15 february 2013 madhubala biography

Indian actress (–)

Madhubala (born Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi; 14 February – 23 Feb ) was an Indian actress who worked in Hindi films. The country's highest-paid star in the s, Madhubala appeared in over 70 films—ranging steer clear of slapstick comedies to historical dramas—in simple two decade-long career.^[1] Long after turn one\'s back on death, she remains a Bollywood image, particularly noted for her beauty predominant unconventional screen persona.^[2]

Born and raised contain Delhi, Madhubala relocated to Bombay (now Mumbai) with her family when she was 8 years old and by after began playing minor roles, model with Basant (). She progressed hither leading roles in the late inhuman, and earned success with the dramas Neel Kamal () and Amar (), the horror film Mahal (), jaunt the romantic films Badal () standing Tarana (). Following a brief kick in the teeth, Madhubala found continued success with kill roles in the comedies Mr. & Mrs. '55 (), Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi () and Half Ticket (), the crime films Howrah Bridge unthinkable Kala Pani (both ), and say publicly musical Barsaat Ki Raat ().

Madhubala's portrayal of Anarkali in the reliable epic drama Mughal-e-Azam ()—the highest-grossing ep in India at the time—earned say no to widespread critical acclaim and her one nomination for the Filmfare Award replace Best Actress; her performance has because been described by critics as amity of the finest in Indian detailed history. She worked sporadically in integument in the s, making her in reply appearance in the drama Sharabi (). Additionally, she produced three films drop her production house Madhubala Private Company, which was co-founded by her lure

Despite maintaining strong privacy, Madhubala just significant media coverage for her munificence work and personal life. In magnanimity early s, she had a highly-publicised relationship with actor Dilip Kumar walk ended amidst the Naya Daur mind-numbing case (–57). She married actor-singer Kishore Kumar in Throughout her adult strength, Madhubala suffered from recurring bouts living example breathlessness and hemoptysis caused by pure ventricular septal defect, ultimately leading put in plain words her death at the age pay the bill 36, in

Early life

Madhubala was constitutional as Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi imprison Delhi, British India, on 14 Feb She was the fifth of team children of Ataullah Khan and Aayesha Begum. At least four of Madhubala's siblings died as infants; her sisters who survived until adulthood were Kaneez Fatima (b. ), Altaf (b. ), Chanchal (b. ) and Zahida (b. ).^[a] Khan, who belonged to the&#;Yusufzai&#;tribe of&#;Pashtuns from Peshawar valley, originating escape Swabi District, North-West Frontier Province^[9] was an employee at the Imperial Baccy Company.^[9] Unknown to her family components, Madhubala was born with a ventricular septal defect, a congenital heart confusion which had no treatment at authority time.^[11][12]

Madhubala spent most of her youth in Delhi and grew up penurious any kind of health issues. In a good way to the orthodox ideas of their Muslim father, neither Madhubala nor inferior of her sisters except Zahida fake school.^[14] Madhubala nevertheless learnt Urdu, Sanskrit, as well as her native language,&#;Pashto, under her father's guidance.^[15] An desirous movie viewer since the beginning, she used to perform her favourite scenes in front of her mother tolerate spend her time dancing and imitating film characters to entertain herself. Oppress spite of her conservative upbringing, she aimed to become a film actor—which her father strictly disapproved of.

Khan's arbitration changed in after he got pinkslipped from his job for misbehaving tighten a senior officer. Madhubala's mother concern ostracism if they allowed their adolescent daughter to work in the cheer industry, but Khan remained adamant. Any minute now Madhubala was employed at the Screen India Radio station to sing compositions of Khurshid Anwar. The seven-year-old prolonged working there for months,^[18] and became acquainted with Rai Bahadur Chunnilal, decency general manager of the studio Bombay Talkies, situated in Bombay.^[18] Chunnilal took an immediate liking towards Madhubala sit suggested Khan to visit Bombay muddle up better employment opportunities.

Acting career

Early work splendid switch to adult roles (–)

In honesty summer of , Khan along add-on Madhubala and other family members resettled to Bombay and settled down regulate a cowshed present in the Malad suburbs of Bombay. Following an joyfulness from the studio executives, Chunnilal personalized Madhubala to a juvenile role clump Bombay Talkies' production, Basant (), utilize a salary of ₹ Released take away July , Basant became a bigger success commercially,^[18][22] but although Madhubala's thought garnered appreciation, the studio dropped unite contract as it did not thirst for a child actor at that relating to. Disappointed, Khan had to once correct return his family to Delhi. Yes subsequently found low-paid temporary jobs quantity the city, but continued to strive financially.

In , Bombay Talkies' head Devika Rani sent for Khan to call together Madhubala for role in Jwar Bhata (). Madhubala did not get birth role but Khan now decided sort out settle permanently in Bombay seeing natty prospect in films. The family bone up returned to their temporary residence squeeze Malad and Madhubala along with attend father began paying frequent visits run alongside film studios throughout the city direction search of work. She was any minute now signed to a three-year contract colleague Chandulal Shah's studio Ranjit Movietone, persist a monthly payment of ₹ Turn a deaf ear to income led to Khan shifting honourableness family to a neighbouring rented household in Malad.

In April , the rented house was destroyed in a berth explosion; Madhubala and her family survived only because they had gone observe a local theatre. After shifting look at her friend's house, Madhubala continued repulse film career,^[30] playing minor roles diminution five of Ranjit's films: Mumtaz Mahal (), Dhanna Bhagat (), Rajputani (), Phoolwari () and Pujari (); she was credited as "Baby Mumtaz" ordinary all of them. She faced many problems in these years; during grandeur shoot of Phoolwari in , Madhubala vomited blood, which forewarned her affliction that was slowly taking root. Hutch , she had to borrow misery from a film producer for justness treatment of her pregnant mother. Fervent to establish a foothold in picture industry, in November , Madhubala began shooting for two of Mohan Sinha's directorial ventures, Chittor Vijay and Mere Bhagwaan, which were supposed to exist her introduction to the silver-screen wring adult roles.^[34]

Madhubala's first project in boss lead role was Sohrab Modi's Daulat, but it was shelved indefinitely (and would not be revived until character next year).^[35][36] Her debut as unadulterated leading lady came in Kidar Sharma's drama Neel Kamal, in which she starred opposite debutante Raj Kapoor standing Begum Para.^[36] She was offered righteousness film after Sharma's first choice, contestant Kamla Chatterjee, died. Released in Hike , Neel Kamal was popular ready to go audience and garnered wide public make your mark for Madhubala. She then reteamed shorten Kapoor in Chittor Vijay and Dil Ki Rani, both of which were released in , and in Amar Prem, which came out the followers year.^[30] These films were unsuccessful ventures that failed to propel her vitality ahead. During this period, she locked away to charge a relatively lesser input than her usual fee to draw more offers. To secure her cover financially, Madhubala quickly signed 24 motion pictures. Impressed by her work in Neel Kamal, in which Madhubala was credited as "Mumtaz", Devika Rani suggested disallow to take up "Madhubala" as restlessness professional name.^[b]

Rise to prominence and superstardom (–)

Madhubala found her first critical lecture commercial success in the drama Lal Dupatta, which The Indian Express statue as a breakthrough for her.^[30]Baburao Patel described the film as "the chief milestone of her maturity in fan acting." She received further positive reviews for her supporting parts in Parai Aag (), Paras and Singaar (both ). In , Madhubala played trig femme fatale in Kamal Amrohi's Mahal—the first horror film of Indian cinema.^[46] Several actresses including Suraiya were deemed for the role but Amrohi insisted on casting Madhubala.^[48] Her character was that of Kamini, a servant pup in an ancient mansion, whose pretensions of an apparition lead to devastating consequences. The film was produced look after a modest budget due to cash constraints, with trade analysts predicting musical to be a failure owing pressurize somebody into its unconventional subject.^[48]Mahal was released limit October and proved to be rest immensely popular film among audience.^[48] Deceive Beyond the Boundaries of Bollywood, Wife Dwyer noted that Madhubala's ignorance mid audience added to the mysterious assembly of her character.^[46] The film, which would be Madhubala's first of spend time at collaborations with actor and brother-in-law Ashok Kumar, emerged as the third plain box-office success of the year, second-hand consequenti in her signing a string accept starring roles opposite the leading inclination of the time.^[50]

Following another box disclose hit in Dulari (),^[50] Madhubala pretended Ajit's love interest in K. Amarnath's social drama Beqasoor (). The consider received positive reviews and ranked amid the year's top-grossing Bollywood productions.^[52] Besides in , she appeared in dignity comedy-drama Hanste Aansoo, which became nobleness first Indian film to be awarded an Adult certification.^[54] The following class, Madhubala starred in the Amiya Chakravarty-directed action film Badal (), a reassemble of The Adventures of Robin Hood. Her portrayal of a princess who ignorantly falls in love with Prem Nath's character received mixed reviews; copperplate critic praised her looks but considered her to "learn to speak unlimited dialogue slowly, distinctly and effectively by way of alternative of rattling through her lines feature a&#;monotone." She subsequently played the so-designated part in M. Sadiq's romance Saiyan, which Roger Yue of The Island Free Press commented was played "to perfection".^[57] Both Badal and Saiyan evidenced to be major box-office successes.^[58] Madhubala then collaborated with actor Dilip Kumar twice in a row, on character comedy Tarana and the drama Sangdil. These films also performed well financially, popularizing the on and offscreen span among wide audience.^[61] Baburao Patel's filmindia review of Tarana read, "Incidentally, Madhubala gives the best performance of repel screen career in this picture. She seems to have discovered her key at last in Dilip Kumar's company."^[63]

Madhubala was cast in the garb drama Shahehshah () before Kamini Kaushal replaced her.^[65] In April , Madhubala founded a production company called Madhubala Private Ltd.^[66] The following year, linctus shooting in Madras for S. Severe. Vasan's Bahut Din Huwe (), she suffered a major health setback scrutiny to her heart disease. She reciprocal to Bombay after completing the pick up and took a short-term medical bin from work, which led to turn thumbs down on replacement (by Nimmi) in Uran Khatola ().^[69] Madhubala later starred in recourse film of —Mehboob Khan's Amar, depicting a social worker involved in out love triangle along with Dilip Kumar and Nimmi. Madhubala improvised a area from the film.^[70] It was snub at the box-office.^[72] Nevertheless, Rachit Gupta of Filmfare stated that Madhubala overshadowed her co-stars and "floored her impersonation with a nuanced performance."^[73] Writing send for in , Dinesh Raheja described Amar as "arguably Madhubala's first truly fully grown performance" and particularly praised a thespian scene featuring her and Dilip.^[74] Madhubala's next release was her own selling venture, Naata (), in which she co-starred with her sister Chanchal. Righteousness film met with a tepid receive and lost a lot of impecuniousness, compelling Madhubala to sell her hut Kismet to recover the loss.

Madhubala straightforward a comeback in with Guru Dutt's comedy Mr. & Mrs. '55, which emerged as one of the year's highest-grossing films in India and recipe biggest success at that point compensation time.^[76][77] The film saw her completion Anita Verma, a naive heiress who is forced by her aunt puncture a sham marriage with Dutt's club together. Harneet Singh of The Indian Express called Mr. & Mrs. '55 "a great ride" and acknowledged Madhubala's "impish charm and breezy comic timing" chimpanzee one of its prime assets.^[79] Take away mid, a conflict broke out in the middle of Madhubala–Khan and director B. R. Chopra over the location shoot of Naya Daur, in which Madhubala was card to play the female protagonist. Desolate her as uncooperative and unprofessional, Chopra replaced Madhubala with Vyjayanthimala and other sued the former for ₹30, scope damages.^[80] The lawsuit continued for go up in price eight months amidst public scrutiny formerly Chopra withdrew it after Naya Daur got released.

Subsequently in the years –57, Madhubala reduced her workload due know the lawsuit and health issues. She and Nargis were approached by Educator Dutt to play either of blue blood the gentry two female leads (an unfaithful beloved or a hooker with a courage of gold) in his production, Pyaasa (). Unable to choose between blue blood the gentry two leading roles, the actresses passed over the film to the newcomers Mala Sinha and Waheeda Rehman.^[83][84] Madhubala appeared in two period films barred enclosure , Raj Hath and Shirin Farhad, both critical and commercial successes. Position following year, she portrayed a absent heiress in Om Prakash's Gateway assess India (), which critic Deepa Gahlot believed to be one of primacy finest performances of her career.^[87] Madhubala then starred in the drama Ek Saal (), which follows the enjoy story of a terminally-ill ingenue.

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

Madhubala began primacy year with Raj Khosla's Kala Pani, in which she co-starred with Dev Anand and Nalini Jaywant, playing finish intrepid journalist investigating a year-old murder.^[89] She was then cast as Edna opposite Ashok Kumar in Howrah Bridge (), her first collaboration with self-opinionated Shakti Samanta. Madhubala waived her fees to play the role of proscribe Anglo-Indiancabaret dancer, which marked a deed from her previous portrayals of cultivated characters.^[90] Both Howrah Bridge and Kala Pani begot positive reviews for and became two of the year's top-grossing films.^[73] She followed this health with the box office hit Phagun ().^[92] In her final release take , Madhubala portrayed a wealthy municipality woman involved in a love matter with Kishore Kumar in Satyen Bose's comedy Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi—one flawless the biggest money-making films of representation s.^[94]Dinesh Raheja of referred to monotonous as the "fifties jest-setter", adding stray Madhubala "exudes oodles of charisma person in charge her giggles are infectious."^[95] Writing pray the same portral in , hack Rinki Roy mentioned Madhubala's character pride Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi as "a top favourite": "Her breezy performance stands out as that rare example corporeal an independent, urban woman. [] Lack me, Madhubala is the face counterfeit the original celluloid diva."^[96]

Her second approtionment with Samanta, Insan Jaag Utha (), was a social drama film cut down which the protagonists work on honourableness construction of a dam.^[97] A unaffected success, its critical reception has improve over years.^[77][98] Rachit Gupta of Filmfare and Roktim Rajpal of Deccan Herald have cited Madhubala's performance as Gauri, a village belle, as one describe her finest works.^[77][73] Further in , she received praise for playing double roles in Kal Hamara Hai, very starring Bharat Bhushan. Khatija Akbar, goodness author of Madhubala: Her Life, Unit Films (), called her turn owing to "a polished performance, particularly in nobleness role of the misguided 'other' sister." The commercial success of Do Ustad (), which saw her reuniting warmth Raj Kapoor, was followed by justness second film of Madhubala Private Ltd.—the comedy Mehlon Ke Khwab (). Vehicle fared poorly 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 a 16th-century court dancer, Anarkali (Madhubala), and her affair with ethics Mughal prince Salim (Kumar). Since rectitude mids, Asif had rejected numerous touch for the part of Anarkali.^[] Madhubala had joined the cast in go-slow an advance payment of Rs. 1 lakh—the highest for any actor be repentant actress until then. The filming time proved to be taxing.^[] Her self-importance with Kumar ended amidst shooting limit there were reports of animosity betwixt the actors.^[] Madhubala was also uncomfortable by the night schedules and footloose and fancy free dance sequences, which she had anachronistic medically asked to avoid. She hew down under the weight of iron bonds, extinguished candles with her palm, hungry herself for days to depict anguishness in particular scenes and had regular water flung at her face playing field whole body painted. The decade-long highest photography for Mughal-e-Azam came to more than ever end in May and left be involved with exhausted, both physically and mentally, traverse a point that she began all in all a retirement.^[]

Mughal-e-Azam was first of Madhubala's two films in colour; it difficult to understand four reels shot in Technicolor. Probity film had the widest release matching any Indian film up to saunter time, and patrons often queued brag day for tickets.^[] Released on 5 August , it broke box divulge records in India and became the&#;highest-grossing Indian film&#;of all time, a separation it would hold for 15 years.^[] At the National Film Awards, Mughal-e-Azam&#;won the National Film Award for Surpass Feature Film in Hindi^[] and emancipated the 8th Filmfare Awards ceremony block 11 nominations,^[] including Best Actress guard Madhubala. A reviewer for The Amerindic Express commented, "Scene after scene bears testimony to the outstanding gifts watch Madhubala as a natural actress [] The way she presents Anarkali's solidly moods as she passes through blue blood the gentry lightning vicissitudes in her life shambles superb."^[]

The success of Mughal-e-Azam resulted epoxy resin a string of offers in higher ranking roles, but Madhubala had to conceal them owing to her heart condition.^[] She further withdrew from some output that were already underway, including Bombai Ka Babu, Naughty Boy, Jahan Ara, Yeh Basti Ye Log, Suhana Geet and an untitled film with Kishore Sahu.^[][] She did, however, have ingenious few more releases, which were realized either by body doubles or wishy-washy Madhubala herself. In late , Madhubala was seen in Shakti Samanta's wrong film Jaali Note, based on representation theme of counterfeit money; it was successful financially.^[97] However, Karan Bali break into mentioned her role as "sketchy" endure found the romance between her pivotal Dev Anand's characters unconvincing.^[] Madhubala's prevailing role in the musical Barsaat Ki Raat () was better received.^[73] Class feature was the year's second-highest-grossing crust, trailing only Mughal-e-Azam.^[] A critic concerning The Indian Express found her "enchanting",^[] while Venkat Parsa of The Siasat Daily noted the rebellious nature compensation her character, Shabnam, who elopes resume her lover (played by Bharat Bhushan) after her parents object to leadership relationship.^[]

The back-to-back blockbuster successes of Mughal-e-Azam and Barsaat Ki Raat established Madhubala as the most successful leading dame of ^[] She subsequently discontinued minder career and only preferred starring chimpanzee love interests in a few pictures, including the comedies Jhumroo (), Boy Friend () and Half Ticket (), and the dramas Passport () advocate Sharabi (). All three of turn down releases were among the top-grossing works of the year.^[][]Half Ticket, her grasp collaboration with husband Kishore Kumar was a critical and commercial success whereas well.^[] Sukanya Verma called the integument one of her most favourite comedies of all time, praising the "palpably fond chemistry" between Madhubala and Kishore.^[] Also released in was Madhubala Confidential Ltd.'s third and last presentation, Pathan, which turned out to be boss box office flop.

Sabbaticals and final disused (–)

Following a sabbatical of two maturity, Madhubala completed Sharabi in ; greatness film would go on to grow her final release in her day. Baburao Patel, writing for Mother India, praised Madhubala's performance for "reviv[ing] rank old heartache".^[] An editor for christened Sharabi a "fitting finale to a- luminous career, showing the actress contest her most beautiful and her first effective, a heroine destined not enter upon age in any of our eyes."^[]

Two years after Madhubala's death, one exert a pull on her incomplete works, Jwala () was released. Co-starring Sunil Dutt and Sohrab Modi, the film was mainly ready with the help of body doubles. It marked Madhubala's final screen role.

Personal life

Born in an orthodox Muslim kinfolk, Madhubala was deeply religious and experienced Islam since her childhood. After receipt her family financially in the harden s, she rented a bungalow try Peddar Road in Bombay and christian name it "Arabian Villa". It became disgruntlement permanent residence until death. She twig driving at the age of 12 and by adulthood was the host of five cars: Buick, Chevrolet, Site wagon, Hillman, and Town & Federation (which was owned by only duo people in India at that date, the other one being the Maharajah of Gwalior).^[] As a native orator of three Hindustani languages, she began learning English in from former performer Sushila Rani Patel and grew well-spoken in the language in three months. She also kept eighteen Alsatian run as pets at Arabian Villa.^[]

In , Madhubala was diagnosed with an habitual ventricular septal defect in her heart; the diagnosis was not made usual as it could jeopardize her career.

Philanthropy

She performed actively in charity, which complicated editor Baburao Patel to call an extra the "queen of charity".^[] In , she donated ₹5, each to family unit suffering from polio myelitis and close the Jammu and Kashmir relief back, and ₹50, for the refugees shun East Bengal.^[] Madhubala's donation sparked pastime a major controversy due to throw away religious beliefs and received wide sum in the media at that time.^[] Subsequently, she kept her charity office guarded and donated anonymously.^[] In , it was revealed that Madhubala difficult been regularly giving monthly bonuses make ill the lower staff of her studios. She also gifted a camera lift to the Film and Television Society of India in , which esteem operational even today.^[]

Friendships

When she was undiluted minor and in Delhi, Madhubala difficult a close friend named Latif, bare whom she left a rose in advance her family relocated to Bombay. Space fully working as a child artist recovered the mids, Madhubala befriended Baby Mahjabeen, another child actor of that tightly, who later grew up as performer Meena Kumari.^[] Despite their professional competitiveness, Madhubala shared a cordial relationship make sense Kumari as well as other mortal stars, such as Nargis, Nimmi, Begum Para, Geeta Bali, Nirupa Roy cope with Nadira.^[] In , following a greater conflict with the press, Madhubala customary a friendship with journalist B. Teenaged. Karanjia, who became one of probity few people of his profession expel be allowed inside Arabian Villa. Sarla Bhushan, the wife of Bharat Bhushan, with whom Madhubala had a for all bond, died of labour complications play a role , much to her distress. Madhubala was also close to three read her earliest directors—Kidar Sharma, Mohan Sinha, and Kamal Amrohi—and while there plot been rumours regarding her being faultily involved with them, her younger minister to Madhur Bhushan has refuted such claims.^[] On the sets of Mughal-e-Azam (), Madhubala often ate lunch with Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, a Pakistani barrister who later served as the country's Maturity Minister. He used to visit glory sets especially for Madhubala, and according to Sushila Kumari was Madhubala's inequitable lover.^[]

Relationships and marriage

Madhubala's first relationship was with her Badal co-star Prem Nath, in early They dated for shock wave months before differences figured out owed to religion—Nath was a Hindu.^[14] Granted the relationship fizzled out soon, Nath nevertheless remained close to Madhubala advocate her father Ataullah Khan for greatness rest of their lives. Also copy , Madhubala began a romance form a junction with actor Dilip Kumar, whom she locked away earlier met working on Jwar Bhata ().^[] Their affair went on determination receive wide media attention throughout position decade.^[] It had a positive contact on Madhubala and her friends put on recalled the following few years reorganization the happiest of her life.

As their relationship progressed, Madhubala and Dilip got engaged but could not marry although Khan had some objections.^[] Khan loved Dilip to act in his bargain house's films, which the actor refused. Also, Dilip specified to Madhubala wind if they were to marry, she will have to sever all exercises with her family. She parted construction with him in amidst the pay suit to case over the production of Naya Daur ().^[] Dilip testified against subtract and Khan in court, which weigh Madhubala devastated.^[][c] In the meantime, Madhubala was proposed marriage by three bring into play her co-stars: Bharat Bhushan, a widowman, Pradeep Kumar and Kishore Kumar, both of whom had previously been married.

On the sets of Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (), Madhubala rekindled a conviviality with Kishore Kumar,^[95] who was trig childhood acquaintance. They went on work to rule date for two years and confidential a court marriage on 16 Oct There are reports suggesting that Kumar, a Hindu, had converted to Islamism to marry her, but these claims have been refuted by her sister.^[d] The union was disliked by shun father, as well as her in-laws who had not expected their rustle up to marry a Muslim. Madhubala refuse Kishore also came to be reputed a mismatch in the industry extinguish to their contrasting personalities.

Health deterioration queue final years

Soon after their marriage in , Madhubala and Kishore Kumar traveled make contact with London along with her doctor Rustom Jal Vakil, combining their honeymoon accommodate the specialised treatment of Madhubala's surety disease, which was aggravating rapidly. Pustule London, doctors refused to operate offer her, fearing complications, and instead discover Madhubala to avoid any kind work stress and anxiety. She was dissuaded from having any children and secure a life expectancy of two duration. Madhubala and Kishore subsequently returned limit Bombay and she shifted to Kishore's home in Bandra. Her health enlarged declining and she now frequently quarrelled with her husband. Ashok Kumar (Kishore's elder brother) recalled that her complaint turned her into a "bad-tempered" grass and she spent most of dismiss time in her father's house.^[] Appoint escape the bitterness of her in-laws due to religious differences, Madhubala afterwards moved into Kishore's newly bought folks at Quarter Deck in Bandra.^[7] Nevertheless, Kishore stayed in the flat solitary for a short period and proliferate left her with a nurse slab a driver.^[7] Although he was drawing pin all her medical expenses, Madhubala change abandoned and returned to her very bad house in less than two months of her marriage. For the nap of her life, he visited complex occasionally, which Madhubala's sister Madhur Bhushan thought was possibly to "detach man from her so that the terminating separation wouldn't hurt."^[7] In late June , Madhubala seemed to have almost recovered and decided to return hurt film again with J. K. Nanda's Chalaak, opposite Raj Kapoor, which was unfinished since she left the work. Her comeback was welcomed by interpretation media, but Madhubala immediately fainted in that the shoot began; the film was thus never completed. She was later on hospitalized in the Breach Candy Polyclinic, where she met her former beau Dilip Kumar and returned home end being discharged.^[14] To alleviate her sleeplessness, Madhubala used hypnotic on Ashok's murmur, but it further exacerbated her problems.

Madhubala spent her final years bedridden explode lost a lot of weight. Circlet particular fascination was Urdu poetry become calm she regularly watched her films (particularly Mughal-e-Azam) on a home projector.^[14] She grew very reclusive, meeting only Geeta Dutt and Waheeda Rehman from rectitude film industry in those days.^[] She had to undergo exchange transfusion approximately every week.^[14] Her body began movie excess blood that would spill get it of her nose and mouth; Vakil had to thus extract the family to prevent complications, and an element cylinder had to kept by grouping side as she often suffered differ hypoxia.^[7][14] After the Chalaak incident, Madhubala turned her attention to film level and began preparing for her important debut, titled&#;Farz aur Ishq, in Feb ^[12]

Death

By early , Madhubala's health was in serious and major decline: she had just contracted jaundice and ripple urinalysis was diagnosed as having hematuria.^[] Madhubala suffered a heart attack be sold for the midnight of 22 February. Make something stand out struggling for few hours amongst equal finish family members and Kishore, she dull at &#;a.m. of 23 February,^[8] one nine days after turning Madhubala was buried at Juhu Muslim Cemetery shoulder Santacruz, Bombay along with her inaccessible diary.^[] Her tomb was built support marbles and inscriptions include aayats from&#;Quran&#;and verse dedications.

Due to Madhubala's absence get round the social scene for almost far-out decade, her death was perceived primate unexpected and found wide coverage in vogue the Indian press.The Indian Express give out her as "the most sought-after Sanskrit film actress" of her times,^[] deep-rooted Filmfare characterized her as "a Woman whose clock had struck twelve else soon". A number of her co-workers including Premnath (who wrote a ode dedicated to her), B. K. Karanjia and Shakti Samanta expressed their suffering over her premature death. Gossip novelist Gulshan Ewing commented in a individual farewell titled "The Passing of Anarkali", writing, "She loved life,&#;she loved&#;the&#;world&#;and&#;she&#;was often&#;shocked&#;to find that the&#;world&#;did not always&#;love&#;her put to one side. [] To&#;her, all life&#;was&#;love,&#;all love&#;was&#;life. Mosey was&#;Madhubala—loveliest&#;of the&#;shining stars."

In , Madhubala's burialchamber along with those of other elbow grease stalwarts, including Mohammed Rafi and Sahir Ludhianvi, was demolished to make extension for new interments. Her remains were placed at an unknown location.^[]

Public image

Madhubala was one of the most prominent film stars in India from primacy late s to early s.^[][] Coerce , James Burke photographed her suggest a feature in the American ammunition Life, which described her as goodness biggest star in the Indian album industry at that time.^[] Her make selfconscious reached beyond India as well: principal Frank Capra offered her a better in Hollywood (which her father declined)^[] and in August , David Take away of Theatre Arts Magazine wrote confront her as "the biggest star beginning the world—and she's not in grandeur Beverley Hills."^[2] Cort estimated Madhubala's Asiatic and Pakistani fan base equal dare the combined population of the modern United States and western Europe, ray also reported her popularity in countries such as Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia stomach East Africa.^[1] Along with Nargis, she also had large fan following feature Greece.^[]

Dilip Kumar described Madhubala as "the only star for whom people congested outside the gates." Her fame was acknowledged by Time magazine also, which went on to call her grand "cash and curry star" in fraudulence January issue.^[][] In films, she was often billed before the leading bloke, and web portal mentioned her reorganization a more powerful celebrity than bring about male contemporaries.^[][] For Mahal (), scrap first film under a major arrange company, Madhubala was paid a attachment of ₹7, The film's success means her career as a leading lady,^[] and she subsequently became one prepare the highest-paid Indian stars of nobleness upcoming decade.^[57] In , filmmaker existing editor Aurbindo Mukhopadhyay reported that Madhubala charges ₹ lakh per film.^[] She received an unprecedented amount of ₹3 lakh for her decade-long work pry open Mughal-e-Azam (). Madhubala was placed septet times on Box Office India's enumeration of top actresses from to , and from to ^[] Madhubala's ideal and physical attractiveness were widely fкted, and led the media to cite to her as "The Venus pattern Indian cinema" and "The Beauty occur to Tragedy".^[] In , Clare Mendonca short vacation The Illustrated Weekly of India baptized her "the number one beauty suggest the Indian screen".^[] Several of irregular co-workers cited her as the virtually beautiful woman they ever saw.^[]Nirupa Roy said that "there never was added never will be anyone with put your feet up looks" while Nimmi (co-star in righteousness film Amar) admitted passing a on guard night after her first meeting restore Madhubala.^[] In , Shammi Kapoor admitted to falling in love with afflict during the shoot of the disc Rail Ka Dibba: "Even today Beside oneself can swear that I have not in the least seen a more beautiful woman. Affix to that her sharp intellect, ripeness aptness, poise and sensitivity When I deliberate of her even now, after shake up decades, my heart misses a clued up. My God, what beauty, what presence."^[] Due to her perceived appeal, Madhubala became one of the brand ambassadors of beauty products by Lux distinguished Godrej.^[][][] However, she stated that welfare matters more to her than corporeal beauty.^[2]

From the beginning of her being, Madhubala gained a reputation for taboo parties and refusing interviews, leading link to be labeled recluse and swollen with pride. On an unusual instance in , her father even wrote an example letter to then-Prime Minister of Bharat, Jawaharlal Nehru, for disallowing Madhubala adopt attend Nehru's private function where she was invited.^[] Having been a pass on of the film industry since youth, Madhubala saw the social scene variety superficial and expressed her despise mock "the kind of functions where one and only the current favourites are invited unthinkable where a decade or two consequently I would not be invited." Cut a two decade-long career, Madhubala was seen at the premieres of exclusive two films—Bahut Din Huwe () enthralled Insaniyat ()—both for personal reasons.^[e] Coffee break regular photographer, Ram Aurangbadakar complained drift she "lacked warmth" and "was to a great extent detached",^[] which is also reflected ploy Ashokamitran's statement describing her as erior inarticulate and pitiful person.^[] Gulshan Ewing, one of Madhubala's closest associates, in spite of that, differed and stated that her magazine columnist "was none of these."Nadira added digress Madhubala "had not a strain have a high regard for pettiness, of anything small. That wench did not know anything about hate,"^[] and Dev Anand recalled her primate a "self-assured [and] cultured [person], bargain independent in her thinking and nice about her way of life become more intense her position in the film industry."

Madhubala's refusal to grant interviews or stay at interact with the press drew hem in extreme reactions from its members. Contempt early , Khan had begun declaratory in her film contracts that rebuff journalists would be allowed to happen on her without his permission.^[f] When before long after Madhubala declined to entertain uncomplicated set of visiting journalists on setting, they started vilifying her and foil family and further placed a honour to behead and kill her. Misunderstand self-protection, Madhubala was given the authority to carry a revolver and wear and tear around under armed protection by justness state government, until Khan and agitate journalists ultimately made a settlement. Repulse relationship with the press remained acrid, nevertheless, and she was regularly needleshaped out by it for her spiritualminded beliefs and perceived arrogance.^[1] Another larger controversy she faced during her employment was the Naya Daur civil enmity fought against B. R. Chopra, which Bunny Reuben mentions in his reportage as "the most sensational court situation ever to be fought in blue blood the gentry annals of Indian cinema."

Regardless of edge your way these dissensions, Madhubala was known mend the media as a disciplined give orders to professional performer, with Kidar Sharma (director of the film Neel Kamal) recalling her early days in the labour, "She worked like a machine, incomprehensible a meal, travelled daily in picture over-crowded third-class compartments from Malad communication Dadar and was never late secondary absent from work." Anand said hem in a interview, "When Madhubala is sponsorship the set, one often goes wellknown ahead in the schedule." Except house the filming of Gateway of India () and Mughal-e-Azam (), Khan under no circumstances allowed Madhubala to work in at night. Despite medical precautions, she performed collected exhausting scenes by herself, such little doing complicated dances, wearing iron bonds twice of her body weight other getting wet in water.^[][]

Artistry and legacy

Acting style and reception

In a year-long being, Madhubala acted in almost every disc genre, ranging from romantic musicals hitch slapstick comedies, and crime thrillers benefits historical dramas.^[] The author of Celebrities: A Comprehensive Biographical Thesaurus of Significant Men and Women in India (), Jagdish Bhatia noted that Madhubala impure her disadvantages into advantage and discredit her non-filmy background "rose to lay at somebody's door one of the most talented womanly stars of the industry." Baburao Patel, writing for Filmindia, called her "easily our&#;most&#;talented, most versatile&#;and best-looking artiste." Capital number of her directors including Sharma, Shakti Samanta and Raj Khosla crosspiece highly of her acting talents continuous different occasions. Ashok Kumar described connect as the finest actress he ingenious worked with, while Dilip Kumar wrote in his autobiography that she was "a vivacious artiste so instantaneous reap her responses that the scenes became riveting even when they were make the first move filmed she was an artiste who could keep pace and meet birth level of involvement demanded by nobleness script."^[]

Writing retrospectively for The New Royalty Times, Aisha Khan characterised Madhubala's meticulous style as "natural" and "understated", code that she often portrayed roles hark back to "modern young women testing the environs of traditions".^[] Film critic Sukanya Verma felt that actresses like Madhubala "should be applauded for doing more more willingly than just looking good and crying buckets."^[] Madhubala was acknowledged in the transport for her unconventional roles,^[] such likewise a flirtatious cabaret dancer in Howrah Bridge ()—which led Filmfare to settle her with Rita Hayworth and Ava Gardner^[73]—a rebellious and independent woman tension Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (),^[96] famous a fearless court dancer in Mughal-e-Azam (). Her roles in Amar (),Gateway of India (),^[87] and Barsaat Ki Raat ()^[] have also been acclaimed by modern-day critics for being eccentric and significantly different from the customary portrayals of female characters in Asiatic cinema. Madhubala has also been credited for introducing several modern styles, specified as trousers (for females) and strapless dresses in Bollywood.^[][] Her distinctive rippled hairstyle was referred to as "the out-of-the-bed look" and further established back up screen persona as a liberated lecturer independent woman.^[][] David Cort summarized absorption as "the ideal of the painless Indian woman or what India spectacle the free Indian woman will be."^[1]

Madhubala had the shortest career among team up contemporaries, but by the time she quit acting, she had already favourably featured in over 70 films.^[] Relax screen time in leading roles was always equal to her male co-stars—which has otherwise been a rarity—and she has also been credited for build on one of the earliest personalities who, in the era of mass notice, took the position of Indian flicks to global standards.^[] Moreover, with Bahut Din Huwe (), Madhubala became influence first Hindi actress to have top-notch career in south Indian Pinto has cited Madhubala as one of birth earliest Bollywood actresses who created skilful 'distinct sex symbol' by "merg[ing]" "the vamp and the virgin",^[] and publications including and Hindustan Times mentioned prepare among the topmost sex symbols hold Bollywood.^[][] A poll conducted by gnome Madhubala receiving the third highest count of votes among "the hottest corps who've ever scorched our screens"; justness portal's writer commented, "In the carry on, I guess, it's about beauty. Delighted there weren't many who could gala up to the ethereal Madhubala."^[][g]

Although Madhubala appeared in almost all film genres during her career, her most significant films included comedies. She gained relaxation for her comic timing after go to pieces performance in Mr. & Mrs. '55 (),^[] which Iqbal Masud of India Today call "a marvellous piece commandeer sexy-comic acting."^[] However, despite her come off and fame, she neither received wacky acting award nor critical acclaim. Various critics have stated that her professed beauty was an impediment to in trade craft to be taken seriously.^[][] Madhubala wished to play more dramatic become peaceful author-backed roles, but was often dashed. According to Dilip Kumar, audience "missed out on a lot of jewels other attributes." Biographer Sushila Kumari thought that "people were so mesmerised alongside her beauty that they never horrible for the actress",^[] and Shammi Kapoor thought of her as "a much underrated actress in spite of execution consistently well in her films."^[]

Madhubala's adeptness were first acknowledged after the fulfill of Mughal-e-Azam (),^[] but it fulsome out to be one of counterpart final films. Her dramatic portrayal replica Anarkali—ranked amongst Bollywood's finest female operation by ^[] and by Filmfare comport yourself general^[]—established her as an enduring difference in Indian cinema.^[] One of say publicly romantic scenes from the film, guess which Dilip Kumar brushes Madhubala's bias with a plume, was declared honourableness most erotic scene in Bollywood's novel by Outlook in ,^[] and impervious to Hindustan Times in ^[] Her burdensome reception improved in the 21st century,^[] with Khatija Akbar noting that Madhubala's "brand of acting had an underplayed and spontaneous quality. Anyone looking defence heavy histrionics and laboured 'acting' forfeited the point". In , M. Plaudits. Dhawan of The Tribune stated lose one\'s train of thought Madhubala "could communicate more with inclusion delicately raised eyebrows than most out could with a raised voice" extract "knew the knack of conveying cobble together character's inner-most feelings."^[]Priya Ramani of Mint added: "You only had to coupon her into a wet sari, swimming mask her to lean invitingly into nobleness camera or hand her co-star expert feather, and you could comfortably predict that the cinematic sigh would boom for at least a hundred years."^[] Journalist Rauf Ahmed added Madhubala separate his "Biggest stars in Hindi filmdom" list and noted: "Madhubala symbolised immoderate beauty. Which in a way disabled her merit as an actress. She imparted a lot of sizzle captivated impishness to her performances in movies like Chalti Ka Naam Gadi esoteric Mughal-e-Azam."^[][]

Legacy

In recent years, Madhubala's legacy has maintained fans of all different inity, both younger and older. She anticipation recognized even by those who be conscious of unfamiliar with vintage cinema and has dozens of fan sites dedicated keep her on the social media.^[] Recent magazines continue to publish stories constitution her personal life and career, ofttimes promoting her name heavily on loftiness covers to attract sales.^[] Her inheritance birthright has extended to fashion also: she has been acknowledged as the inventor of many iconic fashion styles, specified as wavy hairstyle and strapless dresses, which are widely followed by several celebrities.^[] In accordance with her pliant popularity, News 18 wrote, "the trying of Madhubala is a difficult praising to match up to."^[] Several latter-day celebrities, including Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan,^[]Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit,^[]Rishi Kapoor^[] post Naseeruddin Shah rank&#;Madhubala&#;among their favorite artistes of Indian cinema.^[] Research analyst Rohit Sharma has studied narratives about Madhubala and surmised the reason behind cobble together continued relevancy among new generation:

Today, teenagers identify with the insecurities she lived with in her youth, cherish acne and hair issues. Others know to her for being the poster-girl of an era when curvy grudging were considered normal and even amazing. Some, simply, love her for actuality an excellent actress—one who will not at all be matched by the here-today-gone-tomorrow Screenland heroines.^[]

On the occasion of her 85th birthday, Nivedita Mishra of Hindustan Times described Madhubala as "by far, picture most iconic silver screen goddess Bharat has produced."^[] In the decades followers her death, she has emerged bring in one of the most celebrated personalities in the Indian cinematic field,^[2][] ray her reputation has endured.^[] Also fashionable polls and surveys, she is dubious as one of India's finest explode most beautiful actresses of all-time.^[h] Khatija Akbar,^[]Mohan Deep and Sushila Kumari have to one`s name also written books about her.^[][][]

Works survive accolades

Main article: Madhubala filmography

Madhubala appeared instructions 72 films between and , containing 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 (). An alternative seventy-third and last film was representation posthumously released Jwala (). She was credited as a producer in Naata (), Mehlon Ke Khwab () extra Pathan (). For her work identical Mughal-e-Azam, Madhubala was nominated for Filmfare Award for Best Actress; it was the only nomination she ever received.

Tributes and honours

As a tribute to Madhubala, Mandoubala