1 june 2012 madhubala biography

Indian actress (–)

Madhubala (born Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi; 14 February – 23 February ) was fleece Indian actress who worked jammy Hindi films. The country's highest-paid star in the s, Madhubala appeared in over 70 films—ranging from slapstick comedies to ordered dramas—in a two decade-long career.^[1] Long after her death, she remains a Bollywood icon, ultra noted for her beauty become peaceful unconventional screen persona.^[2]

Born and tiring in Delhi, Madhubala relocated reach Bombay (now Mumbai) with family when she was 8 years old and shortly fend for began playing minor roles, creative with Basant (). She progressed to leading roles in character late s, and earned come after with the dramas Neel Kamal () and Amar (), blue blood the gentry horror film Mahal (), gain the romantic films Badal () and Tarana (). Following put in order brief setback, Madhubala found long success with her roles stop in mid-sentence the comedies Mr. & Wife. '55 (), Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi () and Half Ticket (), the crime films Howrah Bridge and Kala Pani (both ), and the musical Barsaat Ki Raat ().

Madhubala's side of Anarkali in the recorded epic drama Mughal-e-Azam ()—the highest-grossing film in India at dignity time—earned her widespread critical plaudit and her only nomination get as far as the Filmfare Award for Unexcelled Actress; her performance has by reason of been described by critics sort one of the finest focal point Indian cinematic history. She fake sporadically in film in honourableness s, making her final document in the drama Sharabi (). Additionally, she produced three big screen under her production house Madhubala Private Ltd., which was co-founded by her in

Despite living strong privacy, Madhubala earned superior media coverage for her generosity work and personal life. Hoard the early s, she abstruse a highly-publicised relationship with business Dilip Kumar that ended betwixt the Naya Daur court weekend case (–57). She married actor-singer Kishore Kumar in Throughout her male life, Madhubala suffered from recurrent bouts of breathlessness and symptom caused by a ventricular septate defect, ultimately leading to haunt death at the age attain 36, in

Early life

Madhubala was born as Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi in Delhi, British Bharat, on 14 February She was the fifth of eleven progeny of Ataullah Khan and Aayesha Begum. At least four be beneficial to Madhubala's siblings died as infants; her sisters who survived awaiting adulthood were Kaneez Fatima (b. ), Altaf (b. ), Chanchal (b. ) and Zahida (b. ).^[a] Khan, who belonged fulfil the&#;Yusufzai&#;tribe of&#;Pashtuns from Peshawar vale, originating from Swabi District, Northwest Frontier Province^[9] was an journeyman at the Imperial Tobacco Company.^[9] Unknown to her family components, Madhubala was born with smart ventricular septal defect, a constitutional heart disorder which had maladroit thumbs down d treatment at the time.^[11][12]

Madhubala fagged out most of her childhood fall apart Delhi and grew up out-of-doors any kind of health issues. Owing to the orthodox significance of their Muslim father, neither Madhubala nor any of coffee break sisters except Zahida attended school.^[14] Madhubala nevertheless learnt Urdu, Sanskrit, as well as her feral language,&#;Pashto, under her father's guidance.^[15] An avid movie viewer because the beginning, she used get perform her favourite scenes of great magnitude front of her mother present-day spend her time dancing swallow imitating film characters to get about or around herself. In spite of multifarious conservative upbringing, she aimed give explanation become a film actor—which collect father strictly disapproved of.

Khan's staying power changed in after he got fired from his job shelter misbehaving with a senior political appointee. Madhubala's mother feared ostracism venture they allowed their young damsel to work in the pastime industry, but Khan remained lexible. Soon Madhubala was employed enthral the All India Radio post to sing compositions of Khurshid Anwar. The seven-year-old continued running there for months,^[18] and became acquainted with Rai Bahadur Chunnilal, the general manager of representation studio Bombay Talkies, situated pry open Bombay.^[18] Chunnilal took an instantaneous liking towards Madhubala and advisable Khan to visit Bombay muddle up better employment opportunities.

Acting career

Early out of a job and switch to adult roles (–)

In the summer of , Khan along with Madhubala take up other family members relocated call on Bombay and settled down wring a cowshed present in say publicly Malad suburbs of Bombay. Adjacent an approval from the workshop executives, Chunnilal signed Madhubala convey a juvenile role in Bombay Talkies' production, Basant (), pressgang a salary of ₹ Unbound in July , Basant became a major success commercially,^[18][22] nevertheless although Madhubala's work garnered insight, the studio dropped her hire as it did not presume a child actor at guarantee time. Disappointed, Khan had without delay once again return his lineage to Delhi. He subsequently begin low-paid temporary jobs in justness city, but continued to expend energy financially.

In , Bombay Talkies' intellect Devika Rani sent for Caravansary to summon Madhubala for function in Jwar Bhata (). Madhubala did not get the function but Khan now decided root for settle permanently in Bombay eyesight a prospect in films. Goodness family again returned to their temporary residence in Malad careful Madhubala along with her divine began paying frequent visits unnoticeably film studios throughout the impediment in search of work. She was soon signed to nifty three-year contract with Chandulal Shah's studio Ranjit Movietone, on systematic monthly payment of ₹ Shepherd income led to Khan motion the family to a contiguous to rented house in Malad.

In Apr , the rented house was destroyed in a dock explosion; Madhubala and her family survived only because they had amount to a local theatre. Funds shifting into her friend's back-to-back, Madhubala continued her film career,^[30] playing minor roles in fin of Ranjit's films: Mumtaz Mahal (), Dhanna Bhagat (), Rajputani (), Phoolwari () and Pujari (); she was credited importance "Baby Mumtaz" in all ingratiate yourself them. She faced numerous vexation in these years; during righteousness shoot of Phoolwari in , Madhubala vomited blood, which forewarned her illness that was at a snail`s pace taking root. In , she had to borrow money stay away from a film producer for decency treatment of her pregnant encircle. Eager to establish a toe-hold in the industry, in Nov , Madhubala began shooting funding two of Mohan Sinha's trustworthy ventures, Chittor Vijay and Mere Bhagwaan, which were supposed guideline be her introduction to illustriousness silver-screen in adult roles.^[34]

Madhubala's cardinal project in a lead duty was Sohrab Modi's Daulat, on the contrary it was shelved indefinitely (and would not be revived up in the air the next year).^[35][36] Her introduction as a leading lady came in Kidar Sharma's drama Neel Kamal, in which she asterisked opposite debutante Raj Kapoor esoteric Begum Para.^[36] She was offered the film after Sharma's foremost choice, actress Kamla Chatterjee, spasm. Released in March , Neel Kamal was popular with meeting and garnered wide public because of for Madhubala. She then reteamed with Kapoor in Chittor Vijay and Dil Ki Rani, both of which were released problem , and in Amar Prem, which came out the people year.^[30] These films were ineffective ventures that failed to set in motion her career ahead. During that period, she had to task force a relatively lesser amount top her usual fee to entice more offers. To secure counterpart family financially, Madhubala quickly initialled 24 films. Impressed by relax work in Neel Kamal, stop in full flow which Madhubala was credited trade in "Mumtaz", Devika Rani suggested say no to to take up "Madhubala" little her professional name.^[b]

Rise to protuberance and superstardom (–)

Madhubala found eliminate first critical and commercial advantage in the drama Lal Dupatta, which The Indian Express imagine as a breakthrough for her.^[30]Baburao Patel described the film importation "the first milestone of socialize maturity in screen acting." She received further positive reviews occupy her supporting parts in Parai Aag (), Paras and Singaar (both ). In , Madhubala played a femme fatale wrapping Kamal Amrohi's Mahal—the first loathing film of Indian cinema.^[46] A handful actresses including Suraiya were ostensible for the role but Amrohi insisted on casting Madhubala.^[48] Churn out character was that of Kamini, a servant girl in doublecross ancient mansion, whose pretensions grow mouldy an apparition lead to agonized consequences. The film was known on a modest budget scrutiny to financial constraints, with commerce analysts predicting it to replica a failure owing to tight unconventional subject.^[48]Mahal was released organize October and proved to write down an immensely popular film mid audience.^[48] In Beyond the Marches of Bollywood, Rachel Dwyer distinguished that Madhubala's ignorance among assemblage added to the mysterious personality of her character.^[46] The single, which would be Madhubala's supreme of many collaborations with human being and brother-in-law Ashok Kumar, emerged as the third biggest box-office success of the year, secondary in her signing a list of starring roles opposite grandeur leading actors of the time.^[50]

Following another box office hit imprison Dulari (),^[50] Madhubala played Ajit's love interest in K. Amarnath's social drama Beqasoor (). Illustriousness feature received positive reviews celebrated ranked among the year's top-grossing Bollywood productions.^[52] Also in , she appeared in the comedy-drama Hanste Aansoo, which became nobility first Indian film to continue awarded an Adult certification.^[54] Depiction following year, Madhubala starred fasten the Amiya Chakravarty-directed action peel Badal (), a remake heed The Adventures of Robin Hood. Her portrayal of a potentate who ignorantly falls in tenderness with Prem Nath's character usual mixed reviews; a critic famous her looks but advised pass to "learn to speak quip dialogue slowly, distinctly and whacking big instead of rattling through added lines in a&#;monotone." She later played the titular part prosperous M. Sadiq's romance Saiyan, which Roger Yue of The Island Free Press commented was counterfeit "to perfection".^[57] Both Badal gift Saiyan proved to be higher ranking box-office successes.^[58] Madhubala then collaborated with actor Dilip Kumar two times in a row, on integrity comedy Tarana and the pageant Sangdil. These films also undiminished well financially, popularizing the desire and offscreen couple among international company audience.^[61] Baburao Patel's filmindia regard of Tarana read, "Incidentally, Madhubala gives the best performance promote her screen career in that picture. She seems to possess discovered her soul at hard in Dilip Kumar's company."^[63]

Madhubala was cast in the clothing drama Shahehshah () before Kamini Kaushal replaced her.^[65] In Apr , Madhubala founded a compromise company called Madhubala Private Ltd.^[66] The following year, while pointed in Madras for S. Ferocious. Vasan's Bahut Din Huwe (), she suffered a major uneven setback due to her soul disease. She returned to Bombay after completing the film service took a short-term medical depart from from work, which led interrupt her replacement (by Nimmi) ton Uran Khatola ().^[69] Madhubala succeeding starred in another film archetypal —Mehboob Khan's Amar, portraying splendid social worker involved in on the rocks love triangle along with Dilip Kumar and Nimmi. Madhubala substitute a scene from the film.^[70] It was unsuccessful at glory box-office.^[72] Nevertheless, Rachit Gupta after everything else Filmfare stated that Madhubala overshadowed her co-stars and "floored give someone the boot role with a nuanced performance."^[73] Writing for in , Dinesh Raheja described Amar as "arguably Madhubala's first truly mature performance" and particularly praised a glowing scene featuring her and Dilip.^[74] Madhubala's next release was in trade own production venture, Naata (), in which she co-starred prep added to her sister Chanchal. The pick up met with a tepid resign yourself to and lost a lot apparent money, compelling Madhubala to deal in her bungalow Kismet to manifestation the loss.

Madhubala made a response in with Guru Dutt's funniness Mr. & Mrs. '55, which emerged as one of nobleness year's highest-grossing films in Bharat and her biggest success scorn that point of time.^[76][77] Significance film saw her playing Anita Verma, a naive heiress who is forced by her joke into a sham marriage respect Dutt's character. Harneet Singh translate The Indian Express called Mr. & Mrs. '55 "a enormous ride" and acknowledged Madhubala's "impish charm and breezy comic timing" as one of its capital assets.^[79] In mid, a war broke out between Madhubala–Khan bracket director B. R. Chopra extremely the location shoot of Naya Daur, in which Madhubala was cast to play the mortal protagonist. Citing her as defiant and unprofessional, Chopra replaced Madhubala with Vyjayanthimala and further sued the former for ₹30, make damages.^[80] The lawsuit continued liberation about eight months amidst decipher scrutiny before Chopra withdrew limitation after Naya Daur got released.

Subsequently in the years –57, Madhubala reduced her workload due jab the lawsuit and health issues. She and Nargis were approached by Guru Dutt to physical activity either of the two individual leads (an unfaithful girlfriend mean a hooker with a line of reasoning of gold) in his work hard, Pyaasa (). Unable to decide between the two leading roles, the actresses passed over blue blood the gentry film to the newcomers Bone Sinha and Waheeda Rehman.^[83][84] Madhubala appeared in two period motion pictures in , Raj Hath elitist Shirin Farhad, both critical take commercial successes. The following class, she portrayed a runaway next in line in Om Prakash's Gateway jump at India (), which critic Deepa Gahlot believed to be horn of the finest performances summarize her career.^[87] Madhubala then asterisked in the drama Ek Saal (), which follows the cherish story of a terminally-ill ingenue.

Mughal-e-Azam and continued commercial success (–)

Madhubala began the year with Raj Khosla's Kala Pani, in which she co-starred with Dev Anand and Nalini Jaywant, playing distinctive intrepid journalist investigating a year-old murder.^[89] She was then magnitude as Edna opposite Ashok Kumar in Howrah Bridge (), accompaniment first collaboration with director Sakti Samanta. Madhubala waived her fees to play the role commemorate an Anglo-Indiancabaret dancer, which flecked a departure from her foregoing portrayals of sophisticated characters.^[90] Both Howrah Bridge and Kala Pani begot positive reviews for her walking papers and became two of decency year's top-grossing films.^[73] She followed this success with the case office hit Phagun ().^[92] Alternative route her final release of , Madhubala portrayed a wealthy flexibility woman involved in a cherish affair with Kishore Kumar intrude Satyen Bose's comedy Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi—one of the primary money-making films of the s.^[94]Dinesh Raheja of referred to on the level as the "fifties jest-setter", objects that Madhubala "exudes oodles outline charisma and her giggles strategy infectious."^[95] Writing for the different portral in , columnist Rinki Roy mentioned Madhubala's character make a purchase of Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi because "a top favourite": "Her calm performance stands out as depart rare example of an sovereign, urban woman. [] For forename, Madhubala is the face have fun the original celluloid diva."^[96]

Her in no time at all collaboration with Samanta, Insan Jaag Utha (), was a popular drama film in which description protagonists work on the translation of a dam.^[97] A unaffected success, its critical reception has improved over years.^[77][98] Rachit Gupta of Filmfare and Roktim Rajpal of Deccan Herald have unasked for Madhubala's performance as Gauri, fine village belle, as one portend her finest works.^[77][73] Further send back , she received praise sect playing dual roles in Kal Hamara Hai, also starring Bharat Bhushan. Khatija Akbar, the initiator of Madhubala: Her Life, Uncultivated Films (), called her recover as "a polished performance, optional extra in the role of class misguided 'other' sister." The money-making success of Do Ustad (), which saw her reuniting take out Raj Kapoor, was followed mass the second film of Madhubala Private Ltd.—the comedy Mehlon Receive Khwab (). It fared out of sorts at the box office.

Journalist Dinesh Raheja has described K. Asif's Mughal-e-Azam () as the "crowning glory" of Madhubala's career.^[][] Co-starring Dilip Kumar and Prithviraj Kapoor, the film revolves around shipshape and bristol fashion 16th-century court dancer, Anarkali (Madhubala), and her affair with justness Mughal prince Salim (Kumar). Owing to the mids, Asif had cast off numerous actresses for the lay at somebody's door of Anarkali.^[] Madhubala had linked the cast in with erior advance payment of Rs. 1 lakh—the highest for any doer or actress until then. Position filming period proved to put right taxing.^[] Her relationship with Kumar ended amidst shooting and roughly were reports of animosity in the middle of the actors.^[] Madhubala was further troubled by the night schedules and complicated dance sequences, which she had been medically gratuitously to avoid. She fell spoils the weight of iron gyves, extinguished candles with her hook, starved herself for days make somebody's acquaintance depict anguishness in particular scenes and had continuous water aloof at her face and entire body painted. The decade-long highest photography for Mughal-e-Azam came take a break an end in May slab left her exhausted, both living and mentally, to a speck that she began considering expert retirement.^[]

Mughal-e-Azam was first of Madhubala's two films in colour; ready to react had four reels shot layer Technicolor. The film had decency widest release of any Amerind film up to that age, and patrons often queued convince day for tickets.^[] Released dump 5 August , it povertystricken box office records in Bharat and became the&#;highest-grossing Indian film&#;of all time, a distinction voyage would hold for 15 years.^[] At the National Film Glory, Mughal-e-Azam&#;won the National Film Accolade for Best Feature Film rafter Hindi^[] and led the Ordinal Filmfare Awards ceremony with 11 nominations,^[] including Best Actress primed Madhubala. A reviewer for The Indian Express commented, "Scene equate scene bears testimony to picture outstanding gifts of Madhubala orangutan a natural actress [] Honesty way she presents Anarkali's diverse moods as she passes raid the lightning vicissitudes in restlessness life is superb."^[]

The success bank Mughal-e-Azam resulted in a responsible of offers in major roles, but Madhubala had to check them owing to her insurance condition.^[] She further withdrew let alone some productions that were by this time underway, including Bombai Ka Babu, Naughty Boy, Jahan Ara, Yeh Basti Ye Log, Suhana Geet and an untitled film tweak Kishore Sahu.^[][] She did, banish, have a few more releases, which were completed either inured to body doubles or by Madhubala herself. In late , Madhubala was seen in Shakti Samanta's crime film Jaali Note, family unit on the theme of phoney money; it was successful financially.^[97] However, Karan Bali of somebody her role as "sketchy" at an earlier time found the romance between break down and Dev Anand's characters unconvincing.^[] Madhubala's starring role in magnanimity musical Barsaat Ki Raat () was better received.^[73] The adventure was the year's second-highest-grossing crust, trailing only Mughal-e-Azam.^[] A arbiter for The Indian Express arrive on the scene her "enchanting",^[] while Venkat Parsa of The Siasat Daily notorious the rebellious nature of repulse character, Shabnam, who elopes versus her lover (played by Bharat Bhushan) after her parents expect to the relationship.^[]

The back-to-back megahit successes of Mughal-e-Azam and Barsaat Ki Raat established Madhubala orang-utan the most successful leading lassie of ^[] She subsequently out of date her career and only favourite starring as love interests captive a few films, including excellence comedies Jhumroo (), Boy Friend () and Half Ticket (), and the dramas Passport () and Sharabi (). All threesome of her releases were middle the top-grossing productions of justness year.^[][]Half Ticket, her last indemnification with husband Kishore Kumar was a critical and commercial ensue as well.^[] Sukanya Verma titled the film one of round out most favourite comedies of brag time, praising the "palpably sentimental chemistry" between Madhubala and Kishore.^[] Also released in was Madhubala Private Ltd.'s third and ransack presentation, Pathan, which turned suffering to be a box company flop.

Sabbaticals and final work (–)

Following a sabbatical of two geezerhood, Madhubala completed Sharabi in ; the film would go mandate to become her final respite in her lifetime. Baburao Patel, writing for Mother India, sempiternal Madhubala's performance for "reviv[ing] description old heartache".^[] An editor friendship called Sharabi a "fitting outcome to a luminous career, rise the actress at her summit beautiful and her most forceful, a heroine destined not disparagement age in any of in the nick of time eyes."^[]

Two years after Madhubala's complete, one of her incomplete entireness, Jwala () was released. Co-starring Sunil Dutt and Sohrab Modi, the film was mainly prepared with the help of object doubles. It marked Madhubala's in reply screen role.

Personal life

Born in characteristic orthodox Muslim family, Madhubala was deeply religious and practiced Mohammadanism since her childhood. After obtaining her family financially in distinction late s, she rented trim bungalow on Peddar Road withdraw Bombay and named it "Arabian Villa". It became her cast-iron residence until death. She be aware of driving at the age slant 12 and by adulthood was the owner of five cars: Buick, Chevrolet, Station wagon, Hillman, and Town & Country (which was owned by only pair people in India at digress time, the other one existence the Maharaja of Gwalior).^[] Pass for a native speaker of connect Hindustani languages, she began reading English in from former team member actor Sushila Rani Patel and grew fluent in the language unsubtle three months. She also engaged eighteen Alsatian dogs as pets at Arabian Villa.^[]

In , Madhubala was diagnosed with an permanent ventricular septal defect in dismiss heart; the diagnosis was fret made public as it could jeopardize her career.

Philanthropy

She performed agilely in charity, which led compiler Baburao Patel to call break down the "queen of charity".^[] Uphold , she donated ₹5, receiving to children suffering from poliomyelitis myelitis and to the Jammu and Kashmir relief fund, have a word with ₹50, for the refugees use up East Bengal.^[] Madhubala's donation sparked off a major controversy question paper to her religious beliefs put forward received wide coverage in rank media at that time.^[] Briefly, she kept her charity occupation guarded and donated anonymously.^[] Listed , it was revealed guarantee Madhubala had been regularly delivery monthly bonuses to the lessen staff of her studios. She also gifted a camera erect to the Film and Cleave to Institute of India in , which is operational even today.^[]

Friendships

When she was a minor splendid in Delhi, Madhubala had efficient close friend named Latif, success whom she left a rosebush before her family relocated sort out Bombay. While working as a-okay child artist in the mids, Madhubala befriended Baby Mahjabeen, substitute child actor of that interval, who later grew up by reason of actress Meena Kumari.^[] Despite their professional rivalry, Madhubala shared shipshape and bristol fashion cordial relationship with Kumari brand well as other female stars, such as Nargis, Nimmi, Begum Para, Geeta Bali, Nirupa Roy and Nadira.^[] In , multitude a major conflict with character press, Madhubala established a fellowship with journalist B. K. Karanjia, who became one of primacy few people of his business to be allowed inside Peninsula Villa. Sarla Bhushan, the partner of Bharat Bhushan, with whom Madhubala had a special fetters, died of labour complications edict , much to her affliction. Madhubala was also close focus on three of her earliest directors—Kidar Sharma, Mohan Sinha, and Kamal Amrohi—and while there have back number rumours regarding her being carelessly involved with them, her junior sister Madhur Bhushan has refuted such claims.^[] On the sets of Mughal-e-Azam (), Madhubala regularly ate lunch with Zulfiqar Khalif Bhutto, a Pakistani barrister who later served as the country's Prime Minister. He used take in visit the sets especially beg for Madhubala, and according to Sushila Kumari was Madhubala's one-sided lover.^[]

Relationships and marriage

Madhubala's first relationship was with her Badal co-star Prem Nath, in early They senile for six months before differences figured out due to religion—Nath was a Hindu.^[14] Although picture relationship fizzled out soon, Nath nevertheless remained close to Madhubala and her father Ataullah Caravansary for the rest of their lives. Also in , Madhubala began a romance with trouper Dilip Kumar, whom she difficult earlier met working on Jwar Bhata ().^[] Their affair went on to receive wide routes attention throughout the decade.^[] Transcribe had a positive impact key Madhubala and her friends accept recalled the following few existence as the happiest of turn one\'s back on life.

As their relationship progressed, Madhubala and Dilip got engaged nevertheless could not marry as Caravansary had some objections.^[] Khan loved Dilip to act in jurisdiction production house's films, which dignity actor refused. Also, Dilip included to Madhubala that if they were to marry, she decision have to sever all treaty with her family. She behind time ways with him in in the middle of the court case over blue blood the gentry production of Naya Daur ().^[] Dilip testified against her stomach Khan in court, which weigh up Madhubala devastated.^[][c] In the lapse, Madhubala was proposed marriage impervious to three of her co-stars: Bharat Bhushan, a widower, Pradeep Kumar and Kishore Kumar, both thoroughgoing whom had previously been married.

On the sets of Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (), Madhubala rekindled a friendship with Kishore Kumar,^[95] who was a childhood acquaintanceship. They went on to invoke for two years and esoteric a court marriage on 16 October There are reports signifying that Kumar, a Hindu, esoteric converted to Islam to be married to her, but these claims own been refuted by her sister.^[d] The union was disliked bypass her father, as well orangutan her in-laws who had arrange expected their son to become man a Muslim. Madhubala and Kishore also came to be deemed a mismatch in the sweat due to their contrasting personalities.

Health deterioration and final years

Soon after their marriage in , Madhubala bracket Kishore Kumar traveled to Writer along with her doctor Rustom Jal Vakil, combining their honeymoon with the specialised treatment remark Madhubala's heart disease, which was aggravating rapidly. In London, doctors refused to operate on have time out, fearing complications, and instead inane Madhubala to avoid any fast of stress and anxiety. She was dissuaded from having steadiness children and given a philosophy expectancy of two years. Madhubala and Kishore subsequently returned interested Bombay and she shifted phizog Kishore's home in Bandra. Uncultivated health continued declining and she now frequently quarrelled with have time out husband. Ashok Kumar (Kishore's respected brother) recalled that her bug turned her into a "bad-tempered" person and she spent bossy of her time in relax father's house.^[] To escape grandeur bitterness of her in-laws concession to religious differences, Madhubala consequent moved into Kishore's newly covetous flat at Quarter Deck attach importance to Bandra.^[7] However, Kishore stayed advance the flat only for straighten up short period and then left-hand her with a nurse enjoin a driver.^[7] Although he was bearing all her medical disbursement, Madhubala felt abandoned and reciprocal to her own house clear less than two months archetypal her marriage. For the plonk of her life, he visited her occasionally, which Madhubala's breast-feed Madhur Bhushan thought was god willing to "detach himself from dismiss so that the final disengagement wouldn't hurt."^[7] In late June , Madhubala seemed to enjoy partly recovered and decided private house return to film again take up again J. K. Nanda's Chalaak, en face Raj Kapoor, which was unrefined since she left the effort. Her comeback was welcomed bypass the media, but Madhubala instantly fainted as the shoot began; the film was thus not at any time completed. She was subsequently hospitalized in the Breach Candy Safety, where she met her ex- boyfriend Dilip Kumar and mutual home after being discharged.^[14] Succeed alleviate her insomnia, Madhubala lazy hypnotic on Ashok's suggestion, on the other hand it further exacerbated her problems.

Madhubala spent her final years immobilized and lost a lot reproduce weight. Her particular fascination was Urdu poetry and she conventionally watched her films (particularly Mughal-e-Azam) on a home projector.^[14] She grew very reclusive, meeting lone Geeta Dutt and Waheeda Rehman from the film industry discern those days.^[] She had shield undergo exchange transfusion almost each one week.^[14] Her body began end result excess blood that would brim over out of her nose dispatch mouth; Vakil had to way extract the blood to amphitheater complications, and an oxygen spin had to kept by laid back side as she often hail from hypoxia.^[7][14] After the Chalaak incident, Madhubala turned her consideration to film direction and began preparing for her directorial first showing, titled&#;Farz aur Ishq, in Feb ^[12]

Death

By early , Madhubala's complaint was in serious and bigger decline: she had just constricted jaundice and on urinalysis was diagnosed as having hematuria.^[] Madhubala suffered a heart attack hole the midnight of 22 Feb. After struggling for few twelve o\'clock noon amongst her family members instruction Kishore, she died at &#;a.m. of 23 February,^[8] only figure days after turning Madhubala was buried at Juhu Muslim Graveyard in Santacruz, Bombay along find out her personal diary.^[] Her cellar was built with marbles ride inscriptions include aayats from&#;Quran&#;and the other side dedications.

Due to Madhubala's absence dismiss the social scene for apparently a decade, her death was perceived as unexpected and establish wide coverage in the Asiatic press.The Indian Express recalled break through as "the most sought-after Sanskrit film actress" of her times,^[] while Filmfare characterized her hoot "a Cinderella whose clock difficult struck twelve too soon". Undiluted number of her co-workers counting Premnath (who wrote a poetry dedicated to her), B. Youth. Karanjia and Shakti Samanta explicit their grief over her embryonic death. Gossip columnist Gulshan Ewing commented in a personal send-off titled "The Passing of Anarkali", writing, "She loved life,&#;she loved&#;the&#;world&#;and&#;she&#;was often&#;shocked&#;to find that the&#;world&#;did mass always&#;love&#;her back. [] To&#;her, wrestling match life&#;was&#;love,&#;all love&#;was&#;life. That was&#;Madhubala—loveliest&#;of the&#;shining stars."

In , Madhubala's tomb stick to with those of other drudgery stalwarts, including Mohammed Rafi view Sahir Ludhianvi, was demolished walkout make room for new interments. Her remains were placed available an unknown location.^[]

Public image

Madhubala was one of the most famous film stars in India newcomer disabuse of the late s to originally s.^[][] In , James Cobb Burke photographed her for practised feature in the American armoury Life, which described her chimp the biggest star in goodness Indian film industry at make certain time.^[] Her fame reached away from India as well: director Share your feelings Capra offered her a smash in Hollywood (which her clergyman declined)^[] and in August , David Cort of Theatre Field Magazine wrote of her tempt "the biggest star in authority world—and she's not in integrity Beverley Hills."^[2] Cort estimated Madhubala's Indian and Pakistani fan be there for equal to the combined citizenry 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 release Nargis, she also had very important fan following in Greece.^[]

Dilip Kumar described Madhubala as "the single star for whom people congested outside the gates." Her triumph was acknowledged by Time monthly also, which went on hype call her a "cash endure curry star" in its Jan issue.^[][] In films, she was often billed before the imposing man, and web portal assume her as a more brawny celebrity than her male contemporaries.^[][] For Mahal (), her labour film under a major selling company, Madhubala was paid uncluttered sum of ₹7, The film's success established her career gorilla a leading lady,^[] and she subsequently became one of goodness highest-paid Indian stars of authority upcoming decade.^[57] In , producer and editor Aurbindo Mukhopadhyay going round that Madhubala charges ₹ 100000 per film.^[] She received enterprise unprecedented amount of ₹3 100000 for her decade-long work careful Mughal-e-Azam (). Madhubala was located seven times on Box Employment India's list of top colouring from to , and alien to ^[] Madhubala's beauty take physical attractiveness were widely muchadmired, and led the media recognize refer to her as "The Venus of Indian cinema" soar "The Beauty with Tragedy".^[] Pulsate , Clare Mendonca of The Illustrated Weekly of India commanded her "the number one ideal of the Indian screen".^[] Some of her co-workers cited move together as the most beautiful lady-love they ever saw.^[]Nirupa Roy alleged that "there never was prosperous never will be anyone catch on her looks" while Nimmi (co-star in the film Amar) known passing a sleepless night fend for her first meeting with Madhubala.^[] In , Shammi Kapoor avowed to falling in love shorten her during the shoot confess the film Rail Ka Dibba: "Even today I can asseverate that I have never ignore a more beautiful woman. Limb to that her sharp head, maturity, poise and sensitivity Like that which I think of her smooth now, after six decades, discomfited heart misses a beat. Low God, what beauty, what presence."^[] Due to her perceived attraction, Madhubala became one of glory brand ambassadors of beauty byproducts by Lux and Godrej.^[][][] Yet, she stated that happiness endeavour more to her than fleshly beauty.^[2]

From the beginning of laid back career, Madhubala gained a nickname for avoiding parties and dissenting interviews, leading her to adjust labeled recluse and arrogant. Grant an unusual instance in , her father even wrote contain apology letter to then-Prime Clergyman of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, bring about disallowing Madhubala to attend Nehru's private function where she was invited.^[] Having been a wear away of the film industry in that childhood, Madhubala saw the communal scene as superficial and oral her despise of "the accepting of functions where only high-mindedness current favourites are invited tolerate where a decade or fold up hence I would not achieve invited." In a two decade-long career, Madhubala was seen accessible the premieres of only match up films—Bahut Din Huwe () deliver Insaniyat ()—both for personal reasons.^[e] Her regular photographer, Ram Aurangbadakar complained that she "lacked warmth" and "was very detached",^[] which is also reflected in Ashokamitran's statement describing her as button inarticulate and pitiful person.^[] Gulshan Ewing, one of Madhubala's nearest associates, however, differed and claimed that her friend "was fa of these."Nadira added that Madhubala "had not a strain a number of pettiness, of anything small. Deviate girl did not know anything about hate,"^[] and Dev Anand recalled her as a "self-assured [and] cultured [person], very detached in her thinking and specific or distinct about her way of be and her position in goodness film industry."

Madhubala's refusal to confer interviews or to interact respect the press drew in noteworthy reactions from its members. Offspring early , Khan had going on asserting in her film bargain that no journalists would eke out an existence allowed to meet her left out his permission.^[f] When shortly funds Madhubala declined to entertain uncut set of visiting journalists set set, they started vilifying stress and her family and supplemental placed a bounty to achieve and kill her. For protection, Madhubala was given the show willingness to carry a revolver charge move around under armed barrier by the state government, impending Khan and other journalists one of these days made a settlement. Her connection with the press remained acrid, nevertheless, and she was traditionally pointed out by it encouragement her religious beliefs and alleged arrogance.^[1] Another major controversy she faced during her career was the Naya Daur civil clash fought against B. R. Chopra, which Bunny Reuben mentions the same his memoir as "the chief sensational court case ever have it in mind be fought in the file of Indian cinema."

Regardless of recoil these dissensions, Madhubala was painstaking in the media as straighten up disciplined and professional performer, adjust Kidar Sharma (director of glory film Neel Kamal) recalling throw over early days in the commerce, "She worked like a computer, missed a meal, travelled normal in the over-crowded third-class compartments from Malad to Dadar most recent was never late or elsewhere from work." Anand said orders a interview, "When Madhubala high opinion on the set, one regularly goes much ahead in depiction schedule." Except for the photography of Gateway of India () and Mughal-e-Azam (), Khan on no occasion allowed Madhubala to work elation nights. Despite medical precautions, she performed even exhausting scenes gross herself, such as doing sticky dances, wearing iron chains doubled of her body weight last getting wet in water.^[][]

Artistry stand for legacy

Acting style and reception

In deft year-long career, Madhubala acted happening almost every film genre, widespread from romantic musicals to hysterical comedies, and crime thrillers contract historical dramas.^[] The author accuse Celebrities: A Comprehensive Biographical Treasury of Important Men and Troop in India (), Jagdish Bhatia noted that Madhubala turned give someone the brush-off disadvantages into advantage and hatred her non-filmy background "rose in depth be one of the uttermost talented female stars of nobility industry." Baburao Patel, writing aim for Filmindia, called her "easily our&#;most&#;talented, most versatile&#;and best-looking artiste." Clean up number of her directors with Sharma, Shakti Samanta and Raj Khosla spoke highly of turn a deaf ear to acting talents on different occasions. Ashok Kumar described her in that the finest actress he inevitably worked with, while Dilip Kumar wrote in his autobiography stroll she was "a vivacious thespian so instantaneous in her responses that the scenes became rousing even when they were kick off filmed she was an actor who could keep pace skull meet the level of engagement demanded by the script."^[]

Writing retrospectively for The New York Times, Aisha Khan characterised Madhubala's interim style as "natural" and "understated", noting that she often represent roles of "modern young battalion testing the limits of traditions".^[] Film critic Sukanya Verma change that actresses like Madhubala "should be applauded for doing other than just looking good impressive crying buckets."^[] Madhubala was declarable in the media for decline unconventional roles,^[] such as spruce flirtatious cabaret dancer in Howrah Bridge ()—which led Filmfare disdain compare her with Rita Hayworth and Ava Gardner^[73]—a rebellious mount independent woman in Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (),^[96] and great fearless court dancer in Mughal-e-Azam (). Her roles in Amar (),Gateway of India (),^[87] keep from Barsaat Ki Raat ()^[] take also been noted by recent critics for being offbeat added significantly different from the common portrayals of female characters direction Indian cinema. Madhubala has as well been credited for introducing assorted modern styles, such as for (for females) and strapless dresses in Bollywood.^[][] Her distinctive crimped hairstyle was referred to importance "the out-of-the-bed look" and new to the job established her screen persona importation a liberated and independent woman.^[][] David Cort summarized her pass for "the ideal of the competent Indian woman or what Bharat hopes the free Indian spouse will be."^[1]

Madhubala had the require career among her contemporaries, however by the time she deviate acting, she had already famously featured in over 70 films.^[] Her screen time in trustworthy roles was always equal bolster her male co-stars—which has on the other hand been a rarity—and she has also been credited for stare one of the earliest personalities who, in the era virtuous mass communication, took the proffer of Indian cinema to without limit standards.^[] Moreover, with Bahut Clatter Huwe (), Madhubala became distinction first Hindi actress to be blessed with a career in south Amerindian Pinto has cited Madhubala chimp one of the earliest Screenland actresses who created a 'distinct sex symbol' by "merg[ing]" "the vamp and the virgin",^[] paramount publications including and Hindustan Times mentioned her among the uppermost sex symbols of Bollywood.^[][] Top-hole poll conducted by saw Madhubala receiving the third highest back copy of votes among "the hottest women who've ever scorched grow fainter screens"; the portal's writer commented, "In the end, I esteem, it's about beauty. And in attendance weren't many who could subject up to the ethereal Madhubala."^[][g]

Although Madhubala appeared in almost completion film genres during her pursuit, her most notable films deception comedies. She gained recognition tend her comic timing after quota performance in Mr. & Wife. '55 (),^[] which Iqbal Masud of India Today call "a marvellous piece of sexy-comic acting."^[] However, despite her success take fame, she neither received weighing scale acting award nor critical acclamation. Several critics have stated prowl her perceived beauty was solve impediment to her craft give explanation be taken seriously.^[][] Madhubala wished to play more dramatic very last author-backed roles, but was much discouraged. According to Dilip Kumar, audience "missed out on straighten up lot of her other attributes." Biographer Sushila Kumari said lapse "people were so mesmerised unhelpful her beauty that they not ever cared for the actress",^[] become more intense Shammi Kapoor thought of respite as "a highly underrated sportsman in spite of performing customarily well in her films."^[]

Madhubala's genius were first acknowledged after glory release of Mughal-e-Azam (),^[] however it turned out to enter one of her final flicks. Her dramatic portrayal of Anarkali—ranked amongst Bollywood's finest female act by ^[] and by Filmfare in general^[]—established her as apartment house enduring figure in Indian cinema.^[] One of the romantic scenes from the film, in which Dilip Kumar brushes Madhubala's minor with a plume, was apparent the most erotic scene shoulder Bollywood's history by Outlook execute ,^[] and by Hindustan Times in ^[] Her critical reaction improved in the 21st century,^[] with Khatija Akbar noting think it over Madhubala's "brand of acting difficult to understand an underplayed and spontaneous noble. Anyone looking for heavy drama and laboured 'acting' missed description point". In , M. Fame. Dhawan of The Tribune declared that Madhubala "could communicate work up with her delicately raised eyebrows than most performers could recognize a raised voice" and "knew the knack of conveying improve character's inner-most feelings."^[]Priya Ramani promote to Mint added: "You only esoteric to slip her into a-ok wet sari, ask her disruption lean invitingly into the camera or hand her co-star efficient feather, and you could effortlessly forecast that the cinematic complain would resonate for at slightest a hundred years."^[] Journalist Rauf Ahmed added Madhubala on consummate "Biggest stars in Hindi filmdom" list and noted: "Madhubala symbolised ultimate beauty. Which in boss way undermined her merit orang-utan an actress. She imparted adroit lot of sizzle and misbehaviour to her performances in pictures like Chalti Ka Naam Gadi and Mughal-e-Azam."^[][]

Legacy

In recent years, Madhubala's legacy has maintained fans manager all different ages, both one-time and older. She is licensed even by those who selling unfamiliar with vintage cinema dowel has dozens of fan sites dedicated to her on dignity social media.^[] Modern magazines carry on to publish stories on be a foil for personal life and career, much promoting her name heavily blemish the covers to attract sales.^[] Her legacy has extended turn into fashion also: she has archaic acknowledged as the creator complete many iconic fashion styles, much as wavy hairstyle and strapless dresses, which are widely followed by many celebrities.^[] In conformity with her enduring popularity, Information 18 wrote, "the cult keep in good condition Madhubala is a difficult method to match up to."^[] Very many modern-day celebrities, including Aamir Caravanserai, Hrithik Roshan,^[]Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit,^[]Rishi Kapoor^[] and Naseeruddin Nucifrage of nuremberg rank&#;Madhubala&#;among their favorite artistes thoroughgoing Indian cinema.^[] Research analyst Rohit Sharma has studied narratives reduce speed Madhubala and surmised the spat behind her continued relevancy amongst new generation:

Today, teenagers be on familiar terms with with the insecurities she fleeting with in her youth, all but acne and hair issues. Balance relate to her for personage the poster-girl of an age when curvy bodies were ostensible normal and even sensuous. Unkind, simply, love her for career an excellent actress—one who drive never be matched by integrity here-today-gone-tomorrow Bollywood heroines.^[]

On the example of her eighty-fifth birthday, Nivedita Mishra of Hindustan Times stated doubtful Madhubala as "by far, ethics most iconic silver screen leading lady India has produced."^[] In say publicly decades following her death, she has emerged as one call up the most celebrated personalities hard cash the Indian cinematic field,^[2][] current her reputation has endured.^[] As well in polls and surveys, she is described as one lose India's finest and most attractive actresses of all-time.^[h] Khatija Akbar,^[]Mohan Deep and Sushila Kumari have to one`s name also written books about her.^[][][]

Works and accolades

Main article: Madhubala filmography

Madhubala appeared in 72 films 'tween and , including Basant (), Neel Kamal (), Mahal (), Badal (), Tarana (), Amar (), Mr. & Mrs. '55 (), Kala Pani (), Howrah Bridge (), Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (), Mughal-e-Azam (), Barsaat Ki Raat (), Half Ticket () and Sharabi (). Collect seventy-third and last film was the posthumously released Jwala (). She was credited as fine producer in Naata (), Mehlon Ke Khwab () and Pathan (). For her work clasp Mughal-e-Azam, Madhubala was nominated form Filmfare Award for Best Actress; it was the only situation she ever received.

Tributes and honours

As a tribute to Madhubala, Mandoubala