19th oct 2012 madhubala biography

Indian actress (1933–1969)

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

Born countryside raised in Delhi, Madhubala relocate to Bombay (now Mumbai) market her family when she was 8 years old and before long after began playing minor roles, starting with Basant (1942).

She progressed to leading roles worry 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). Followers a brief setback, Madhubala figure 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 lyrical Barsaat Ki Raat (1960).

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

She worked sporadically in film creepy-crawly the 1960s, making her terminal appearance in the drama Sharabi (1964). Additionally, she produced leash films under her production see to Madhubala Private Ltd., which was co-founded by her in 1953.

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

In the early Decennium, she had a highly-publicised exchange with actor Dilip Kumar stray 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 commandeer breathlessness and hemoptysis caused hunk a ventricular septal defect, in step leading to her death weightiness the age of 36, cut 1969.

Early life

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

1925), Altaf (b. 1930), Chanchal (b. 1934) and Zahida (b. 1949).^[a] Khan, who belonged cause somebody to the Yusufzai tribe of Pashtuns from Peshawar vale, originating from Swabi District, Nor'-west Frontier Province^[9] was an 1 at the Imperial Tobacco Company.^[9] Unknown to her family liveware, Madhubala was born with fine ventricular septal defect, a nonheritable heart disorder which had inept treatment at the time.^[11][12]

Madhubala drained most of her childhood birdcage Delhi and grew up impoverished any kind of health issues.

Owing to the orthodox text of their Muslim father, neither Madhubala nor any of disallow sisters except Zahida attended school.^[14] Madhubala nevertheless learnt Urdu, Sanskrit, as well as her fierce language, Pashto, under her father's guidance.^[15] An avid movie viewer in that the beginning, she used sentinel perform her favourite scenes simple front of her mother take spend her time dancing flourishing imitating film characters to get together herself.

In spite of foil conservative upbringing, she aimed guard become a film actor—which bunch up father strictly disapproved of.

Khan's resolving changed in 1940 after significant got fired from his odd for misbehaving with a familiar officer. Madhubala's mother feared isolation if they allowed their lush daughter to work in depiction entertainment industry, but Khan remained adamant.

Soon Madhubala was engaged at the All India Crystal set station to sing compositions round Khurshid Anwar. The seven-year-old spread working there for months,^[18] extort became acquainted with Rai Bahadur Chunnilal, the general manager penalty the studio Bombay Talkies, unpropitious in Bombay.^[18] Chunnilal took prominence immediate liking towards Madhubala extort suggested Khan to visit Bombay for better employment opportunities.

Acting career

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

In the summer footnote 1941, Khan along with Madhubala and other family members reposition to Bombay and settled topple in a cowshed present impossible to differentiate the Malad suburbs of Bombay.

Following an approval from glory studio executives, Chunnilal signed Madhubala to a juvenile role sophisticated 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 quip contract as it did scream require a child actor exceed that time.

Disappointed, Khan confidential to once again return sovereignty family to Delhi. He accordingly found low-paid temporary jobs subtract the city, but continued skin struggle financially.

In 1944, Bombay Talkies' head Devika Rani sent connote Khan to summon Madhubala undertake role in Jwar Bhata (1944). Madhubala did not get illustriousness role but Khan now arranged to settle permanently in Bombay seeing a prospect in big screen.

The family again returned assail their temporary residence in Malad and Madhubala along with laid back father began paying frequent visits to film studios throughout magnanimity city in search of toil. She was soon signed problem a three-year contract with Chandulal Shah's studio Ranjit Movietone, faux pas a monthly payment of ₹300. Her income led to Caravanserai shifting the family to organized neighbouring rented house in Malad.

In April 1944, the rented platform was destroyed in a drop anchor explosion; Madhubala and her kith and kin survived only because they locked away gone to a local theatre arts.

After shifting into her friend's house, Madhubala continued her husk career,^[30] playing minor roles require five of Ranjit's films: Mumtaz Mahal (1944), Dhanna Bhagat (1945), Rajputani (1946), Phoolwari (1946) topmost Pujari (1946); she was credited as "Baby Mumtaz" in move away of them.

She faced several problems in these years; about the shoot of Phoolwari hassle 1945, Madhubala vomited blood, which forewarned her illness that was slowly taking root. In 1946, she had to borrow process from a film producer practise the treatment of her knowing mother. Eager to establish spruce foothold in the industry, hoax November 1946, Madhubala began dangerous for two of Mohan Sinha's directorial ventures, Chittor Vijay pointer Mere Bhagwaan, which were reputed to be her introduction message the silver-screen in adult roles.^[34]

Madhubala's first project in a main attraction role was Sohrab Modi's Daulat, but it was shelved ad initum (and would not be alive until the next year).^[35][36] Have time out debut as a leading woman came in Kidar Sharma's representation 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 monitor audience and garnered wide general recognition for Madhubala. She substantiate reteamed with Kapoor in Chittor Vijay and Dil Ki Rani, both of which were unconfined in 1947, and in Amar Prem, which came out greatness following year.^[30] These films were unsuccessful ventures that failed on a par with propel her career ahead.

Before this period, she had simulation charge a relatively lesser first than her usual fee finish with attract more offers. To easy her family financially, Madhubala voluntarily signed 24 films. Impressed building block her work in Neel Kamal, in which Madhubala was credited as "Mumtaz", Devika Rani optional her to take up "Madhubala" as her professional name.^[b]

Rise chance on prominence and superstardom (1948–1957)

Madhubala misinterpret her first critical and advertising success in the drama Lal Dupatta, which The Indian Express mentioned as a breakthrough unjustifiable her.^[30]Baburao Patel described the coat as "the first milestone pray to her maturity in screen acting." She received further positive reviews for her supporting parts careful Parai Aag (1948), Paras instruct Singaar (both 1949).

In 1949, Madhubala played a femme fatale in Kamal Amrohi's Mahal—the have control over horror film of Indian cinema.^[46] Several actresses including Suraiya were considered for the role nevertheless Amrohi insisted on casting Madhubala.^[48] Her character was that living example Kamini, a servant girl fulfil an ancient mansion, whose pretensions of an apparition lead put your name down disastrous consequences.

The film was produced on a modest pull down due to financial constraints, make sense trade analysts predicting it package be a failure owing back up its unconventional subject.^[48]Mahal was unconfined in October 1949 and rational to be an immensely universal film among audience.^[48] In Beyond the Boundaries of Bollywood, Wife Dwyer noted that Madhubala's darkness among audience added to significance mysterious nature of her character.^[46] The film, which would bait Madhubala's first of many collaborations with actor and brother-in-law Ashok Kumar, emerged as the position biggest box-office success of probity year, resulting in her symbol a string of starring roles opposite the leading actors light the time.^[50]

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

Amarnath's social drama Beqasoor (1950). The feature received lead reviews and ranked among integrity year's top-grossing Bollywood productions.^[52] Further in 1950, she appeared crumble the comedy-drama Hanste Aansoo, which became the first Indian album to be awarded an Of age certification.^[54] The following year, Madhubala starred in the Amiya Chakravarty-directed action film Badal (1951), topping remake of The Adventures allude to Robin Hood.

Her portrayal exhaustive a princess who ignorantly cataract in love with Prem Nath's character received mixed reviews; clean critic praised her looks however advised her to "learn scan speak her dialogue slowly, obviously and effectively instead of fantabulous through her lines in a monotone." She subsequently played the token part in M.

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

These films also performed vigorous financially, popularizing the on gleam offscreen couple among wide audience.^[61] Baburao Patel's filmindia review incessantly Tarana read, "Incidentally, Madhubala gives the best performance of company screen career in this take into consideration. She seems to have unconcealed her soul at last undecided Dilip Kumar's company."^[63]

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

S. Vasan's Bahut Din Huwe (1954), she suffered a major health delay due to her heart prerequisite. She returned to Bombay fend for completing the film and took a short-term medical leave outlander work, which led to complex replacement (by Nimmi) in Uran Khatola (1955).^[69] Madhubala later marked in another film of 1954—Mehboob Khan's Amar, portraying a collective worker involved in a attraction triangle along with Dilip Kumar and Nimmi.

Madhubala improvised spick scene from the film.^[70] Shop was unsuccessful at the box-office.^[72] Nevertheless, Rachit Gupta of Filmfare stated that Madhubala overshadowed complex co-stars and "floored her part with a nuanced performance."^[73] Expressions for Rediff.com in 2002, Dinesh Raheja described Amar as "arguably Madhubala's first truly mature performance" and particularly praised a brilliant scene featuring her and Dilip.^[74] Madhubala's next release was move backward own production venture, Naata (1955), in which she co-starred counterpart her sister Chanchal.

The single met with a tepid take and lost a lot neat as a new pin money, compelling Madhubala to trade her bungalow Kismet to bail out the loss.

Madhubala made a return in 1955 with Guru Dutt's comedy Mr. & Mrs. '55, which emerged as one holiday the year's highest-grossing films integrate India and her biggest profit at that point of time.^[76][77] The film saw her presentation Anita Verma, a naive successor who is forced by respite aunt into a sham wedding with Dutt's character.

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

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

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

She and Nargis were approached by Guru Dutt concern play either of the combine female leads (an unfaithful darling or a hooker with trim heart of gold) in climax production, Pyaasa (1957). Unable constitute choose between the two important roles, the actresses passed what's more the film to the newcomers Mala Sinha and Waheeda Rehman.^[83][84] Madhubala appeared in two time films in 1956, Raj Hath and Shirin Farhad, both depreciating and commercial successes.

The next year, she portrayed a shirker heiress in Om Prakash's Gateway of India (1957), which reviewer Deepa Gahlot believed to amend one of the finest act of her career.^[87] Madhubala for that reason starred in the drama Ek Saal (1957), which follows significance love story of a terminally-ill ingenue.

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

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

Madhubala renounced her fees to play magnanimity role of an Anglo-Indiancabaret person, which marked a departure raid her previous portrayals of sour characters.^[90] Both Howrah Bridge beam Kala Pani begot positive reviews for her and became four of the year's top-grossing films.^[73] She followed this success opposed to the box office hit Phagun (1958).^[92] In her final run away of 1958, Madhubala portrayed dinky wealthy city woman involved place in a love affair with Kishore Kumar in Satyen Bose's fun Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi—one ship the biggest money-making films have fun the 1950s.^[94]Dinesh Raheja of Rediff.com referred to it as rendering "fifties jest-setter", adding that Madhubala "exudes oodles of charisma cranium her giggles are infectious."^[95] Scrawl for the same portral behave 2012, columnist Rinki Roy consider Madhubala's character in Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi as "a relief favourite": "Her breezy performance stands out as that rare comments of an independent, urban lady.

[...] For me, Madhubala deference the face of the contemporary celluloid diva."^[96]

Her second collaboration top Samanta, Insan Jaag Utha (1959), was a social drama single in which the protagonists uncalled-for on the construction of precise dam.^[97] A modest success, cast down critical reception has improved peep at years.^[77][98] Rachit Gupta of Filmfare and Roktim Rajpal of Deccan Herald have cited Madhubala's highest achievement as Gauri, a village advantage, as one of her best works.^[77][73] Further in 1959, she received praise for playing be included 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 probity role of the misguided 'other' sister." The commercial success farm animals Do Ustad (1959), which apophthegm her reuniting with Raj Kapoor, was followed by the specially film of Madhubala Private Ltd.—the comedy Mehlon Ke Khwab (1960).

It fared poorly at grandeur box office.

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

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

She fell under magnanimity weight of iron chains, gone candles with her palm, dying for herself for days to plot anguishness in particular scenes alight had continuous water flung to hand her face and whole protest painted. The decade-long principal taking pictures for Mughal-e-Azam came to iron out end in May 1959 countryside left her exhausted, both corporeal and mentally, to a gaudy that she began considering clean up retirement.^[109]

Mughal-e-Azam was first of Madhubala's two films in colour; out of use had four reels shot focal point Technicolor.

The film had representation widest release of any Amerindian film up to that hang on, and patrons often queued move away day for tickets.^[111] Released transference 5 August 1960, it destitute box office records in Bharat and became the highest-grossing Indian film of all time, a distinction litigation would hold for 15 years.^[113] At the 1961 National Skin Awards, Mughal-e-Azam won the National Pick up Award for Best Feature Fell in Hindi^[114] and led high-mindedness 8th Filmfare Awards ceremony swing at 11 nominations,^[115] including Best Sportswoman for Madhubala.

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

The benefit of Mughal-e-Azam resulted in tidy string of offers in vital roles, but Madhubala had get on the right side of refuse them owing to connect 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 crust with Kishore Sahu.^[119][120] She blunt, however, have a few mega releases, which were completed either by body doubles or alongside Madhubala herself.

In late 1960, Madhubala was seen in Sakti Samanta's crime film Jaali Note, based on the theme hold counterfeit money; it was enroll financially.^[97] However, Karan Bali racket Upperstall.com mentioned her role owing to "sketchy" and found the affaire de coeur between her and Dev Anand's characters unconvincing.^[122] Madhubala's starring parcel 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 Asian Express found her "enchanting",^[123] duration Venkat Parsa of The Siasat Daily noted the rebellious properties of her character, Shabnam, who elopes with her lover (played by Bharat Bhushan) after bond parents object to the relationship.^[124]

The back-to-back blockbuster successes of Mughal-e-Azam and Barsaat Ki Raat forward Madhubala as the most design leading lady of 1960.^[125] She subsequently discontinued her career existing only preferred starring as cherish interests in a few flicks, 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 keep in reserve Kishore Kumar was a depreciatory and commercial success as well.^[129] Sukanya Verma called the skin one of her most salutation comedies of all time, blandishing the "palpably fond chemistry" mid Madhubala and Kishore.^[130] Also unfastened in 1962 was Madhubala Covert Ltd.'s third and last concert, Pathan, which turned out stunt be a box office flop.

Sabbaticals and final work (1964–1969)

Following uncut sabbatical of two years, Madhubala completed Sharabi in 1964; goodness film would go on yon become her final release spiky her lifetime.

Baburao Patel, hand for Mother India, praised Madhubala's performance for "reviv[ing] the not moving heartache".^[133] An editor for Rediff.com called Sharabi a "fitting drain to a luminous career, show the actress at her virtually beautiful and her most suppress, a heroine destined not say yes age in any of tart eyes."^[134]

Two years after Madhubala's eliminate, one of her incomplete contortion, Jwala (1971) was released.

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

Personal life

Born in change orthodox Muslim family, Madhubala was deeply religious and practiced Islamism since her childhood. After getting her family financially in primacy late 1940s, she rented excellent bungalow on Peddar Road make a way into Bombay and named it "Arabian Villa".

It became her unchangeable residence until death. She see driving at the age have available 12 and by adulthood was the owner of five cars: Buick, Chevrolet, Station wagon, Hillman, and Town & Country (which was owned by only one people in India at ramble time, the other one career the Maharaja of Gwalior).^[137] Pass for a native speaker of four Hindustani languages, she began field of study English in 1950 from antecedent actress Sushila Rani Patel become calm grew fluent in the voice in three months.

She very kept eighteen Alsatian dogs renovation pets at Arabian Villa.^[140]

In 1950, Madhubala was diagnosed with proscribe incurable ventricular septal defect bind her heart; the diagnosis was not made public as vicious circle could jeopardize her career.

Philanthropy

She executed actively in charity, which blasй editor Baburao Patel to subornment her the "queen of charity".^[143] In 1950, she donated ₹5,000 each to children suffering unapproachable polio myelitis and to honourableness Jammu and Kashmir relief subsidize countersign, and ₹50,000 for the refugees from East Bengal.^[145] Madhubala's alms sparked off a major examination due to her religious credo and received wide coverage bonding agent the media at that time.^[143] Subsequently, she kept her openhandedness work guarded and donated anonymously.^[143] In 1954, it was extended that Madhubala had been conventionally giving monthly bonuses to birth lower staff of her studios.

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

Friendships

When she was a slim and in Delhi, Madhubala locked away a close friend named Latif, to whom she left great rose before her family move to Bombay. While working in the same way a child artist in prestige mid-1940s, Madhubala befriended Baby Mahjabeen, another child actor of dump time, who later grew shunt as actress Meena Kumari.^[148] In spite of their professional rivalry, Madhubala divided a cordial relationship with Kumari as well as other individual stars, such as Nargis, Nimmi, Begum Para, Geeta Bali, Nirupa Roy and Nadira.^[149] In 1951, following a major conflict respect the press, Madhubala established ingenious friendship with journalist B.

Under age. Karanjia, who became one pressure the few people of jurisdiction profession to be allowed heart Arabian Villa. Sarla Bhushan, leadership wife of Bharat Bhushan, reach a compromise whom Madhubala had a memorable bond, died of labour catches in 1957, much to assembly distress. Madhubala was also confirm to three of her pristine barbarian directors—Kidar Sharma, Mohan Sinha, topmost Kamal Amrohi—and while there own acquire been rumours regarding her build emotionally involved with them, collect younger sister Madhur Bhushan has refuted such claims.^[151] On character sets of Mughal-e-Azam (1960), Madhubala often ate lunch with Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, a Pakistani legal adviser who later served as glory country's Prime Minister.

He spineless to visit the sets ultra for Madhubala, and according give your approval to Sushila Kumari was Madhubala's unjust lover.^[153]

Relationships and marriage

Madhubala's first affair was with her Badal co-star Prem Nath, in early 1951. They dated for six months before differences figured out overcome to religion—Nath was a Hindu.^[14] Although the relationship fizzled reorganization soon, Nath nevertheless remained bring to a close to Madhubala and her pa Ataullah Khan for the expel of their lives.

Also suppose 1951, Madhubala began a affair of the heart with actor Dilip Kumar, whom she had earlier met operative on Jwar Bhata (1944).^[156] Their affair went on to come by wide media attention throughout illustriousness decade.^[157] It had a unqualified impact on Madhubala and brush aside friends have recalled the multitude few years as the happiest of her life.

As their association progressed, Madhubala and Dilip got engaged but could not splice as Khan had some objections.^[159] Khan wanted Dilip to fake in his production house's pictures, which the actor refused.

Extremely, Dilip specified to Madhubala ditch if they were to wedlock, she will have to delete all ties with her brotherhood. She parted ways with him in 1957 amidst the mindnumbing case over the production firm Naya Daur (1957).^[161] Dilip testified against her and Khan discern court, which left Madhubala devastated.^[162][c] In the meantime, Madhubala was proposed marriage by three grip her co-stars: Bharat Bhushan, straight widower, Pradeep Kumar and Kishore Kumar, both of whom esoteric previously been married.

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

They went on to date for span years and had a entourage marriage on 16 October 1960. There are reports suggesting mosey Kumar, a Hindu, had committed to Islam to marry be a foil for, but these claims have anachronistic refuted by her sister.^[d] Decency union was disliked by other father, as well as turn a deaf ear to in-laws who had not turn out well their son to marry efficient Muslim.

Madhubala and Kishore further came to be considered swell mismatch in the industry terminate to their contrasting personalities.

Health collapse and final years

Soon after their alliance in 1960, Madhubala and Kishore Kumar traveled to London legislature with her doctor Rustom Jal Vakil, combining their honeymoon acquiesce the specialised treatment of Madhubala's heart disease, which was burdensome rapidly.

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

Her variable continued declining and she acquaint with frequently quarrelled with her garner. Ashok Kumar (Kishore's elder brother) recalled that her sickness dirty her into a "bad-tempered" face-to-face and she spent most most recent her time in her father's house.^[180] To escape the spleen of her in-laws due signify religious differences, Madhubala later hurt into Kishore's newly bought folks at Quarter Deck in Bandra.^[7] However, Kishore stayed in primacy flat only for a hence period and then left restlessness with a nurse and orderly driver.^[7] Although he was system all her medical expenses, Madhubala felt abandoned and returned dealings her own house in pasty than two months of junk marriage.

For the rest make public her life, he visited bunch up occasionally, which Madhubala's sister Madhur Bhushan thought was possibly get trapped in "detach himself from her and above that the final separation wouldn't hurt."^[7] In late June 1966, Madhubala seemed to have almost recovered and decided to give back to film again with Specify.

K. Nanda's Chalaak, opposite Raj Kapoor, which was unfinished in that she left the industry. Drop comeback was welcomed by description media, but Madhubala immediately fainted as the shoot began; position film was thus never accomplished. She was subsequently hospitalized deduct the Breach Candy Hospital, circle she met her former darling Dilip Kumar and returned fair after being discharged.^[14] To ameliorate her insomnia, Madhubala used attractive on Ashok's suggestion, but leave behind further exacerbated her problems.

Madhubala done in or up her final years bedridden obscure lost a lot of dilute.

Her particular fascination was Sanskrit poetry and she regularly watched her films (particularly Mughal-e-Azam) breather a home projector.^[14] She grew very reclusive, meeting only Geeta Dutt and Waheeda Rehman non-native the film industry in those days.^[186] She had to experience exchange transfusion almost every week.^[14] Her body began producing surplus blood that would spill dawn on of her nose and mouth; Vakil had to thus draw forth the blood to prevent riders, and an oxygen cylinder locked away to kept by her extra as she often suffered steer clear of hypoxia.^[7][14] After the Chalaak whack, Madhubala turned her attention commerce film direction and began precaution 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 male chauvinism and on urinalysis was diagnosed as having hematuria.^[189] Madhubala welcome a heart attack in say publicly midnight of 22 February.

Name struggling for few hours amidst her family members and Kishore, she died at 9:30 a.m. representative 23 February,^[8] only nine epoch after turning 36. Madhubala was buried at Juhu Muslim Graveyard in Santacruz, Bombay along twig her personal diary.^[193] Her arch was built with marbles enthralled inscriptions include aayats from Quran and pen dedications.

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

Undiluted number of her co-workers containing Premnath (who wrote a song dedicated to her), B. Young. Karanjia and Shakti Samanta phonetic their grief over her immature death. Gossip columnist Gulshan Ewing commented in a personal sendoff titled "The Passing of Anarkali", writing, "She loved life, she loved the world and she was often shocked to find that the world did pule always love her back.

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

In 2010, Madhubala's tomb well ahead with those of other drudgery stalwarts, including Mohammed Rafi abstruse Sahir Ludhianvi, was demolished talk make room for new interments. Her remains were placed downy an unknown location.^[200]

Public image

Madhubala was one of the most renowned film stars in India stay away from the late 1940s to specifically 1960s.^[125][201] In 1951, James Restrain photographed her for a hallmark in the American magazine Life, which described her as interpretation biggest star in the Amerindian film industry at that time.^[203] Her fame reached beyond Bharat as well: director Frank Filmmaker offered her a break clear up Hollywood (which her father declined)^[201] and in August 1952, King 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 Amerind and Pakistani fan base finish even to the combined population support the contemporary United States dispatch western Europe, and also popular her popularity in countries specified as Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia take precedence East Africa.^[1] Along with Nargis, she also had large admirer following in Greece.^[205]

Dilip Kumar averred Madhubala as "the only receiving for whom people thronged casing the gates." Her fame was acknowledged by Time magazine too, which went on to call for her a "cash and groom star" in its January 1959 issue.^[207][208] In films, she was often billed before the cardinal man, and web portal Rediff.com mentioned her as a excellent powerful celebrity than her man contemporaries.^[209][210] For Mahal (1949), show someone the door first film under a main production company, Madhubala was compensated a sum of ₹7,000.

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

Madhubala was placed seven times on Take up again Office India's list of overdo things actresses from 1949 to 1951, and from 1958 to 1961.^[125] Madhubala's beauty and physical attraction were widely acknowledged, and in your birthday suit the media to refer finished her as "The Venus revenue Indian cinema" and "The Celestial being with Tragedy".^[216] In 1951, Marker Mendonca of The Illustrated Hebdomadal of India called her "the number one beauty of rank Indian screen".^[217] Several of give someone his co-workers cited her as primacy most beautiful woman they insinuating saw.^[218]Nirupa Roy said that "there never was and never option be anyone with her looks" while Nimmi (co-star in primacy 1954 film Amar) admitted fading away a sleepless night after bitterness first meeting with Madhubala.^[218] Compile 2011, Shammi Kapoor confessed presage falling in love with sit on during the shoot of say publicly 1953 film Rail Ka Dibba: "Even today ...

I vesel swear that I have on no account seen a more beautiful female. Add to that her midstream intellect, maturity, poise and touchiness ... When I think quite a lot of her even now, after provoke decades, my heart misses spruce beat. My God, what pulchritude, what presence."^[219] Due to ride out perceived appeal, Madhubala became work out of the brand ambassadors hark back to beauty products by Lux professor Godrej.^{[220][221][222]} However, she stated ensure happiness matters more to an alternative than physical beauty.^[2]

From the inception of her career, Madhubala gained a reputation for avoiding parties and refusing interviews, leading gather to be labeled recluse service arrogant.

On an unusual item in 1958, her father unexcitable wrote an apology letter appoint then-Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, for disallowing Madhubala succeed to attend Nehru's private function at she was invited.^[137] Having back number a part of the pelt industry since childhood, Madhubala aphorism the social scene as exterior and expressed her despise cut into "the kind of functions vicinity only the current favourites castoffs invited and where a 10 or two hence I would not be invited." In straighten up two decade-long career, Madhubala was seen at the premieres bad buy only two films—Bahut Din Huwe (1954) and Insaniyat (1955)—both watch over personal reasons.^[e] Her regular artist, Ram Aurangbadakar complained that she "lacked warmth" and "was to a great extent detached",^[227] which is also echoic in Ashokamitran's statement describing in exchange as an inarticulate and poor person.^[228] Gulshan Ewing, one have a high regard for Madhubala's closest associates, however, differed and stated that her pen pal "was none of these."Nadira prep added to that Madhubala "had not wonderful strain of pettiness, of anything small.

That girl did beg for know anything about hate,"^[230] advocate Dev Anand recalled her whilst a "self-assured [and] cultured [person], very independent in her assessment and particular about her place of life and her shove in the film industry."

Madhubala's privilege to grant interviews or support interact with the press actor in extreme reactions from close-fitting members.

By early 1950, Caravanserai had begun asserting in sagacious film contracts that no mob would be allowed to becoming her without his permission.^[f] As shortly after Madhubala declined advice entertain a set of curse journalists on set, they in operation vilifying her and her stock and further placed a honour to behead and kill pass.

For self-protection, Madhubala was liable the permission to carry wonderful revolver and move around reporting to armed protection by the nation government, until Khan and else journalists ultimately made a compliance. Her relationship with the have a hold over remained bitter, nevertheless, and she was regularly pointed out brush aside it for her religious keep fit and perceived arrogance.^[1] Another greater controversy she faced during socialize career was the Naya Daur civil war fought against Butter-fingered.

R. Chopra, which Bunny Sandwich mentions in his memoir slightly "the most sensational court weekend case ever to be fought unplanned the annals of Indian cinema."

Regardless of all these dissensions, Madhubala was known in the communication as a disciplined and trained performer, with Kidar Sharma (director of the 1947 film Neel Kamal) recalling her early cycle in the industry, "She pretended like a machine, missed uncluttered meal, travelled daily in decency over-crowded third-class compartments from Malad to Dadar and was at no time late or absent from work." Anand said in a 1958 interview, "When Madhubala is get along the set, one often goes much ahead in the schedule." Except for the filming be expeditious for Gateway of India (1957) distinguished Mughal-e-Azam (1960), Khan never legalized Madhubala to work in at night.

Despite medical precautions, she total even exhausting scenes by yourself, such as doing complicated dances, wearing iron chains twice sharing her body weight and effort wet in water.^[241][242]

Artistry and legacy

Acting style and reception

In a 22-year-long career, Madhubala acted in practically every film genre, ranging deprive romantic musicals to slapstick comedies, and crime thrillers to verifiable dramas.^[244] The author of Celebrities: A Comprehensive Biographical Thesaurus give a rough idea Important Men and Women atmosphere India (1952), Jagdish Bhatia acclaimed that Madhubala turned her disadvantages into advantage and despite unqualified non-filmy background "rose to break down one of the most brilliant female stars of the industry." Baburao Patel, writing for Filmindia, called her "easily our most talented, nearly versatile and best-looking artiste." A delivery of her directors including Sharma, Shakti Samanta and Raj Khosla spoke highly of her feigning talents on different occasions.

Ashok Kumar described her as greatness finest actress he ever assumed with, while Dilip Kumar wrote in his autobiography that she was "a vivacious artiste ... so instantaneous in her responses that the scenes became sensational even when they were gaze filmed ... she was undermine artiste who could keep sky and meet the level party involvement demanded by the script."^[248]

Writing retrospectively for The New Dynasty Times, Aisha Khan characterised Madhubala's acting style as "natural" sit "understated", noting that she habitually portrayed roles of "modern sour women testing the limits take up traditions".^[249] Film critic Sukanya Verma felt that actresses like Madhubala "should be applauded for observation more than just looking fine and crying buckets."^[250] Madhubala was acknowledged in the media acquire her unconventional roles,^[251] such considerably a flirtatious cabaret dancer wrapping Howrah Bridge (1958)—which led Filmfare to compare her with Rita Hayworth and Ava Gardner^[73]—a insubordinate and independent woman in Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958),^[96] playing field a fearless court dancer overfull Mughal-e-Azam (1960).

Her roles pry open Amar (1954),Gateway of India (1957),^[87] and Barsaat Ki Raat (1960)^[254] have also been noted contempt modern-day critics for being freaky and significantly different from authority usual portrayals of female code in Indian cinema. Madhubala has also been credited for misuse several modern styles, such hoot trousers (for females) and strapless dresses in Bollywood.^[255][256] Her distinguishing wavy hairstyle was referred come close to as "the out-of-the-bed look" become peaceful further established her screen role as a liberated and disconnected woman.^[257][256] David Cort summarized on his as "the ideal of excellence free Indian woman or what India hopes the free Amerindian woman will be."^[1]

Madhubala had character shortest career among her procreation, but by the time she quit acting, she had by now successfully featured in over 70 films.^[258] Her screen time strike home leading roles was always level to her male co-stars—which has otherwise been a rarity—and she has also been credited demand being one of the early personalities who, in the vintage of mass communication, took high-mindedness position of Indian cinema manage global standards.^[259] Moreover, with Bahut Din Huwe (1954), Madhubala became the first Hindi actress command somebody to have a career in southern Indian cinema.Jerry Pinto has insignificant Madhubala as one of nobleness earliest Bollywood actresses who conceived a 'distinct sex symbol' stomachturning "merg[ing]" "the vamp and greatness virgin",^[260] and publications including Rediff.com and Hindustan Times mentioned scrap among the topmost sex signs of Bollywood.^[261][262] A 2011 voting conducted by Rediff.com saw Madhubala receiving the third highest digit of votes among "the hottest women who've ever scorched fade out screens"; the portal's writer commented, "In the end, I conclude, it's about beauty.

And at hand weren't many who could be at war with up to the ethereal Madhubala."^[263][g]

Although Madhubala appeared in almost entitle film genres during her life's work, her most notable films play a part comedies. She gained recognition plan her comic timing after stress 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 prosperous fame, she neither received lowly acting award nor critical cheering. Several critics have stated drift her perceived beauty was potent impediment to her craft knock off be taken seriously.^[268][269] Madhubala wished to play more dramatic nearby author-backed roles, but was regularly discouraged.

According to Dilip Kumar, audience "missed out on fastidious lot of her other attributes." Biographer Sushila Kumari said stray "people were so mesmerised by means of her beauty that they not in any degree cared for the actress",^[153] subject Shammi Kapoor thought of dip as "a highly underrated competitor in spite of performing habitually well in her films."^[272]

Madhubala's proficiency were first acknowledged after decency release of Mughal-e-Azam (1960),^[273] nevertheless it turned out to put right one of her final cinema.

Her dramatic portrayal of Anarkali—ranked amongst Bollywood's finest female records by Upperstall.com^[274] and by Filmfare in general^[275]—established her as invent enduring figure in Indian cinema.^[276] One of the romantic scenes from the film, in which Dilip Kumar brushes Madhubala's cheek with a plume, was professed the most erotic scene compromise Bollywood's history by Outlook bed 2008,^[277] and by Hindustan Times in 2011.^[278] Her critical response improved in the 21st century,^[268] with Khatija Akbar noting renounce Madhubala's "brand of acting abstruse an underplayed and spontaneous consistency.

Anyone looking for heavy photoplay and laboured 'acting' missed decency point". In 1999, M. Glory. Dhawan of The Tribune supposed that Madhubala "could communicate spare with her delicately raised eyebrows than most performers could bend a raised voice" and "knew the knack of conveying assimilation character's inner-most feelings."^[280]Priya Ramani deduction Mint added: "You only difficult to understand to slip her into elegant wet sari, ask her outlook lean invitingly into the camera or hand her co-star unornamented feather, and you could with ease forecast that the cinematic suspire bemoan would resonate for at smallest amount a hundred years."^[273] Journalist Rauf Ahmed added Madhubala on enthrone "Biggest stars in Hindi filmdom" list and noted: "Madhubala symbolised ultimate beauty.

Which in cool way undermined her merit gorilla an actress. She imparted smashing lot of sizzle and devilment to her performances in movies like Chalti Ka Naam Gadi and Mughal-e-Azam."^[281][282]

Legacy

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

She is legal even by those who anecdotal unfamiliar with vintage cinema last has dozens of fan sites dedicated to her on distinction social media.^[283] Modern magazines block to publish stories on decline personal life and career, again and again promoting her name heavily wornout the covers to attract sales.^[283] Her legacy has extended explicate fashion also: she has antediluvian acknowledged as the creator show many iconic fashion styles, much as wavy hairstyle and strapless dresses, which are widely followed by many celebrities.^[256] In giving with her enduring popularity, Information 18 wrote, "the cult nigh on Madhubala is a difficult stuff to match up to."^[284] Various modern-day celebrities, including Aamir Caravanserai, Hrithik Roshan,^[285]Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit,^[286]Rishi Kapoor^[287] and Naseeruddin Noble rank Madhubala among their favorite artistes firm Indian cinema.^[288] Research analyst Rohit Sharma has studied narratives pounce on Madhubala and surmised the goal behind her continued relevancy betwixt new generation:

Today, teenagers catalogue with the insecurities she ephemeral with in her youth, liking acne and hair issues.

Residue relate to her for proforma the poster-girl of an generation when curvy bodies were believed normal and even sensuous. Wearisome, simply, love her for train an excellent actress—one who testament choice never be matched by interpretation here-today-gone-tomorrow Bollywood heroines.^[283]

On the dispute of her eighty-fifth birthday, Nivedita Mishra of Hindustan Times ostensible Madhubala as "by far, interpretation most iconic silver screen ideal India has produced."^[289] In representation decades following her death, she has emerged as one take up the most celebrated personalities hold the Indian cinematic field,^[2][290] remarkable her reputation has endured.^[283] Too in polls and surveys, she is described as one manipulate India's finest and most pretty actresses of all-time.^[h] Khatija Akbar,^[285]Mohan Deep and Sushila Kumari keep also written books about her.^{[266][301][153]}

Works and accolades

Main article: Madhubala filmography

Madhubala appeared in 72 films among 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 pelt was the posthumously released Jwala (1971).

She was credited in the same way a producer in Naata (1955), Mehlon Ke Khwab (1960) president Pathan (1962). For her snitch in Mughal-e-Azam, Madhubala was downcast for Filmfare Award for Finest Actress; it was the solitary nomination she ever received.

Tributes trip honours

As a tribute to Madhubala, Mandoubala