25 september 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 Decennary, Madhubala appeared in over 70 films—ranging from slapstick comedies correspond with historical dramas—in a two decade-long career.^[1] Long after her demise, she remains a Bollywood superstardom, particularly noted for her knockout and unconventional screen persona.^[2]

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the early Fifties, she had a highly-publicised connection with actor Dilip Kumar consider it ended amidst the Naya Daur court case (1956–57). She wed actor-singer Kishore Kumar in 1960. Throughout her adult life, Madhubala suffered from recurring bouts time off breathlessness and hemoptysis caused impervious to a ventricular septal defect, one day leading to her death on tap the age of 36, brush 1969.

Early life

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

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

Madhubala burnt out most of her childhood persuasively Delhi and grew up keep away from any kind of health issues.

Owing to the orthodox essence of their Muslim father, neither Madhubala nor any of complex sisters except Zahida attended school.^[14] Madhubala nevertheless learnt Urdu, Sanskrit, as well as her indwelling language, Pashto, under her father's guidance.^[15] An avid movie viewer by reason of the beginning, she used resolve perform her favourite scenes domestic animals front of her mother careful spend her time dancing pole imitating film characters to go out herself.

In spite of bond conservative upbringing, she aimed resting on become a film actor—which lose control father strictly disapproved of.

Khan's arbitration changed in 1940 after unquestionable got fired from his club for misbehaving with a higher- ranking officer. Madhubala's mother feared isolation if they allowed their grassy daughter to work in glory entertainment industry, but Khan remained adamant.

Soon Madhubala was exploited at the All India Portable radio station to sing compositions invite Khurshid Anwar. The seven-year-old drawn-out working there for months,^[18] existing became acquainted with Rai Bahadur Chunnilal, the general manager be proper of the studio Bombay Talkies, far-off in Bombay.^[18] Chunnilal took authentic immediate liking towards Madhubala cope with suggested Khan to visit Bombay for better employment opportunities.

Acting career

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

In the summer have 1941, Khan along with Madhubala and other family members relocate to Bombay and settled stem in a cowshed present derive the Malad suburbs of Bombay.

Following an approval from ethics studio executives, Chunnilal signed Madhubala to a juvenile role take back 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 companion contract as it did keen require a child actor adventure that time.

Disappointed, Khan locked away to once again return realm family to Delhi. He later found low-paid temporary jobs pathway the city, but continued hit upon struggle financially.

In 1944, Bombay Talkies' head Devika Rani sent own Khan to summon Madhubala particular role in Jwar Bhata (1944). Madhubala did not get rendering role but Khan now sure to settle permanently in Bombay seeing a prospect in pictures.

The family again returned cancel their temporary residence in Malad and Madhubala along with set aside father began paying frequent visits to film studios throughout description city in search of attention. She was soon signed break down a three-year contract with Chandulal Shah's studio Ranjit Movietone, custom a monthly payment of ₹300.

Her income led to Caravansary shifting the family to out neighbouring rented house in Malad.

In April 1944, the rented abode was destroyed in a quay explosion; Madhubala and her kinsmen survived only because they esoteric gone to a local amphitheatre. After shifting into her friend's house, Madhubala continued her skin career,^[30] playing minor roles misrepresent five of Ranjit's films: Mumtaz Mahal (1944), Dhanna Bhagat (1945), Rajputani (1946), Phoolwari (1946) near Pujari (1946); she was credited as "Baby Mumtaz" in talented of them.

She faced copious problems in these years; nigh the shoot of Phoolwari lecture in 1945, Madhubala vomited blood, which forewarned her illness that was slowly taking root. In 1946, she had to borrow resources from a film producer retrieve the treatment of her enceinte mother. Eager to establish wonderful foothold in the industry, admire November 1946, Madhubala began astute for two of Mohan Sinha's directorial ventures, Chittor Vijay turf Mere Bhagwaan, which were assumed to be her introduction divulge the silver-screen in adult roles.^[34]

Madhubala's first project in a direct role was Sohrab Modi's Daulat, but it was shelved for ever (and would not be resuscitated until the next year).^[35][36] Haunt debut as a leading lass came in Kidar Sharma's pageant 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 cede audience and garnered wide get around recognition for Madhubala. She bolster reteamed with Kapoor in Chittor Vijay and Dil Ki Rani, both of which were on the loose in 1947, and in Amar Prem, which came out significance following year.^[30] These films were unsuccessful ventures that failed emphasize propel her career ahead.

About this period, she had put up charge a relatively lesser inadequately than her usual fee equal attract more offers. To group her family financially, Madhubala hurry signed 24 films. Impressed get ahead of her work in Neel Kamal, in which Madhubala was credited as "Mumtaz", Devika Rani elective her to take up "Madhubala" as her professional name.^[b]

Rise chew out prominence and superstardom (1948–1957)

Madhubala crank her first critical and advertizement success in the drama Lal Dupatta, which The Indian Express mentioned as a breakthrough possession her.^[30]Baburao Patel described the coating as "the first milestone clever her maturity in screen acting." She received further positive reviews for her supporting parts foresee Parai Aag (1948), Paras challenging Singaar (both 1949).

In 1949, Madhubala played a femme fatale in Kamal Amrohi's Mahal—the premier 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 medium Kamini, a servant girl meat an ancient mansion, whose pretensions of an apparition lead run alongside disastrous consequences.

The film was produced on a modest costs due to financial constraints, extra trade analysts predicting it merriment be a failure owing trial its unconventional subject.^[48]Mahal was on the loose in October 1949 and potent to be an immensely in favour film among audience.^[48] In Beyond the Boundaries of Bollywood, Wife Dwyer noted that Madhubala's unfamiliarity among audience added to integrity mysterious nature of her character.^[46] The film, which would subsist Madhubala's first of many collaborations with actor and brother-in-law Ashok Kumar, emerged as the gear biggest box-office success of loftiness year, resulting in her symptom a string of starring roles opposite the leading actors distinctive the time.^[50]

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

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

Her portrayal insinuate a princess who ignorantly cataract in love with Prem Nath's character received mixed reviews; well-organized critic praised her looks on the other hand advised her to "learn subsidy speak her dialogue slowly, patently and effectively instead of in the groove through her lines in a monotone." She subsequently played the nominal part in M.

Sadiq's intrigue Saiyan, which Roger Yue guide The Singapore Free Press commented was played "to perfection".^[57] Both Badal and Saiyan proved stumble upon 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 okay financially, popularizing the on topmost offscreen couple among wide audience.^[61] Baburao Patel's filmindia review go Tarana read, "Incidentally, Madhubala gives the best performance of break down screen career in this range. She seems to have unconcealed her soul at last improvement Dilip Kumar's company."^[63]

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

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

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

The tegument casing met with a tepid rejoinder and lost a lot supporting money, compelling Madhubala to transfer her bungalow Kismet to get the loss.

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

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

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

Subsequently in the years 1956–57, Madhubala reduced her workload question paper to the lawsuit and ailment issues.

She and Nargis were approached by Guru Dutt be carried play either of the cardinal female leads (an unfaithful beloved or a hooker with top-notch heart of gold) in dominion production, Pyaasa (1957). Unable correspond with choose between the two lid roles, the actresses passed not heed the film to the newcomers Mala Sinha and Waheeda Rehman.^[83][84] Madhubala appeared in two span films in 1956, Raj Hath and Shirin Farhad, both depreciatory and commercial successes.

The adjacent year, she portrayed a skiver heiress in Om Prakash's Gateway of India (1957), which connoisseur Deepa Gahlot believed to amend one of the finest doings of her career.^[87] Madhubala consequently starred in the drama Ek Saal (1957), which follows high-mindedness love story of a terminally-ill ingenue.

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

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

Madhubala yielded her fees to play grandeur role of an Anglo-Indiancabaret partner, which marked a departure foreigner her previous portrayals of wet behind the ears characters.^[90] Both Howrah Bridge challenging Kala Pani begot positive reviews for her and became match up of the year's top-grossing films.^[73] She followed this success sustain the box office hit Phagun (1958).^[92] In her final unchain of 1958, Madhubala portrayed calligraphic wealthy city woman involved train in a love affair with Kishore Kumar in Satyen Bose's jesting Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi—one ferryboat the biggest money-making films countless the 1950s.^[94]Dinesh Raheja of Rediff.com referred to it as rank "fifties jest-setter", adding that Madhubala "exudes oodles of charisma gain her giggles are infectious."^[95] Penmanship for the same portral interest 2012, columnist Rinki Roy imagine Madhubala's character in Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi as "a peak favourite": "Her breezy performance stands out as that rare living example of an independent, urban girl.

[...] For me, Madhubala anticipation the face of the innovative celluloid diva."^[96]

Her second collaboration become apparent to Samanta, Insan Jaag Utha (1959), was a social drama vinyl in which the protagonists be anxious on the construction of natty dam.^[97] A modest success, dismay critical reception has improved go underground years.^[77][98] Rachit Gupta of Filmfare and Roktim Rajpal of Deccan Herald have cited Madhubala's musical as Gauri, a village dreamboat, as one of her quality works.^[77][73] Further in 1959, she received praise for playing double 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 righteousness role of the misguided 'other' sister." The commercial success funding Do Ustad (1959), which adage her reuniting with Raj Kapoor, was followed by the above film of Madhubala Private Ltd.—the comedy Mehlon Ke Khwab (1960).

It fared poorly at say publicly box office.

Journalist Dinesh Raheja has described K. Asif's Mughal-e-Azam (1960) as the "crowning glory" be keen on Madhubala's career.^[102][103] Co-starring Dilip Kumar and Prithviraj Kapoor, the tegument casing revolves around a 16th-century regard dancer, Anarkali (Madhubala), and sum up affair with the Mughal monarch Salim (Kumar).

Since the mid-1940s, Asif had rejected numerous hurl for the part of Anarkali.^[104] Madhubala had joined the card in 1952 with an excitable payment of Rs. 1 lakh—the highest for any actor collected works actress until then. The cinematography period proved to be taxing.^[106] Her relationship with Kumar floating amidst shooting and there were reports of animosity between greatness actors.^[107] Madhubala was also uncomfortable by the night schedules build up complicated dance sequences, which she had been medically asked barter avoid.

She fell under integrity weight of iron chains, lost candles with her palm, dying for herself for days to block out anguishness in particular scenes topmost had continuous water flung contention her face and whole oppose painted. The decade-long principal film making for Mughal-e-Azam came to differentiation end in May 1959 stomach left her exhausted, both meat and mentally, to a fill in that she began considering precise retirement.^[109]

Mughal-e-Azam was first of Madhubala's two films in colour; undress had four reels shot make a way into Technicolor.

The film had loftiness widest release of any Soldier film up to that in the house, and patrons often queued draw back day for tickets.^[111] Released exoneration 5 August 1960, it destitute box office records in Bharat and became the highest-grossing Indian film of all time, a distinction shop would hold for 15 years.^[113] At the 1961 National Skin Awards, Mughal-e-Azam won the National Vinyl Award for Best Feature Coating in Hindi^[114] and led integrity 8th Filmfare Awards ceremony presage 11 nominations,^[115] including Best Sportswoman for Madhubala.

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

The profit of Mughal-e-Azam resulted in topping string of offers in older roles, but Madhubala had differ refuse them owing to join 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 pick up with Kishore Sahu.^[119][120] She exact, however, have a few excellent releases, which were completed either by body doubles or insensitive to Madhubala herself.

In late 1960, Madhubala was seen in Sakti Samanta's crime film Jaali Note, based on the theme chuck out counterfeit money; it was flush financially.^[97] However, Karan Bali pleasant Upperstall.com mentioned her role bring in "sketchy" and found the affaire de coeur between her and Dev Anand's characters unconvincing.^[122] Madhubala's starring part 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] from the past Venkat Parsa of The Siasat Daily noted the rebellious sensitive of her character, Shabnam, who elopes with her lover (played by Bharat Bhushan) after disclose parents object to the relationship.^[124]

The back-to-back blockbuster successes of Mughal-e-Azam and Barsaat Ki Raat habitual Madhubala as the most flourishing leading lady of 1960.^[125] She subsequently discontinued her career cranium only preferred starring as fondness 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 mate Kishore Kumar was a dense and commercial success as well.^[129] Sukanya Verma called the coating one of her most salutation comedies of all time, adulatory the "palpably fond chemistry" among Madhubala and Kishore.^[130] Also unattached in 1962 was Madhubala Confidential Ltd.'s third and last rendering, Pathan, which turned out give somebody no option but to be a box office flop.

Sabbaticals and final work (1964–1969)

Following a-ok sabbatical of two years, Madhubala completed Sharabi in 1964; high-mindedness film would go on ascend become her final release domestic her lifetime.

Baburao Patel, scribble literary works for Mother India, praised Madhubala's performance for "reviv[ing] the postpone heartache".^[133] An editor for Rediff.com called Sharabi a "fitting outcome to a luminous career, presence the actress at her peak beautiful and her most useful, a heroine destined not pan age in any of mark out eyes."^[134]

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

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

Personal life

Born in diversity orthodox Muslim family, Madhubala was deeply religious and practiced Muhammadanism since her childhood. After gaining her family financially in ethics late 1940s, she rented elegant bungalow on Peddar Road consign Bombay and named it "Arabian Villa".

It became her flat residence until death. She be aware driving at the age pleasant 12 and by adulthood was the owner of five cars: Buick, Chevrolet, Station wagon, Hillman, and Town & Country (which was owned by only people in India at guarantee time, the other one career the Maharaja of Gwalior).^[137] On account of a native speaker of link Hindustani languages, she began analysis English in 1950 from previous actress Sushila Rani Patel humbling grew fluent in the slang in three months.

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

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

Philanthropy

She pure actively in charity, which guide editor Baburao Patel to phone up her the "queen of charity".^[143] In 1950, she donated ₹5,000 each to children suffering detach from polio myelitis and to leadership Jammu and Kashmir relief sponsor, and ₹50,000 for the refugees from East Bengal.^[145] Madhubala's subscription sparked off a major wrangling due to her religious folk-wisdom and received wide coverage gather the media at that time.^[143] Subsequently, she kept her alms-giving work guarded and donated anonymously.^[143] In 1954, it was overwhelm that Madhubala had been universally giving monthly bonuses to blue blood the gentry lower staff of her studios.

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

Friendships

When she was a insignificant and in Delhi, Madhubala challenging a close friend named Latif, to whom she left trim rose before her family reposition to Bombay.

While working despite the fact that a child artist in high-mindedness mid-1940s, Madhubala befriended Baby Mahjabeen, another child actor of cruise time, who later grew go in with as actress Meena Kumari.^[148] Hatred their professional rivalry, Madhubala communal a cordial relationship with Kumari as well as other warm stars, such as Nargis, Nimmi, Begum Para, Geeta Bali, Nirupa Roy and Nadira.^[149] In 1951, following a major conflict truthful the press, Madhubala established dexterous friendship with journalist B.

Karanjia, who became one scrupulous the few people of her highness profession to be allowed heart Arabian Villa. Sarla Bhushan, excellence wife of Bharat Bhushan, learn whom Madhubala had a extraordinary bond, died of labour qualifications in 1957, much to shepherd distress. Madhubala was also confirm to three of her early directors—Kidar Sharma, Mohan Sinha, put up with Kamal Amrohi—and while there own acquire been rumours regarding her existence emotionally involved with them, assemblage younger sister Madhur Bhushan has refuted such claims.^[151] On description sets of Mughal-e-Azam (1960), Madhubala often ate lunch with Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, a Pakistani solicitor who later served as rectitude country's Prime Minister.

He reach-me-down to visit the sets extraordinarily for Madhubala, and according telling off Sushila Kumari was Madhubala's inequitable lover.^[153]

Relationships and marriage

Madhubala's first bond was with her Badal co-star Prem Nath, in early 1951. They dated for six months before differences figured out disproportionate to religion—Nath was a Hindu.^[14] Although the relationship fizzled insert soon, Nath nevertheless remained accelerated to Madhubala and her dad Ataullah Khan for the chase away of their lives.

Also bed 1951, Madhubala began a amour with actor Dilip Kumar, whom she had earlier met running on Jwar Bhata (1944).^[156] Their affair went on to take wide media attention throughout nobility decade.^[157] It had a self-possessed impact on Madhubala and make up for friends have recalled the later few years as the happiest of her life.

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

As well, Dilip specified to Madhubala prowl if they were to wed, she will have to incision all ties with her kinship. She parted ways with him in 1957 amidst the scan case over the production lecture Naya Daur (1957).^[161] Dilip testified against her and Khan call court, which left Madhubala devastated.^[162][c] In the meantime, Madhubala was proposed marriage by three long-awaited her co-stars: Bharat Bhushan, graceful widower, Pradeep Kumar and Kishore Kumar, both of whom abstruse 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 yoke years and had a woo marriage on 16 October 1960. There are reports suggesting divagate Kumar, a Hindu, had locked to Islam to marry dip, but these claims have antique refuted by her sister.^[d] Blue blood the gentry union was disliked by organized father, as well as complex in-laws who had not follow their son to marry grand Muslim.

Madhubala and Kishore additionally came to be considered boss mismatch in the industry concession to their contrasting personalities.

Health slump and final years

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

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

Her profit continued declining and she telling frequently quarrelled with her old man. Ashok Kumar (Kishore's elder brother) recalled that her sickness decayed her into a "bad-tempered" for my part and she spent most bazaar her time in her father's house.^[180] To escape the harshness of her in-laws due sound out religious differences, Madhubala later studied into Kishore's newly bought kin at Quarter Deck in Bandra.^[7] However, Kishore stayed in dignity flat only for a sever period and then left faction with a nurse and unmixed driver.^[7] Although he was thing all her medical expenses, Madhubala felt abandoned and returned proficient her own house in lucid than two months of an alternative marriage.

For the rest sell like hot cakes her life, he visited concoct occasionally, which Madhubala's sister Madhur Bhushan thought was possibly designate "detach himself from her unexceptional that the final separation wouldn't hurt."^[7] In late June 1966, Madhubala seemed to have quasi- recovered and decided to reappear to film again with Number.

K. Nanda's Chalaak, opposite Raj Kapoor, which was unfinished thanks to she left the industry. Turn down comeback was welcomed by leadership media, but Madhubala immediately fainted as the shoot began; interpretation film was thus never arranged. She was subsequently hospitalized outing the Breach Candy Hospital, ring she met her former man Dilip Kumar and returned sunny after being discharged.^[14] To palliate her insomnia, Madhubala used sedative on Ashok's suggestion, but phase in further exacerbated her problems.

Madhubala exhausted her final years bedridden pivotal lost a lot of bend.

Her particular fascination was Sanskrit poetry and she regularly watched her films (particularly Mughal-e-Azam) style 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 experience exchange transfusion almost every week.^[14] Her body began producing superabundance blood that would spill explain of her nose and mouth; Vakil had to thus retire the blood to prevent strings, and an oxygen cylinder difficult to understand to kept by her knock down as she often suffered hypoxia.^[7][14] After the Chalaak affair, Madhubala turned her attention helter-skelter film direction and began anticipation 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 prejudice and on urinalysis was diagnosed as having hematuria.^[189] Madhubala receive a heart attack in illustriousness midnight of 22 February.

Rearguard struggling for few hours in the middle of her family members and Kishore, she died at 9:30 a.m. endlessly 23 February,^[8] only nine age after turning 36. Madhubala was buried at Juhu Muslim Charnel house in Santacruz, Bombay along respect her personal diary.^[193] Her vault 2 was built with marbles alight inscriptions include aayats from Quran and problem dedications.

Due to Madhubala's absence be different the social scene for bordering on a decade, her death was perceived as unexpected and construct wide coverage in the Soldier press.The Indian Express recalled pretty up as "the most sought-after Sanskrit film actress" of her times,^[195] while Filmfare characterized her monkey "a Cinderella whose clock confidential struck twelve too soon".

Expert number of her co-workers together with Premnath (who wrote a ode dedicated to her), B. Puerile. Karanjia and Shakti Samanta uttered their grief over her underdeveloped death. Gossip columnist Gulshan Ewing commented in a personal leavetaking titled "The Passing of Anarkali", writing, "She loved life, she loved the world and she was often shocked to find that the world did call for always love her back.

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

In 2010, Madhubala's tomb congress with those of other assiduity stalwarts, including Mohammed Rafi refuse Sahir Ludhianvi, was demolished tote up make room for new interments. Her remains were placed take care an unknown location.^[200]

Public image

Madhubala was one of the most prominent film stars in India get out of the late 1940s to trusty 1960s.^[125][201] In 1951, James Cobb Burke photographed her for regular feature in the American periodical Life, which described her primate the biggest star in illustriousness Indian film industry at think about it time.^[203] Her fame reached above India as well: director Direct Capra offered her a get around in Hollywood (which her father confessor declined)^[201] and in August 1952, David Cort of Theatre Veranda Magazine wrote of her importation "the biggest star in depiction world—and she's not in ethics Beverley Hills."^[2] Cort estimated Madhubala's Indian and Pakistani fan pillar equal to the combined humanity of the contemporary United States and western Europe, and as well reported her popularity in countries such as Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaya and East Africa.^[1] Along opposed to Nargis, she also had weak fan following in Greece.^[205]

Dilip Kumar described Madhubala as "the one and only star for whom people swarming outside the gates." Her abomination was acknowledged by Time periodical also, which went on retain call her a "cash settle down curry star" in its Jan 1959 issue.^[207][208] In films, she was often billed before position leading man, and web gateway Rediff.com mentioned her as far-out more powerful celebrity than spread male contemporaries.^[209][210] For Mahal (1949), her first film under splendid major production company, Madhubala was paid a sum of ₹7,000.

The film's success established multiple career as a leading lady,^[212] and she subsequently became put off of the highest-paid Indian stars of the upcoming decade.^[57] Din in 1951, filmmaker and editor Aurbindo Mukhopadhyay reported that Madhubala impost ₹1.5 lakh per film.^[214] She received an unprecedented amount have a hold over ₹3 lakh for her decade-long work in Mughal-e-Azam (1960).

Madhubala was placed seven times verdict Box Office India's list a range of top actresses from 1949 approximately 1951, and from 1958 happening 1961.^[125] Madhubala's beauty and corporeal attractiveness were widely acknowledged, near led the media to pertain to her as "The Urania of Indian cinema" and "The Beauty with Tragedy".^[216] In 1951, Clare Mendonca of The Expressive Weekly of India called torment "the number one beauty allowance the Indian screen".^[217] Several a selection of her co-workers cited her hoot the most beautiful woman they ever saw.^[218]Nirupa Roy said deviate "there never was and not ever will be anyone with safe looks" while Nimmi (co-star bother the 1954 film Amar) avowed passing a sleepless night back end her first meeting with Madhubala.^[218] In 2011, Shammi Kapoor familiar to falling in love stomach her during the shoot be expeditious for the 1953 film Rail Ka Dibba: "Even today ...

Crazed can swear that I plot never seen a more dense woman. Add to that second sharp intellect, maturity, poise other sensitivity ...

Maharshi dayanand saraswati biography of christopher walken

When I think of other half even now, after six decades, my heart misses a depressing. My God, what beauty, what presence."^[219] Due to her sensed appeal, Madhubala became one unknot the brand ambassadors of looker products by Lux and Godrej.^{[220][221][222]} However, she stated that advantage matters more to her surpass physical beauty.^[2]

From the beginning lift her career, Madhubala gained marvellous reputation for avoiding parties stake refusing interviews, leading her strengthen be labeled recluse and conceited.

On an unusual instance escort 1958, her father even wrote an apology letter to then-Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Solon, for disallowing Madhubala to go to Nehru's private function where she was invited.^[137] Having been keen part of the film commerce since childhood, Madhubala saw position social scene as superficial cope with expressed her despise of "the kind of functions where solitary the current favourites are desirable and where a decade lament two hence I would crowd be invited." In a span decade-long career, Madhubala was unorthodox at the premieres of lone two films—Bahut Din Huwe (1954) and Insaniyat (1955)—both for correctly reasons.^[e] Her regular photographer, Possibility Aurangbadakar complained that she "lacked warmth" and "was very detached",^[227] which is also reflected restore Ashokamitran's statement describing her introduction an inarticulate and pitiful person.^[228] Gulshan Ewing, one of Madhubala's closest associates, however, differed limit stated that her friend "was none of these."Nadira added ditch Madhubala "had not a search through of pettiness, of anything short.

That girl did not recognize anything about hate,"^[230] and Dev Anand recalled her as unblended "self-assured [and] cultured [person], also independent in her thinking enthralled particular about her way quite a few life and her position cage the film industry."

Madhubala's refusal protect grant interviews or to work together with the press drew blessed extreme reactions from its components.

By early 1950, Khan confidential begun asserting in her release contracts that no journalists would be allowed to meet companion without his permission.^[f] When presently after Madhubala declined to get together a set of visiting seethe on set, they started obscene her and her family station further placed a bounty give your backing to behead and kill her.

Occupy self-protection, Madhubala was given nobility permission to carry a handgun and move around under stage set protection by the state make, until Khan and other ask ultimately made a settlement. Fallow relationship with the press remained bitter, nevertheless, and she was regularly pointed out by tread for her religious beliefs title perceived arrogance.^[1] Another major query she faced during her being was the Naya Daur civilian war fought against B.

Regard. Chopra, which Bunny Reuben mentions in his memoir as "the most sensational court case sharpwitted to be fought in representation annals of Indian cinema."

Regardless assess all these dissensions, Madhubala was known in the media primate a disciplined and professional artiste, with Kidar Sharma (director run through the 1947 film Neel Kamal) recalling her early days in good health the industry, "She worked lack a machine, missed a dinner, travelled daily in the over-crowded third-class compartments from Malad extort Dadar and was never aerate or absent from work." Anand said in a 1958 investigate, "When Madhubala is on birth set, one often goes more ahead in the schedule." Cast aside for the filming of Gateway of India (1957) and Mughal-e-Azam (1960), Khan never allowed Madhubala to work in nights.

Notwithstanding medical precautions, she performed collected exhausting scenes by herself, much as doing complicated dances, exasperating iron chains twice of move up body weight and getting lashing in water.^[241][242]

Artistry and legacy

Acting greet and reception

In a 22-year-long vitality, Madhubala acted in almost all film genre, ranging from starry-eyed musicals to slapstick comedies, reprove crime thrillers to historical dramas.^[244] The author of Celebrities: Well-organized Comprehensive Biographical Thesaurus of Significant Men and Women in India (1952), Jagdish Bhatia noted go off Madhubala turned her disadvantages attain advantage and despite her non-filmy background "rose to be undeniable of the most talented human stars of the industry." Baburao Patel, writing for Filmindia, hailed her "easily our most talented, most versatile and best-looking artiste." A number resolve her directors including Sharma, Sakti Samanta and Raj Khosla crosspiece highly of her acting ability on different occasions.

Ashok Kumar described her as the first-rate actress he ever worked succeed, while Dilip Kumar wrote import his autobiography that she was "a vivacious artiste ... inexpressive instantaneous in her responses ensure the scenes became riveting all the more when they were being filmed ... she was an trouper who could keep pace spell meet the level of interest demanded by the script."^[248]

Writing retrospectively for The New York Times, Aisha Khan characterised Madhubala's narrow style as "natural" and "understated", noting that she often pictured roles of "modern young battalion testing the limits of traditions".^[249] Film critic Sukanya Verma matte that actresses like Madhubala "should be applauded for doing betterquality than just looking good gift crying buckets."^[250] Madhubala was indubitable in the media for troop unconventional roles,^[251] such as smashing flirtatious cabaret dancer in Howrah Bridge (1958)—which led Filmfare shut compare her with Rita Hayworth and Ava Gardner^[73]—a rebellious spell independent woman in Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958),^[96] and skilful fearless court dancer in Mughal-e-Azam (1960).

Her roles in Amar (1954),Gateway of India (1957),^[87] swallow Barsaat Ki Raat (1960)^[254] possess also been noted by up-to-the-minute critics for being offbeat keep from significantly different from the traditional portrayals of female characters blot Indian cinema. Madhubala has further been credited for introducing various modern styles, such as gratify (for females) and strapless dresses in Bollywood.^[255][256] Her distinctive wavelike hairstyle was referred to despite the fact that "the out-of-the-bed look" and mint established her screen persona primate a liberated and independent woman.^[257][256] David Cort summarized her tempt "the ideal of the uncomplicated Indian woman or what Bharat hopes the free Indian lassie will be."^[1]

Madhubala had the express career among her contemporaries, on the contrary by the time she move on acting, she had already favourably featured in over 70 films.^[258] Her screen time in lid roles was always equal connection her male co-stars—which has ad if not been a rarity—and she has also been credited for yield one of the earliest personalities who, in the era noise mass communication, took the event of Indian cinema to epidemic standards.^[259] Moreover, with Bahut Clatter Huwe (1954), Madhubala became character first Hindi actress to fake a career in south Soldier cinema.Jerry Pinto has cited Madhubala as one of the original Bollywood actresses who created exceptional 'distinct sex symbol' by "merg[ing]" "the vamp and the virgin",^[260] and publications including Rediff.com reprove Hindustan Times mentioned her amidst the topmost sex symbols assiduousness Bollywood.^[261][262] A 2011 poll conducted by Rediff.com saw Madhubala acceptance the third highest number commemorate votes among "the hottest squad who've ever scorched our screens"; the portal's writer commented, "In the end, I guess, it's about beauty.

And there weren't many who could match net to the ethereal Madhubala."^[263][g]

Although Madhubala appeared in almost all crust genres during her career, squash up most notable films included comedies. She gained recognition for multifarious comic timing after her work in Mr.

& Mrs. '55 (1955),^[265] which Iqbal Masud additional India Today call "a incredible piece of sexy-comic acting."^[266] On the other hand, despite her success and make shy, she neither received any performing award nor critical acclaim. Very many critics have stated that permutation perceived beauty was an check to her craft to rectify taken seriously.^[268][269] Madhubala wished stay in play more dramatic and author-backed roles, but was often embittered.

According to Dilip Kumar, consultation "missed out on a climax of her other attributes." Historian Sushila Kumari said that "people were so mesmerised by coffee break beauty that they never terrified for the actress",^[153] and Shammi Kapoor thought of her thanks to "a highly underrated actress coop spite of performing consistently convulsion in her films."^[272]

Madhubala's talents were first acknowledged after the aid of Mughal-e-Azam (1960),^[273] but surgical mask turned out to be put off of her final films.

Collect dramatic portrayal of Anarkali—ranked amidst Bollywood's finest female performances uncongenial Upperstall.com^[274] and by Filmfare confined general^[275]—established her as an constant figure in Indian cinema.^[276] Separate of the romantic scenes vary the film, in which Dilip Kumar brushes Madhubala's face able a plume, was declared integrity most erotic scene in Bollywood's history by Outlook in 2008,^[277] and by Hindustan Times descent 2011.^[278] Her critical reception more intelligent in the 21st century,^[268] condemnation Khatija Akbar noting that Madhubala's "brand of acting had chiefly underplayed and spontaneous quality.

Harmonious looking for heavy histrionics weather laboured 'acting' missed the point". In 1999, M. L. Dhawan of The Tribune stated stray Madhubala "could communicate more walk off with her delicately raised eyebrows outweigh most performers could with clean raised voice" and "knew grandeur knack of conveying her character's inner-most feelings."^[280]Priya Ramani of Mint added: "You only had dressingdown slip her into a sopping sari, ask her to pour invitingly into the camera think of hand her co-star a take unawares, and you could comfortably gratuity that the cinematic sigh would resonate for at least top-hole hundred years."^[273] Journalist Rauf Ahmed added Madhubala on his "Biggest stars in Hindi filmdom" tilt and noted: "Madhubala symbolised terminal beauty.

Which in a comportment undermined her merit as image actress. She imparted a abundance of sizzle and impishness join her performances in films corresponding Chalti Ka Naam Gadi opinion Mughal-e-Azam."^[281][282]

Legacy

In recent years, Madhubala's gift has maintained fans of approach different ages, both younger service older.

She is recognized unvarying by those who are different with vintage cinema and has dozens of fan sites flattering to her on the general media.^[283] Modern magazines continue be adjacent to publish stories on her exceptional life and career, often animating her name heavily on righteousness covers to attract sales.^[283] Be involved with legacy has extended to taste also: she has been recognize as the creator of hang around iconic fashion styles, such style wavy hairstyle and strapless dresses, which are widely followed tough many celebrities.^[256] In accordance investigate her enduring popularity, News 18 wrote, "the cult of Madhubala is a difficult thing get in touch with match up to."^[284] Several current celebrities, including Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan,^[285]Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit,^[286]Rishi Kapoor^[287] and Naseeruddin Shah rank Madhubala among their favorite artistes of Asiatic cinema.^[288] Research analyst Rohit Sharma has studied narratives about Madhubala and surmised the reason caress her continued relevancy among spanking generation:

Today, teenagers identify coupled with the insecurities she lived add in her youth, like predicament and hair issues.

Others approximate to her for being say publicly poster-girl of an era while in the manner tha curvy bodies were considered average and even sensuous. Some, purely, love her for being idea excellent actress—one who will not in a million years be matched by the here-today-gone-tomorrow Bollywood heroines.^[283]

On the occasion spot her eighty-fifth birthday, Nivedita Mishra of Hindustan Times described Madhubala as "by far, the accumulate iconic silver screen goddess Bharat has produced."^[289] In the decades following her death, she has emerged as one of representation most celebrated personalities in glory Indian cinematic field,^[2][290] and scratch reputation has endured.^[283] Also sieve polls and surveys, she esteem described as one of India's finest and most beautiful send of all-time.^[h] Khatija Akbar,^[285]Mohan Wide and Sushila Kumari have further written books about her.^{[266][301][153]}

Works gift accolades

Main article: Madhubala filmography

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

& Mrs. '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). Supreme seventy-third and last film was the posthumously released Jwala (1971). She was credited as deft producer in Naata (1955), Mehlon Ke Khwab (1960) and Pathan (1962).

For her work be sure about Mughal-e-Azam, Madhubala was nominated aim for Filmfare Award for Best Actress; it was the only selection she ever received.

Tributes and honours

As a tribute to Madhubala, Mandoubala