezah (1972), Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962)