Madhubala: The Venus of Indian cinema

Born Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi in 1933, Madhubala captivated the audience with her ethereal beauty, unmatched talent and screen presence. With a career spanning over two decades, she starred in over 70 films, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. From romantic dramas to historical epics, Madhubala's performances transcended genres and her legacy continues to inspire generations of actors and filmmakers.

Madhubala was born to Ataullah Khan and Aayesha Begum, who hailed from the Yusufzai tribe of Pashtuns in the Peshawar valley. Despite her sheltered upbringing, Madhubala was passionate about films from a young age. Although her father strongly opposed her desire to become an actress, Madhubala remained determined to pursue a career in cinema. At the age of 7, Madhubala began working at the All India Radio in Delhi, where she sang compositions by Khurshid Anwar.

After moving to Bombay, Madhubala’s journey in cinema began with minor roles, starting with Basant in 1942. Her natural charm and talent quickly propelled her into leading roles in the late 1940s, marking the beginning of her rise in the industry. Success came early with notable films like the romantic dramas Neel Kamal (1947) and Amar (1954), the haunting Mahal (1949), and the charming Badal(1951) and Tarana(1951).

Despite a few setbacks, Madhubala’s stars remained in ascendancy in the 1950s, with memorable performances in comedies like Mr & Mrs '55 (1955), Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958), and Half Ticket (1962). Her roles in the thrilling Howrah Bridge and Kala Pani (both 1958) further showcased her versatility, while the musical Barsaat Ki Raat (1960) became an enduring classic.

Madhubala’s ability to seamlessly transition across different genres helped her cement a place as one of Bollywood’s most iconic and beloved actresses.

Madhubala’s portrayal of Anarkali in the epic historical drama Mughal-e-Azam (1960) remains one of the defining moments of her illustrious career. The film, which became the highest grossing in India at the time, showcased her unmatched beauty and intense acting talent. As Anarkali, the love-stricken courtesan caught in a forbidden romance with Prince Salim, Madhubala delivered a performance that earned her widespread critical acclaim and her only Filmfare nomination for Best Actress. Her portrayal of Anarkali has since been hailed as one of the finest performances in the history of Indian cinema and continues to be remembered as a timeless classic in the realm of cinematic excellence.

In 1951, Madhubala began a romance with actor Dilip Kumar and their relationship attracted significant media attention and was considered one of the happiest periods of Madhubala's life. Although they became engaged, their plans to marry were thwarted by Dilip Kumar's refusal to work with her producer and his demand that she sever ties with her family if they were to marry.

In 1958, while working on Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, she rekindled a friendship with Kishore Kumar and the couple got married on October 16, 1960.

In 1950, Madhubala was diagnosed with a heart condition that would shorten her life. Her health declined significantly by early 1969, and after suffering a heart attack on February 22, she passed away on February 23, just nine days after turning 36.

Though Madhubala’s life was tragically short, her brilliance on screen remains eternal. From her unforgettable portrayal of Anarkali in Mughal-e-Azam to her versatility across genres, she carved a place for herself as one of the greatest actresses in the history of Indian cinema.