19 december 2013 madhubala biography
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Her iconic role as Anarkali in ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ solidified her status as a legendary actress.
Producer
Madhubala ventured into film production in 1955 with ‘Naata’. Dilip Kumar also testified against Madhubala and her father in the court in favour of Chopra.
• Dilip Kumar
• Kishore Kumar
Mother- Ayesha Begum
Sister- 7
• Altaf
• Chanchal
• Kaneez Fatema
• Shahida Kazi
• Madhur Bhushan (Zahida)
Note: According to sources, Madhubala's parents had 11 children, four boys and seven girls; however, the boys couldn't survive.
They initially resided near Bombay Talkies, a prominent film studio, in the Kandivali/Malad suburb. She balanced comedies and dramas with ease, excelling in Tarana (1951), Mr. & Mrs. ’55 (1955), the noir Howrah Bridge (1958), and the breezy Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958).
Her most iconic performance arrived in 1960 with Mughal-e-Azam, where she played Anarkali opposite Dilip Kumar.
They starred together in several films, including ‘Sangdil’ and ‘Amar’. She further donated an amount of Rs. 50,000 to the refugees from East Bengal. After her father’s dismissal in 1940, the family shifted to Mumbai in search of hope and survival. But it was Mahal (1949), with its haunting theme and famous song “Aayega Aanewala,” that made her an overnight sensation, mesmerizing audiences as the ethereal Kamini.
The director’s decision to replace Madhubala with Vyjayanthimala caused a rift between Dilip Kumar and Madhubala’s father, significantly impacting their relationship.
An Unfinished Love Story
Despite attempts to reconcile, their differences proved insurmountable. Their close bond is evident in many family photographs.
Husband & Children
Madhubala married Kishore Kumar, a renowned Indian playback singer and actor, in 1960.
The doctors gave her only two years to live. She received wide media coverage for the donations but faced criticism due to different religious beliefs. At age 14, she landed her first lead in Neel Kamal (1947), sharing the screen with a young Raj Kapoor. Their six-month romance ended due to religious differences; Prem Nath reportedly requested Madhubala convert to Hinduism, a request she declined.
Dilip Kumar – The Nine-Year Relationship
Madhubala’s relationship with Dilip Kumar is one of Bollywood’s most enduring and tragic love stories.
Received a Lawsuit Over an Advance Payment
When Madhubala's father, Ataullah Khan, denied her outdoor shooting with Dilip Kumar in Bhopal for the film 'Naya Daur'(1957), B.R. Chopra sued her for the advanced money that she received for this movie.
Her first lead role came in 1947 with ‘Neel Kamal’.
She went on to deliver memorable performances in numerous films, including ‘Amar Prem’, ‘Mr. Despite professional heights, her personal life remained marked by heartbreak and longing: a turbulent relationship with Dilip Kumar, an unhappy marriage with Kishore Kumar, and recurring health problems that forced her to step away from stardom in her prime.
& Mrs. 55’, ‘Kala Pani’, ‘Howrah Bridge’, ‘Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi’, and ‘Half Ticket’. The film broke box office records and remains etched in cinematic history, with Madhubala’s poignant portrayal of doomed love earning her critical and public adoration.
Through a career spanning over 70 films—comedy, tragedy, romance, and historical epic—Madhubala became one of the highest-paid, most beloved stars of the 1950s and 60s.
This was not merely a film role but a cultural milestone, showcasing her ability to blend emotional depth with striking beauty. Her talent, charm, and tragic life story continue to fascinate audiences even today.