Saregama & Lionheart Cinema announces a Timeless Love Story, revolving around the making of the magnum Opus “Pakeezah” of Kamal Amrohi and Meena Kumari

Directed by Siddharth P Malhotra, the Hindi film will chronicle their 20-year journey, culminating with the masterpiece, ‘Pakeezah’.

Saregama India Ltd and LionHeart Cinema are thrilled to announce their latest venture—Kamal Aur Meena – a cinematic experience that promises to capture one of the most iconic love stories in the history of Hindi cinema. Kamal Aur Meena will bring to life the epic, real-life romance between the legendary director and screenwriter Kamal Amrohi and the celebrated actress Meena Kumari. The film will be helmed by the acclaimed director Siddharth P. Malhotra, known for his work in ‘Maharaj’ and ‘Hichki’. Produced by Bilal Amrohi, Saregama, and Rohandeep Singh, this film is set to shoot in 2025 and release in 2026, with casting currently underway.

Bilal Amrohi, speaking on the announcement, shared ”It is our great honor to bring to the screen the untold love story and the immense struggle behind making of the film, ‘Pakeezah’ of my grand parents, Kamal Amrohi Sahaab, a man known for his cinematic brilliance, and the legendary Meena Kumari ji. Their story is a beautiful yet tragic chapter in the legacy of Indian cinema. With access to over 500 handwritten letters exchanged between my grand parents Kamal Sahaab and Meenaji as well as personal journals detailing their life together thanks to my “Aphua”, Rukhsaar Amrohi who has selflessly preserved them and my father Tajdar Amrohi who has lived so closely with them both on and off film shoots, I would like to show the world audience the real heart wrenching story which no else knows. May I end by quoting, “Jo chup rahegi zabaan-e-khanjar, lahoo pukarega aasteeń ka”.

Director Siddharth P. Malhotra added, “It’s a profound privilege to direct this incredible true story, though the responsibility is immense. Their relationship was one of deep love and artistic collaboration, spanning over 20 years—from their first meeting when she was just 18 and he was 34, from the creation to shoot and release, The legacy of Pakeezah, Their story gives me an opportunity to create a cinematic world where love, passion, emotion and music plays a huge part. I’m glad to be allowed to get a stellar team of Bhavani Iyer and Kausar Munir along with Irshad Kamil and the maestro himself A.R. Rahman sir to score the music of the film. Kamal sir and Meena ji have long been idols of mine, not only for their unmatched contributions to cinema but also for the indomitable spirit they brought to their craft. I’m beyond excited to bring their story to life on the silver screen.”

Siddharth Anand Kumar, Senior Vice President – Films and Events at Saregama added, “We are absolutely thrilled to have access to the letters and journals through Bilalji. These will help us create the most incredible and moving tale of a classic love story. This is a love saga unlike any other, filled with passion, drama, and profound emotion and music that captures not only the music that Meena ji and Kamal Saab have created but also an original album scored by the maestro AR Rahman himself. We can’t wait to share this unbelievable true story with the world.”

The film, which promises to be a heartfelt tribute to one of Bollywood’s most legendary couple, is set to captivate audiences when it releases in 2026.