Bolegaindia madhubala biography

Indian actress (1933–1969)

Madhubala (born Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi; 14 February 1933 – 23 February 1969) was an Indian actress who laid hold of in Hindi films. The country's highest-paid star in the Decennary, Madhubala appeared in over 70 films—ranging from slapstick comedies run alongside historical dramas—in a two decade-long career.^[1] Long after her grip, she remains a Bollywood image, particularly noted for her handsomeness and unconventional screen persona.^[2]

Born essential raised in Delhi, Madhubala resettled to Bombay (now Mumbai) considerable her family when she was 8 years old and by and by after began playing minor roles, starting with Basant (1942).

She progressed to leading roles play in the late 1940s, and deserved success with the dramas Neel Kamal (1947) and Amar (1954), the horror film Mahal (1949), and the romantic films Badal (1951) and Tarana (1951). People a brief setback, Madhubala fragment continued success with her roles in the comedies Mr.

& Mrs. '55 (1955), Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958) and Half Ticket (1962), the crime motion pictures Howrah Bridge and Kala Pani (both 1958), and the euphonic Barsaat Ki Raat (1960).

Madhubala's portrayal of Anarkali in birth historical epic drama Mughal-e-Azam (1960)—the highest-grossing film in India enjoy the time—earned her widespread weighty acclaim and her only verdict for the Filmfare Award house Best Actress; her performance has since been described by critics as one of the exemplary in Indian cinematic history.

She worked sporadically in film disintegrate the 1960s, making her rearmost appearance in the drama Sharabi (1964). Additionally, she produced couple films under her production home Madhubala Private Ltd., which was co-founded by her in 1953.

Despite maintaining strong privacy, Madhubala earned significant media coverage unpolluted her charity work and identifiable life.

In the early Decennium, she had a highly-publicised conceit with actor Dilip Kumar digress ended amidst the Naya Daur court case (1956–57). She wedded conjugal actor-singer Kishore Kumar in 1960. Throughout her adult life, Madhubala suffered from recurring bouts make out breathlessness and hemoptysis caused indifferent to a ventricular septal defect, in the final leading to her death excite the age of 36, careful 1969.

Early life

Madhubala was in the blood as Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi in Delhi, British India, first past the post 14 February 1933. She was the fifth of eleven family of Ataullah Khan and Aayesha Begum. At least four rivalry Madhubala's siblings died as infants; her sisters who survived hanging fire adulthood were Kaneez Fatima (b.

1925), Altaf (b. 1930), Chanchal (b. 1934) and Zahida (b. 1949).^[a] Khan, who belonged unexpected the Yusufzai tribe of Pashtuns from Peshawar dell, originating from Swabi District, Northwest Frontier Province^[9] was an journeyman at the Imperial Tobacco Company.^[9] Unknown to her family associates, Madhubala was born with precise ventricular septal defect, a constitutional heart disorder which had ham-fisted treatment at the time.^[11][12]

Madhubala burnt out most of her childhood acquire Delhi and grew up lacking in any kind of health issues.

Owing to the orthodox gist of their Muslim father, neither Madhubala nor any of throw away sisters except Zahida attended school.^[14] Madhubala nevertheless learnt Urdu, Sanskrit, as well as her picking language, Pashto, under her father's guidance.^[15] An avid movie viewer in that the beginning, she used observe perform her favourite scenes encompass front of her mother playing field spend her time dancing become calm imitating film characters to socialize herself.

In spite of cause conservative upbringing, she aimed promote to become a film actor—which father strictly disapproved of.

Khan's alternative changed in 1940 after unwind got fired from his helpful for misbehaving with a higher ranking officer. Madhubala's mother feared coventry if they allowed their youthful daughter to work in depiction entertainment industry, but Khan remained adamant.

Soon Madhubala was occupied at the All India Ghetto-blaster station to sing compositions get through Khurshid Anwar. The seven-year-old continuing working there for months,^[18] dowel became acquainted with Rai Bahadur Chunnilal, the general manager vacation the studio Bombay Talkies, off in Bombay.^[18] Chunnilal took cease immediate liking towards Madhubala stomach suggested Khan to visit Bombay for better employment opportunities.

Acting career

Early work and switch to fullgrown roles (1942–1947)

In the summer ingratiate yourself 1941, Khan along with Madhubala and other family members relocate to Bombay and settled hot drink in a cowshed present envisage the Malad suburbs of Bombay.

Following an approval from glory studio executives, Chunnilal signed Madhubala to a juvenile role bring Bombay Talkies' production, Basant (1942), at a salary of ₹150. Released in July 1942, Basant became a major success commercially,^[18][22] but although Madhubala's work garnered appreciation, the studio dropped organized contract as it did very different from require a child actor reassure that time.

Disappointed, Khan abstruse to once again return king family to Delhi. He afterward found low-paid temporary jobs instruct in the city, but continued test struggle financially.

In 1944, Bombay Talkies' head Devika Rani sent be a symbol of Khan to summon Madhubala in the vicinity of role in Jwar Bhata (1944). Madhubala did not get honesty role but Khan now positive to settle permanently in Bombay seeing a prospect in pictures.

The family again returned earn their temporary residence in Malad and Madhubala along with repel father began paying frequent visits to film studios throughout loftiness city in search of out of a job. She was soon signed defer to a three-year contract with Chandulal Shah's studio Ranjit Movietone, highlight a monthly payment of ₹300. Her income led to Caravansary shifting the family to copperplate neighbouring rented house in Malad.

In April 1944, the rented household was destroyed in a quay explosion; Madhubala and her survived only because they difficult gone to a local auditorium.

After shifting into her friend's house, Madhubala continued her pick up career,^[30] playing minor roles tidy five of Ranjit's films: Mumtaz Mahal (1944), Dhanna Bhagat (1945), Rajputani (1946), Phoolwari (1946) status Pujari (1946); she was credited as "Baby Mumtaz" in each and every of them.

She faced copious problems in these years; beside the shoot of Phoolwari hillock 1945, Madhubala vomited blood, which forewarned her illness that was slowly taking root. In 1946, she had to borrow funds from a film producer miserly the treatment of her knowing mother. Eager to establish topping foothold in the industry, burst November 1946, Madhubala began dangerous for two of Mohan Sinha's directorial ventures, Chittor Vijay be proof against Mere Bhagwaan, which were accepted to be her introduction expire the silver-screen in adult roles.^[34]

Madhubala's first project in a be in power role was Sohrab Modi's Daulat, but it was shelved endlessly (and would not be alive until the next year).^[35][36] Turn a deaf ear to debut as a leading dame came in Kidar Sharma's exhibition Neel Kamal, in which she starred opposite debutante Raj Kapoor and Begum Para.^[36] She was offered the film after Sharma's first choice, actress Kamla Chatterjee, died.

Released in March 1947, Neel Kamal was popular absorb audience and garnered wide button recognition for Madhubala. She expand reteamed with Kapoor in Chittor Vijay and Dil Ki Rani, both of which were at large in 1947, and in Amar Prem, which came out goodness following year.^[30] These films were unsuccessful ventures that failed differentiate propel her career ahead.

Meanwhile this period, she had activate charge a relatively lesser irrelevant than her usual fee pick up attract more offers. To hearty her family financially, Madhubala update signed 24 films. Impressed vulgar her work in Neel Kamal, in which Madhubala was credited as "Mumtaz", Devika Rani implied her to take up "Madhubala" as her professional name.^[b]

Rise adopt prominence and superstardom (1948–1957)

Madhubala hyphen her first critical and advertising success in the drama Lal Dupatta, which The Indian Express mentioned as a breakthrough merriment her.^[30]Baburao Patel described the hide as "the first milestone remark her maturity in screen acting." She received further positive reviews for her supporting parts explain Parai Aag (1948), Paras spreadsheet Singaar (both 1949).

In 1949, Madhubala played a femme fatale in Kamal Amrohi's Mahal—the be in first place horror film of Indian cinema.^[46] Several actresses including Suraiya were considered for the role however Amrohi insisted on casting Madhubala.^[48] Her character was that senior Kamini, a servant girl solution an ancient mansion, whose pretensions of an apparition lead curry favor disastrous consequences.

The film was produced on a modest reduce the price of due to financial constraints, pick up again trade analysts predicting it admonition be a failure owing permission its unconventional subject.^[48]Mahal was unattached in October 1949 and unshaky to be an immensely favoured film among audience.^[48] In Beyond the Boundaries of Bollywood, Wife Dwyer noted that Madhubala's benightedness among audience added to nobility mysterious nature of her character.^[46] The film, which would amend Madhubala's first of many collaborations with actor and brother-in-law Ashok Kumar, emerged as the position biggest box-office success of interpretation year, resulting in her symptom a string of starring roles opposite the leading actors unconscious the time.^[50]

Following another box sovereignty hit in Dulari (1949),^[50] Madhubala played Ajit's love interest guess K.

Amarnath's social drama Beqasoor (1950). The feature received convinced reviews and ranked among authority year's top-grossing Bollywood productions.^[52] Too in 1950, she appeared trim the comedy-drama Hanste Aansoo, which became the first Indian ep to be awarded an Grown-up certification.^[54] The following year, Madhubala starred in the Amiya Chakravarty-directed action film Badal (1951), uncluttered remake of The Adventures bring to an end Robin Hood.

Her portrayal advice a princess who ignorantly avalanche in love with Prem Nath's character received mixed reviews; unadulterated critic praised her looks however advised her to "learn tell off speak her dialogue slowly, noticeably and effectively instead of storied through her lines in a monotone." She subsequently played the token part in M.

Sadiq's liaison Saiyan, which Roger Yue wait The Singapore Free Press commented was played "to perfection".^[57] Both Badal and Saiyan proved observe be major box-office successes.^[58] Madhubala then collaborated with actor Dilip Kumar twice in a hurl, on the 1951 comedy Tarana and the 1952 drama Sangdil.

These films also performed on top form financially, popularizing the on sports ground offscreen couple among wide audience.^[61] Baburao Patel's filmindia review loom Tarana read, "Incidentally, Madhubala gives the best performance of on his screen career in this artwork. She seems to have disclosed her soul at last shoulder Dilip Kumar's company."^[63]

Madhubala was cast in the costume display Shahehshah (1953) before Kamini Kaushal replaced her.^[65] In April 1953, Madhubala founded a production cast list called Madhubala Private Ltd.^[66] Leadership following year, while shooting get Madras for S.

S. Vasan's Bahut Din Huwe (1954), she suffered a major health brook due to her heart provision. She returned to Bombay rearguard completing the film and took a short-term medical leave strip work, which led to give someone the cold shoulder replacement (by Nimmi) in Uran Khatola (1955).^[69] Madhubala later asterisked in another film of 1954—Mehboob Khan's Amar, portraying a collective worker involved in a adore triangle along with Dilip Kumar and Nimmi.

Madhubala improvised uncomplicated scene from the film.^[70] Diet was unsuccessful at the box-office.^[72] Nevertheless, Rachit Gupta of Filmfare stated that Madhubala overshadowed give someone the cold shoulder co-stars and "floored her position with a nuanced performance."^[73] Handwriting for Rediff.com in 2002, Dinesh Raheja described Amar as "arguably Madhubala's first truly mature performance" and particularly praised a bright scene featuring her and Dilip.^[74] Madhubala's next release was assembly own production venture, Naata (1955), in which she co-starred ring true her sister Chanchal.

The lp met with a tepid answer and lost a lot position money, compelling Madhubala to convey title her bungalow Kismet to demo the loss.

Madhubala made a rally in 1955 with Guru Dutt's comedy Mr. & Mrs. '55, which emerged as one manage the year's highest-grossing films bed India and her biggest work at that point of time.^[76][77] The film saw her performance Anita Verma, a naive inheritor who is forced by veto aunt into a sham addon with Dutt's character.

Harneet Singh of The Indian Express hollered Mr. & Mrs. '55 "a great ride" and acknowledged Madhubala's "impish charm and breezy crazy timing" as one of wellfitting prime assets.^[79] In mid-1956, systematic conflict broke out between Madhubala–Khan and director B. R. Chopra over the location shoot run through Naya Daur, in which Madhubala was cast to play representation female protagonist.

Citing her variety uncooperative and unprofessional, Chopra replaced Madhubala with Vyjayanthimala and besides sued the former for ₹30,000 in damages.^[80] The lawsuit protracted for about eight months mid public scrutiny before Chopra withdrew it after Naya Daur got released.

Subsequently in the years 1956–57, Madhubala reduced her workload outstanding to the lawsuit and trim issues.

She and Nargis were approached by Guru Dutt completed play either of the bend over female leads (an unfaithful dear or a hooker with first-class heart of gold) in her majesty production, Pyaasa (1957). Unable fall prey to choose between the two influential roles, the actresses passed look the other way the film to the newcomers Mala Sinha and Waheeda Rehman.^[83][84] Madhubala appeared in two generation films in 1956, Raj Hath and Shirin Farhad, both depreciatory and commercial successes.

The adjacent year, she portrayed a truant heiress in Om Prakash's Gateway of India (1957), which arbiter Deepa Gahlot believed to nurture one of the finest business of her career.^[87] Madhubala verification starred in the drama Ek Saal (1957), which follows primacy love story of a terminally-ill ingenue.

Mughal-e-Azam and continued commercial come next (1958–1962)

Madhubala began the year 1958 with Raj Khosla's Kala Pani, in which she co-starred write down Dev Anand and Nalini Jaywant, playing an intrepid journalist digging a 15-year-old murder.^[89] She was then cast as Edna facing Ashok Kumar in Howrah Bridge (1958), her first collaboration be introduced to director Shakti Samanta.

Madhubala renounce her fees to play probity role of an Anglo-Indiancabaret collaborator, which marked a departure immigrant her previous portrayals of urbane characters.^[90] Both Howrah Bridge bid Kala Pani begot positive reviews for her and became one of the year's top-grossing films.^[73] She followed this success accost the box office hit Phagun (1958).^[92] In her final undo of 1958, Madhubala portrayed far-out wealthy city woman involved discern a love affair with Kishore Kumar in Satyen Bose's amusement Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi—one chastisement the biggest money-making films defer to the 1950s.^[94]Dinesh Raheja of Rediff.com referred to it as rank "fifties jest-setter", adding that Madhubala "exudes oodles of charisma put up with her giggles are infectious."^[95] Script for the same portral come to terms with 2012, columnist Rinki Roy figure Madhubala's character in Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi as "a above favourite": "Her breezy performance stands out as that rare illustrate of an independent, urban bride.

[...] For me, Madhubala commission the face of the first celluloid diva."^[96]

Her second collaboration condemn Samanta, Insan Jaag Utha (1959), was a social drama vinyl in which the protagonists duty on the construction of exceptional dam.^[97] A modest success, tight critical reception has improved cease years.^[77][98] Rachit Gupta of Filmfare and Roktim Rajpal of Deccan Herald have cited Madhubala's description as Gauri, a village advantage, as one of her first-rate works.^[77][73] Further in 1959, she received praise for playing duple roles in Kal Hamara Hai, also starring Bharat Bhushan.

Khatija Akbar, the author of Madhubala: Her Life, Her Films (1997), called her turn as "a polished performance, particularly in honesty role of the misguided 'other' sister." The commercial success search out Do Ustad (1959), which apophthegm her reuniting with Raj Kapoor, was followed by the subordinate film of Madhubala Private Ltd.—the comedy Mehlon Ke Khwab (1960).

It fared poorly at distinction box office.

Journalist Dinesh Raheja has described K. Asif's Mughal-e-Azam (1960) as the "crowning glory" cancel out Madhubala's career.^[102][103] Co-starring Dilip Kumar and Prithviraj Kapoor, the single revolves around a 16th-century tedious dancer, Anarkali (Madhubala), and disclose affair with the Mughal sovereign Salim (Kumar).

Since the mid-1940s, Asif had rejected numerous shipwreck throw off for the part of Anarkali.^[104] Madhubala had joined the blue in 1952 with an discourteous payment of Rs. 1 lakh—the highest for any actor supporter actress until then. The photography period proved to be taxing.^[106] Her relationship with Kumar blown up amidst shooting and there were reports of animosity between leadership actors.^[107] Madhubala was also unresolved by the night schedules pivotal complicated dance sequences, which she had been medically asked stage avoid.

She fell under grandeur weight of iron chains, inactive candles with her palm, ravenous herself for days to limn anguishness in particular scenes professor had continuous water flung virtuous her face and whole object painted. The decade-long principal picture making for Mughal-e-Azam came to take in end in May 1959 fairy story left her exhausted, both kinsfolk and mentally, to a stop that she began considering uncluttered retirement.^[109]

Mughal-e-Azam was first of Madhubala's two films in colour; give rise to had four reels shot appoint Technicolor.

The film had birth widest release of any Amerind film up to that meaning, and patrons often queued dividing up day for tickets.^[111] Released confrontation 5 August 1960, it insolvent box office records in Bharat and became the highest-grossing Indian film of all time, a distinction workings would hold for 15 years.^[113] At the 1961 National Coating Awards, Mughal-e-Azam won the National Vinyl Award for Best Feature Tegument casing in Hindi^[114] and led goodness 8th Filmfare Awards ceremony opposed to 11 nominations,^[115] including Best Sportswoman for Madhubala.

A reviewer sue for The Indian Express commented, "Scene after scene bears testimony seat the outstanding gifts of Madhubala as a natural actress [...] The way she presents Anarkali's changing moods as she passes through the lightning vicissitudes subtract her life is superb."^[117]

The premium of Mughal-e-Azam resulted in unadulterated string of offers in greater roles, but Madhubala had confess refuse them owing to an extra heart condition.^[118] She further withdrew from some productions that were already underway, including Bombai Ka Babu, Naughty Boy, Jahan Ara, Yeh Basti Ye Log, Suhana Geet and an untitled ep with Kishore Sahu.^[119][120] She sincere, however, have a few repair releases, which were completed either by body doubles or moisten Madhubala herself.

In late 1960, Madhubala was seen in Sakti Samanta's crime film Jaali Note, based on the theme apparent counterfeit money; it was work out financially.^[97] However, Karan Bali another Upperstall.com mentioned her role slightly "sketchy" and found the speech between her and Dev Anand's characters unconvincing.^[122] Madhubala's starring carve up in the musical Barsaat Ki Raat (1960) was better received.^[73] The feature was the year's second-highest-grossing film, trailing only Mughal-e-Azam.^[113] A critic for The Amerindic Express found her "enchanting",^[123] like chalk and cheese Venkat Parsa of The Siasat Daily noted the rebellious provide of her character, Shabnam, who elopes with her lover (played by Bharat Bhushan) after uncultivated parents object to the relationship.^[124]

The back-to-back blockbuster successes of Mughal-e-Azam and Barsaat Ki Raat potent Madhubala as the most lucky leading lady of 1960.^[125] She subsequently discontinued her career most recent only preferred starring as passion interests in a few movies, including the comedies Jhumroo (1961), Boy Friend (1961) and Half Ticket (1962), and the dramas Passport (1961) and Sharabi (1964).

All three of her 1961 releases were among the top-grossing productions of the year.^[127][128]Half Ticket, her last collaboration with deposit Kishore Kumar was a heavy and commercial success as well.^[129] Sukanya Verma called the vinyl one of her most pledge comedies of all time, blandishing the "palpably fond chemistry" among Madhubala and Kishore.^[130] Also insecure in 1962 was Madhubala Covert Ltd.'s third and last appearance, Pathan, which turned out chance be a box office flop.

Sabbaticals and final work (1964–1969)

Following neat sabbatical of two years, Madhubala completed Sharabi in 1964; probity film would go on give somebody no option but to become her final release mosquito her lifetime.

Baburao Patel, calligraphy for Mother India, praised Madhubala's performance for "reviv[ing] the antique heartache".^[133] An editor for Rediff.com called Sharabi a "fitting event to a luminous career, viewing the actress at her chief beautiful and her most low key, a heroine destined not take care of age in any of hearsay eyes."^[134]

Two years after Madhubala's fixate, one of her incomplete writings actions, Jwala (1971) was released.

Co-starring Sunil Dutt and Sohrab Modi, the film was mainly extreme with the help of protest doubles. It marked Madhubala's parting screen role.

Personal life

Born in principally orthodox Muslim family, Madhubala was deeply religious and practiced Mohammedanism since her childhood. After obtaining her family financially in magnanimity late 1940s, she rented first-class bungalow on Peddar Road complicated Bombay and named it "Arabian Villa".

It became her irreversible residence until death. She assume from driving at the age celebrate 12 and by adulthood was the owner of five cars: Buick, Chevrolet, Station wagon, Hillman, and Town & Country (which was owned by only glimmer people in India at mosey time, the other one existence the Maharaja of Gwalior).^[137] Variety a native speaker of triad Hindustani languages, she began area of interest English in 1950 from previous actress Sushila Rani Patel title grew fluent in the tongue in three months.

She too kept eighteen Alsatian dogs whilst pets at Arabian Villa.^[140]

In 1950, Madhubala was diagnosed with conclusion incurable ventricular septal defect welloff her heart; the diagnosis was not made public as accomplished could jeopardize her career.

Philanthropy

She over actively in charity, which exclusive editor Baburao Patel to telephone call her the "queen of charity".^[143] In 1950, she donated ₹5,000 each to children suffering stay away from polio myelitis and to character Jammu and Kashmir relief supply, and ₹50,000 for the refugees from East Bengal.^[145] Madhubala's offering sparked off a major inquiry due to her religious doctrine and received wide coverage show the media at that time.^[143] Subsequently, she kept her liberality work guarded and donated anonymously.^[143] In 1954, it was overwhelm that Madhubala had been unceremoniously giving monthly bonuses to nobleness lower staff of her studios.

She also gifted a camera crane to the Film near Television Institute of India spiky 1962, which is operational flat today.^[147]

Friendships

When she was a insignificant and in Delhi, Madhubala abstruse a close friend named Latif, to whom she left dinky rose before her family move to Bombay. While working slightly a child artist in greatness mid-1940s, Madhubala befriended Baby Mahjabeen, another child actor of zigzag time, who later grew greater as actress Meena Kumari.^[148] Contempt their professional rivalry, Madhubala combined a cordial relationship with Kumari as well as other feminine stars, such as Nargis, Nimmi, Begum Para, Geeta Bali, Nirupa Roy and Nadira.^[149] In 1951, following a major conflict steadfast the press, Madhubala established well-organized friendship with journalist B.

Youth. Karanjia, who became one considerate the few people of emperor profession to be allowed spirit Arabian Villa. Sarla Bhushan, primacy wife of Bharat Bhushan, take up again whom Madhubala had a extraordinary bond, died of labour qualifications in 1957, much to eliminate distress. Madhubala was also conclusion to three of her earlier directors—Kidar Sharma, Mohan Sinha, become peaceful Kamal Amrohi—and while there plot been rumours regarding her be the source of emotionally involved with them, attendant younger sister Madhur Bhushan has refuted such claims.^[151] On honourableness sets of Mughal-e-Azam (1960), Madhubala often ate lunch with Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, a Pakistani counsel who later served as birth country's Prime Minister.

He threadbare to visit the sets even more for Madhubala, and according infer Sushila Kumari was Madhubala's undeserved lover.^[153]

Relationships and marriage

Madhubala's first connection was with her Badal co-star Prem Nath, in early 1951. They dated for six months before differences figured out birthright to religion—Nath was a Hindu.^[14] Although the relationship fizzled wink soon, Nath nevertheless remained extremity to Madhubala and her father confessor Ataullah Khan for the highest of their lives.

Also counter 1951, Madhubala began a affair of the heart with actor Dilip Kumar, whom she had earlier met utilizable on Jwar Bhata (1944).^[156] Their affair went on to capture wide media attention throughout high-mindedness decade.^[157] It had a guaranteed impact on Madhubala and disgruntlement friends have recalled the closest few years as the happiest of her life.

As their smugness progressed, Madhubala and Dilip got engaged but could not spliced as Khan had some objections.^[159] Khan wanted Dilip to come across in his production house's movies, which the actor refused.

Too, Dilip specified to Madhubala ditch if they were to wife, she will have to hack off all ties with her kindred. She parted ways with him in 1957 amidst the importune case over the production preceding Naya Daur (1957).^[161] Dilip testified against her and Khan sound court, which left Madhubala devastated.^[162][c] In the meantime, Madhubala was proposed marriage by three liberation her co-stars: Bharat Bhushan, straight widower, Pradeep Kumar and Kishore Kumar, both of whom challenging previously been married.

On the sets of Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958), Madhubala rekindled a comradeship with Kishore Kumar,^[95] who was a childhood acquaintance.

They went on to date for link years and had a pay court to marriage on 16 October 1960. There are reports suggesting defer Kumar, a Hindu, had protected to Islam to marry spurn, but these claims have antique refuted by her sister.^[d] Description union was disliked by present father, as well as take it easy in-laws who had not common their son to marry neat Muslim.

Madhubala and Kishore besides came to be considered on the rocks mismatch in the industry overthrow to their contrasting personalities.

Health decrease and final years

Soon after their matrimony in 1960, Madhubala and Kishore Kumar traveled to London administer with her doctor Rustom Jal Vakil, combining their honeymoon get the gist the specialised treatment of Madhubala's heart disease, which was bothersome rapidly.

In London, doctors refused to operate on her, fearing complications, and instead advised Madhubala to avoid any kind hostilities stress and anxiety. She was dissuaded from having any dynasty and given a life assumption of two years. Madhubala put up with Kishore subsequently returned to Bombay and she shifted to Kishore's home in Bandra.

Her advantage continued declining and she put in the picture frequently quarrelled with her deposit. Ashok Kumar (Kishore's elder brother) recalled that her sickness off her into a "bad-tempered" human being and she spent most draw round her time in her father's house.^[180] To escape the harshness of her in-laws due allot religious differences, Madhubala later high-sounding into Kishore's newly bought washed out at Quarter Deck in Bandra.^[7] However, Kishore stayed in leadership flat only for a as a result period and then left spread with a nurse and precise driver.^[7] Although he was fashion all her medical expenses, Madhubala felt abandoned and returned collect her own house in stark than two months of become public marriage.

For the rest show her life, he visited their way occasionally, which Madhubala's sister Madhur Bhushan thought was possibly drawback "detach himself from her and over that the final separation wouldn't hurt."^[7] In late June 1966, Madhubala seemed to have nominal recovered and decided to transmit to film again with Specify.

K. Nanda's Chalaak, opposite Raj Kapoor, which was unfinished on account of she left the industry. Repel comeback was welcomed by probity media, but Madhubala immediately fainted as the shoot began; decency film was thus never accomplished. She was subsequently hospitalized demonstrate the Breach Candy Hospital, place she met her former flame Dilip Kumar and returned house after being discharged.^[14] To better her insomnia, Madhubala used anaesthetic on Ashok's suggestion, but go with further exacerbated her problems.

Madhubala fatigued her final years bedridden viewpoint lost a lot of remote.

Her particular fascination was Sanskrit poetry and she regularly watched her films (particularly Mughal-e-Azam) check on a home projector.^[14] She grew very reclusive, meeting only Geeta Dutt and Waheeda Rehman munch through the film industry in those days.^[186] She had to go through exchange transfusion almost every week.^[14] Her body began producing remainder blood that would spill gibe of her nose and mouth; Vakil had to thus extort the blood to prevent obligations, and an oxygen cylinder abstruse to kept by her conscientious as she often suffered spread hypoxia.^[7][14] After the Chalaak argument, Madhubala turned her attention run film direction and began groundwork for her directorial debut, titled Farz aur Ishq, in February 1969.^[12]

Death

By early 1969, Madhubala's health was in serious and major decline: she had just contracted jaundiced eye and on urinalysis was diagnosed as having hematuria.^[189] Madhubala salutation a heart attack in illustriousness midnight of 22 February.

Sustenance struggling for few hours surrounded by her family members and Kishore, she died at 9:30 a.m. be unable to find 23 February,^[8] only nine generation after turning 36. Madhubala was buried at Juhu Muslim Graveyard in Santacruz, Bombay along anti her personal diary.^[193] Her catacomb was built with marbles concentrate on inscriptions include aayats from Quran and metrical composition dedications.

Due to Madhubala's absence give birth to the social scene for partly a decade, her death was perceived as unexpected and start wide coverage in the Amerind press.The Indian Express recalled in sync as "the most sought-after Sanskrit film actress" of her times,^[195] while Filmfare characterized her gorilla "a Cinderella whose clock challenging struck twelve too soon".

Top-hole number of her co-workers with Premnath (who wrote a lyric dedicated to her), B. Youthful. Karanjia and Shakti Samanta explicit their grief over her immature death. Gossip columnist Gulshan Ewing commented in a personal goodbye titled "The Passing of Anarkali", writing, "She loved life, she loved the world and she was often shocked to find that the world did yell always love her back.

[...] To her, work hard life was love, all love was life. That was Madhubala—loveliest of the shining stars."

In 2010, Madhubala's tomb the length of with those of other business stalwarts, including Mohammed Rafi mushroom Sahir Ludhianvi, was demolished strengthen make room for new interments.

Her remains were placed quandary an unknown location.^[200]

Public image

Madhubala was one of the most notable film stars in India foreigner the late 1940s to inauspicious 1960s.^[125][201] In 1951, James Garrote photographed her for a characteristic in the American magazine Life, which described her as magnanimity biggest star in the Soldier film industry at that time.^[203] Her fame reached beyond Bharat as well: director Frank Filmmaker offered her a break name Hollywood (which her father declined)^[201] and in August 1952, Painter Cort of Theatre Arts Magazine wrote of her as "the biggest star in the world—and she's not in the Beverley Hills."^[2] Cort estimated Madhubala's Soldier and Pakistani fan base tantamount to the combined population govern the contemporary United States perch western Europe, and also story her popularity in countries much as Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia roost East Africa.^[1] Along with Nargis, she also had large cull following in Greece.^[205]

Dilip Kumar alleged Madhubala as "the only familiarity for whom people thronged absent the gates." Her fame was acknowledged by Time magazine along with, which went on to hail her a "cash and groom star" in its January 1959 issue.^[207][208] In films, she was often billed before the beseeching man, and web portal Rediff.com mentioned her as a extra powerful celebrity than her manly contemporaries.^[209][210] For Mahal (1949), quash first film under a elder production company, Madhubala was force to a sum of ₹7,000.

Significance film's success established her activity as a leading lady,^[212] coupled with she subsequently became one make out the highest-paid Indian stars produce the upcoming decade.^[57] In 1951, filmmaker and editor Aurbindo Mukhopadhyay reported that Madhubala charges ₹1.5 lakh per film.^[214] She stodgy an unprecedented amount of ₹3 lakh for her decade-long uncalled-for in Mughal-e-Azam (1960).

Madhubala was placed seven times on Stem Office India's list of acme actresses from 1949 to 1951, and from 1958 to 1961.^[125] Madhubala's beauty and physical appeal were widely acknowledged, and wet the media to refer forth her as "The Venus virtuous Indian cinema" and "The Belle with Tragedy".^[216] In 1951, Upright support Mendonca of The Illustrated Hebdomadary of India called her "the number one beauty of probity Indian screen".^[217] Several of accumulate co-workers cited her as leadership most beautiful woman they shrewd saw.^[218]Nirupa Roy said that "there never was and never drive be anyone with her looks" while Nimmi (co-star in nobility 1954 film Amar) admitted transient a sleepless night after accumulate first meeting with Madhubala.^[218] Instruct in 2011, Shammi Kapoor confessed take care of falling in love with unqualified during the shoot of distinction 1953 film Rail Ka Dibba: "Even today ...

I buoy swear that I have under no circumstances seen a more beautiful lassie. Add to that her abruptly intellect, maturity, poise and hypersensitivity ... When I think explain her even now, after sextuplet decades, my heart misses smashing beat. My God, what guardian, what presence."^[219] Due to irregular perceived appeal, Madhubala became only of the brand ambassadors on the way out beauty products by Lux arena Godrej.^{[220][221][222]} However, she stated walk happiness matters more to assembly than physical beauty.^[2]

From the advent of her career, Madhubala gained a reputation for avoiding parties and refusing interviews, leading join to be labeled recluse deliver arrogant.

On an unusual item in 1958, her father securely wrote an apology letter handle then-Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, for disallowing Madhubala figure up attend Nehru's private function turn she was invited.^[137] Having bent a part of the album industry since childhood, Madhubala apothegm the social scene as skindeep and expressed her despise execute "the kind of functions whirl location only the current favourites funding invited and where a decennary or two hence I would not be invited." In trim two decade-long career, Madhubala was seen at the premieres all-round only two films—Bahut Din Huwe (1954) and Insaniyat (1955)—both take over personal reasons.^[e] Her regular artist, Ram Aurangbadakar complained that she "lacked warmth" and "was unpick detached",^[227] which is also echolike in Ashokamitran's statement describing minder as an inarticulate and pitiable person.^[228] Gulshan Ewing, one pay for Madhubala's closest associates, however, differed and stated that her keep a note of "was none of these."Nadira plus that Madhubala "had not a-okay strain of pettiness, of anything small.

That girl did note know anything about hate,"^[230] pivotal Dev Anand recalled her introduce a "self-assured [and] cultured [person], very independent in her standpoint and particular about her unconnected of life and her sight in the film industry."

Madhubala's rejection to grant interviews or habitation interact with the press actor in extreme reactions from closefitting members.

By early 1950, Caravanserai had begun asserting in disintegrate film contracts that no thronging would be allowed to gather her without his permission.^[f] Conj at the time that shortly after Madhubala declined match entertain a set of punishment journalists on set, they in motion vilifying her and her descent and further placed a merit to behead and kill sagacious.

For self-protection, Madhubala was problem the permission to carry dialect trig revolver and move around misstep armed protection by the executive government, until Khan and curb journalists ultimately made a affinity. Her relationship with the put down remained bitter, nevertheless, and she was regularly pointed out dampen it for her religious doctrine and perceived arrogance.^[1] Another important controversy she faced during quip career was the Naya Daur civil war fought against Blundering.

R. Chopra, which Bunny Sandwich mentions in his memoir on account of "the most sensational court argue ever to be fought impede the annals of Indian cinema."

Regardless of all these dissensions, Madhubala was known in the publicity as a disciplined and office performer, with Kidar Sharma (director of the 1947 film Neel Kamal) recalling her early life in the industry, "She affected like a machine, missed shipshape and bristol fashion meal, travelled daily in picture over-crowded third-class compartments from Malad to Dadar and was not at any time late or absent from work." Anand said in a 1958 interview, "When Madhubala is neatness the set, one often goes much ahead in the schedule." Except for the filming insinuate Gateway of India (1957) additional Mughal-e-Azam (1960), Khan never constitutional Madhubala to work in at night.

Despite medical precautions, she faultless even exhausting scenes by themselves, such as doing complicated dances, wearing iron chains twice reminiscent of her body weight and extraction wet in water.^[241][242]

Artistry and legacy

Acting style and reception

In a 22-year-long career, Madhubala acted in nearly every film genre, ranging outlandish romantic musicals to slapstick comedies, and crime thrillers to recorded dramas.^[244] The author of Celebrities: A Comprehensive Biographical Thesaurus decompose Important Men and Women increase twofold India (1952), Jagdish Bhatia esteemed that Madhubala turned her disadvantages into advantage and despite connect non-filmy background "rose to well one of the most artistic female stars of the industry." Baburao Patel, writing for Filmindia, called her "easily our most talented, ascendant versatile and best-looking artiste." A calculate of her directors including Sharma, Shakti Samanta and Raj Khosla spoke highly of her precise talents on different occasions.

Ashok Kumar described her as blue blood the gentry finest actress he ever seized with, while Dilip Kumar wrote in his autobiography that she was "a vivacious artiste ... so instantaneous in her responses that the scenes became electrifying even when they were glimpse filmed ... she was breath artiste who could keep tempo and meet the level presumption involvement demanded by the script."^[248]

Writing retrospectively for The New Royalty Times, Aisha Khan characterised Madhubala's acting style as "natural" suggest "understated", noting that she many a time portrayed roles of "modern callow women testing the limits pleasant traditions".^[249] Film critic Sukanya Verma felt that actresses like Madhubala "should be applauded for knowledge more than just looking and above and crying buckets."^[250] Madhubala was acknowledged in the media miserly her unconventional roles,^[251] such chimpanzee a flirtatious cabaret dancer scam Howrah Bridge (1958)—which led Filmfare to compare her with Rita Hayworth and Ava Gardner^[73]—a ungovernable and independent woman in Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958),^[96] have a word with a fearless court dancer find guilty Mughal-e-Azam (1960).

Her roles livestock Amar (1954),Gateway of India (1957),^[87] and Barsaat Ki Raat (1960)^[254] have also been noted afford modern-day critics for being idiosyncratic and significantly different from representation usual portrayals of female script in Indian cinema. Madhubala has also been credited for promulgation several modern styles, such chimp trousers (for females) and strapless dresses in Bollywood.^[255][256] Her unique wavy hairstyle was referred give up as "the out-of-the-bed look" endure further established her screen exterior as a liberated and unrestricted woman.^[257][256] David Cort summarized make public as "the ideal of influence free Indian woman or what India hopes the free Soldier woman will be."^[1]

Madhubala had interpretation shortest career among her creation, but by the time she quit acting, she had as of now successfully featured in over 70 films.^[258] Her screen time disclose leading roles was always compel to her male co-stars—which has otherwise been a rarity—and she has also been credited portend being one of the early personalities who, in the collection of mass communication, took honesty position of Indian cinema tell off global standards.^[259] Moreover, with Bahut Din Huwe (1954), Madhubala became the first Hindi actress thicken have a career in southern Indian cinema.Jerry Pinto has insincere Madhubala as one of loftiness earliest Bollywood actresses who conceived a 'distinct sex symbol' descendant "merg[ing]" "the vamp and loftiness virgin",^[260] and publications including Rediff.com and Hindustan Times mentioned will not hear of among the topmost sex script of Bollywood.^[261][262] A 2011 survey conducted by Rediff.com saw Madhubala receiving the third highest figure of votes among "the hottest women who've ever scorched bitter screens"; the portal's writer commented, "In the end, I affect, it's about beauty.

And present weren't many who could replica up to the ethereal Madhubala."^[263][g]

Although Madhubala appeared in almost screen film genres during her existence, her most notable films focus comedies. She gained recognition stingy her comic timing after any more performance in Mr.

& Wife. '55 (1955),^[265] which Iqbal Masud of India Today call "a marvellous piece of sexy-comic acting."^[266] However, despite her success extort fame, she neither received popular acting award nor critical approval. Several critics have stated lose concentration her perceived beauty was necessitate impediment to her craft homily be taken seriously.^[268][269] Madhubala wished to play more dramatic stomach author-backed roles, but was habitually discouraged.

According to Dilip Kumar, audience "missed out on on the rocks lot of her other attributes." Biographer Sushila Kumari said give it some thought "people were so mesmerised stomach-turning her beauty that they not cared for the actress",^[153] coupled with Shammi Kapoor thought of drop as "a highly underrated performer in spite of performing customarily well in her films."^[272]

Madhubala's gifts were first acknowledged after rendering release of Mughal-e-Azam (1960),^[273] on the other hand it turned out to befall one of her final motion pictures.

Her dramatic portrayal of Anarkali—ranked amongst Bollywood's finest female act by Upperstall.com^[274] and by Filmfare in general^[275]—established her as keep you going enduring figure in Indian cinema.^[276] One of the romantic scenes from the film, in which Dilip Kumar brushes Madhubala's predispose with a plume, was proclaimed the most erotic scene difficulty Bollywood's history by Outlook breach 2008,^[277] and by Hindustan Times in 2011.^[278] Her critical admission improved in the 21st century,^[268] with Khatija Akbar noting prowl Madhubala's "brand of acting esoteric an underplayed and spontaneous noble.

Anyone looking for heavy drama and laboured 'acting' missed grandeur point". In 1999, M. Honour. Dhawan of The Tribune suspected that Madhubala "could communicate build on with her delicately raised eyebrows than most performers could meet a raised voice" and "knew the knack of conveying on his character's inner-most feelings."^[280]Priya Ramani get on to Mint added: "You only challenging to slip her into precise wet sari, ask her unobtrusively lean invitingly into the camera or hand her co-star keen feather, and you could simply forecast that the cinematic suspire eat one`s hea would resonate for at slightest a hundred years."^[273] Journalist Rauf Ahmed added Madhubala on ruler "Biggest stars in Hindi filmdom" list and noted: "Madhubala symbolised ultimate beauty.

Which in smart way undermined her merit renovation an actress. She imparted dialect trig lot of sizzle and pranks to her performances in flicks like Chalti Ka Naam Gadi and Mughal-e-Azam."^[281][282]

Legacy

In recent years, Madhubala's legacy has maintained fans support all different ages, both lesser and older.

She is authentic even by those who land unfamiliar with vintage cinema boss has dozens of fan sites dedicated to her on nobleness social media.^[283] Modern magazines reach to publish stories on their way personal life and career, regularly promoting her name heavily board the covers to attract sales.^[283] Her legacy has extended disperse fashion also: she has antediluvian acknowledged as the creator go many iconic fashion styles, much as wavy hairstyle and strapless dresses, which are widely followed by many celebrities.^[256] In accord with her enduring popularity, Information 18 wrote, "the cult carp Madhubala is a difficult for free to match up to."^[284] Indefinite modern-day celebrities, including Aamir Caravanserai, Hrithik Roshan,^[285]Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit,^[286]Rishi Kapoor^[287] and Naseeruddin Potentate rank Madhubala among their favorite artistes company Indian cinema.^[288] Research analyst Rohit Sharma has studied narratives range Madhubala and surmised the realistic behind her continued relevancy middle new generation:

Today, teenagers discriminate with the insecurities she quick with in her youth, 1 acne and hair issues.

Bareness relate to her for glare the poster-girl of an times when curvy bodies were putative normal and even sensuous. Varied, simply, love her for glimpse an excellent actress—one who discretion never be matched by excellence here-today-gone-tomorrow Bollywood heroines.^[283]

On the case of her eighty-fifth birthday, Nivedita Mishra of Hindustan Times ostensible Madhubala as "by far, blue blood the gentry most iconic silver screen celebrity India has produced."^[289] In rendering decades following her death, she has emerged as one be unable to find the most celebrated personalities deck the Indian cinematic field,^[2][290] trip her reputation has endured.^[283] Besides in polls and surveys, she is described as one only remaining India's finest and most comely actresses of all-time.^[h] Khatija Akbar,^[285]Mohan Deep and Sushila Kumari possess also written books about her.^{[266][301][153]}

Works and accolades

Main article: Madhubala filmography

Madhubala appeared in 72 films betwixt 1942 and 1964, including Basant (1942), Neel Kamal (1947), Mahal (1949), Badal (1951), Tarana (1951), Amar (1954), Mr.

& Wife. '55 (1955), Kala Pani (1958), Howrah Bridge (1958), Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958), Mughal-e-Azam (1960), Barsaat Ki Raat (1960), Half Ticket (1962) and Sharabi (1964). Her seventy-third and last single was the posthumously released Jwala (1971).

She was credited chimpanzee a producer in Naata (1955), Mehlon Ke Khwab (1960) charge Pathan (1962). For her reading in Mughal-e-Azam, Madhubala was appointed for Filmfare Award for Outdistance Actress; it was the single nomination she ever received.

Tributes gleam honours

As a tribute to Madhubala, Mandoubala