Meena Shorey (born Khurshid Jehan, c.1921 – died 1989) was a renowned actress of Indian and Pakistani cinema, popularly known as the “Lara Lappa Girl” after her superhit song “Lara Lappa Lara Lappa” from the film Ek Thi Ladki (1949). She was among the first female comedy stars of Bollywood and later became a notable figure in Lollywood (Pakistani cinema).
Despite her success in the 1940s and 1950s, her later life was marked by struggles, poverty, and obscurity, making her story one of the most tragic in South Asian cinema history.
Biography
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Khurshid Jehan |
| Stage Name | Meena Shorey |
| Birth Year | c.1921 |
| Birthplace | Ferozepur, Punjab, British India |
| Death Year | 1989 |
| Profession | Actress, Comedian |
| Nickname | “Lara Lappa Girl” |
| Active Years | 1941 – 1979 |
| Industries | Bollywood (India), Lollywood (Pakistan) |
Early Life
Meena Shorey was born as Khurshid Jehan in Ferozepur, Punjab. She grew up in a modest household and developed a love for acting at a young age. Her father, however, opposed her interest in films. With determination, she eventually entered the film industry, making her mark on both Indian and Pakistani cinema.
Career in Indian Cinema
-
Debut: She appeared in Sohrab Modi’s Sikandar (1941) in a supporting role.
-
Worked in several films during the 1940s, including Phir Milenge (1942), Prithvi Vallabh (1943), and Dukhiyari (1948).
-
Achieved stardom with Roop K. Shorey’s Ek Thi Ladki (1949) alongside Motilal.
-
The film’s song “Lara Lappa Lara Lappa” became a sensation, and she was forever remembered as the “Lara Lappa Girl.”
-
-
Acted in more films through the early 1950s, often in light-hearted and comic roles.
Career in Pakistani Cinema
-
After moving to Pakistan in the mid-1950s, she starred in Miss 56 (1956).
-
She became the first Pakistani actress to model for Lux soap, symbolizing her popularity.
-
Some of her notable Pakistani films include:
-
Sarfarosh (1956)
-
Akhri Nishan (1958)
-
Moseeqar (1962)
-
Khamosh Raho (1964)
-
-
Her last known screen appearance was in Nishani (1979).
Personal Life
-
Meena Shorey was married 05 times, including to actor Al Nasir and filmmaker Roop K. Shorey.
- With Roop K. Shorey’s marriage lasting till 1956 after she refused to come back from a Pakistan trip to India where whereas Roop returned.
-
None of her marriages lasted, and she had 03 children ( two sons and an adopted daughter).
-
By the 1970s and 1980s, she lived in poverty in Lahore, often depending on charity.
-
She passed away in Pakistan in 1989, and her last rites were performed with the help of public donations.
Legacy
-
First widely recognized female comedy star in Indian cinema.
-
Remembered as the “Lara Lappa Girl” for her signature role.
-
Worked across two major film industries – Bollywood and Lollywood, a rare achievement for her era.
-
Her tragic end remains a reminder of the fleeting nature of fame.
Meena Shorey Photos
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What was Meena Shorey’s religion?
Meena Shorey, born Khurshid Jehan, was Muslim by religion.
2. Why is Meena Shorey called the “Lara Lappa Girl”?
She earned the title after the massive success of the song “Lara Lappa Lara Lappa” from the film Ek Thi Ladki (1949).
3. Did Meena Shorey work in both Indian and Pakistani films?
Yes, she had a successful career in both Bollywood (India) and Lollywood (Pakistan).
4. When did Meena Shorey die?
She passed away in 1989 in Lahore, Pakistan.
5. What is Meena Shorey’s most famous movie?
Her most famous film is Ek Thi Ladki (1949), which gave her enduring popularity.
