Madhubala

Madhubala

Name	Madhubala
Birth name
Birth date	14 February 1933
Birth place	Delhi, British India
Death date	23 February 1969
Death place	Bombay, Maharashtra, India
Alma mater
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1942–1964
Organization
Known for
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Madhubala (born Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi; 14 February 1933 – 23 February 1969) was a renowned Indian actress who appeared in classic films of Hindi cinema. Known for her beauty, personality, and sensitive portrayals of tragic women, she was often referred to as "The Venus of Indian Cinema" and "The Beauty with Tragedy".

Early Life

Madhubala was born in Delhi, British India, to a conservative Pathan Muslim family. Her father, Ataullah Khan, was employed in the Imperial Tobacco Company in Peshawar but lost his job and moved to Bombay (now Mumbai) in search of work. The family faced financial difficulties, which led Madhubala to enter the film industry at a young age.

Career

Madhubala made her screen debut at the age of 9 with the film Basant (1942). Her first lead role came in Neel Kamal (1947), opposite Raj Kapoor. However, it was her performance in Mahal (1949) that catapulted her to stardom. The film was a major success and established her as a leading actress in Hindi cinema.

Madhubala's career spanned over two decades, during which she appeared in over 70 films. Some of her most notable works include Amar (1954), Mr. & Mrs. '55 (1955), Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958), and Mughal-e-Azam (1960). Her portrayal of Anarkali in Mughal-e-Azam is considered one of the finest performances in Indian cinema.

Personal Life

Madhubala's personal life was as dramatic as her films. She was romantically involved with several of her co-stars, most notably Dilip Kumar, with whom she shared a tumultuous relationship. In 1960, she married singer and actor Kishore Kumar.

Health Issues and Death

Madhubala suffered from a congenital heart defect known as ventricular septal defect, which was diagnosed in 1954. Despite her illness, she continued to work in films until her health deteriorated in the early 1960s. She passed away on 23 February 1969 at the age of 36.

Legacy

Madhubala remains an enduring icon of Indian cinema. Her films continue to be celebrated for their artistic and cultural significance. She is remembered for her beauty, talent, and the tragic circumstances of her life.

Also see

• Dilip Kumar
• Kishore Kumar
• Mughal-e-Azam
• Hindi cinema