Madhubala

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Madhubala (14 February 1933 – 23 February 1969) was an iconic Indian actress and film producer who appeared in Hindi cinema from the late 1940s to the early 1960s. Known for her beauty, talent, and tragic life story, she is often referred to as "The Venus of Indian Cinema" and "The Beauty with Tragedy."

Early Life[edit | edit source]

Madhubala was born as Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi in Delhi, British India. She was one of eleven children in a conservative Pashtun family. Her father, Ataullah Khan, was a coachman in the Imperial Indian Army.

Career[edit | edit source]

Madhubala made her screen debut at the age of 9 with the film Basant (1942). She gained prominence with her role in Mahal (1949), which established her as a leading actress in Bollywood. Over the next decade, she starred in numerous successful films, including Amar (1954), Mr. & Mrs. '55 (1955), Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958), and Mughal-e-Azam (1960).

Notable Films[edit | edit source]

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

Madhubala's personal life was marked by her relationship with actor Dilip Kumar, with whom she had a long-standing romantic involvement. However, the relationship ended due to familial and professional conflicts. She later married singer and actor Kishore Kumar in 1960.

Health Issues and Death[edit | edit source]

Madhubala suffered from a congenital heart condition known as ventricular septal defect, which led to her untimely death at the age of 36. Despite her health issues, she continued to work in films until her condition worsened.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Madhubala remains a cultural icon in India, celebrated for her contributions to Indian cinema. Her performances, particularly in Mughal-e-Azam, are considered some of the finest in the history of Bollywood.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]




Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD