The beautiful Anarkali of Cine-world, the enchantress, the woman of honey... Madhubala has her birthday today!
Born as Mumtaz Jahan Begum Dehlavi in New Delhi in 1933, young Madhubala entered film industry at the age of nine years. Her first movie Basant in 1942 was a box-office hit. After this she went on to act in several movies as a child artist. Actress Devika Rani was impressed by this rare beauty and her performances, and asked her to assume the name Madhubala (a woman of honey).
At the age of 14 itself, she bagged a lead role in Raj Kapoor's film Neel Kamal in 1947. Her next film, Mahal, gave her immense popularity; and this was also at a very young age.
As a star, Madhubala did ascend to the top of the industry. Her co-stars at the time were the most popular of the period: Ashok Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Rehman, Pradeep Kumar, Shammi Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Sunil Dutt and Dev Anand. Madhubala also appeared alongside many notable leading ladies of the time including Kamini Kaushal, Suraiya, Geeta Bali, Nalini Jaywant and Nimmi.
But popularity comes with a price and Madhubala had to pay a price too. She was a constant attraction for people and media alike. Madhubala had a long affair with actor and frequent co-star Dilip Kumar. Madhubala was found to have a heart problem after she coughed up blood in 1950. She was discovered to have been born with a ventricular septal defect, commonly known as a "hole in the heart". In 1960, Madhubala sought treatment in London as her condition deteriorated.
Despite her health conditions she continued to work with complete dedication. In the early 1950s as Madhubala became one of the most sought-after actresses in India, she also attracted interest from Hollywood. She appeared in many American magazines such as Theatre Arts.
After a much controversial affair, she got married to actor and playback singer Kishore Kumar.
Soon acting started to look difficult for her and so she turned to direction. In 1969 she was set to make her directorial debut with a film named Farz aur Ishq. However the film was never made, as during the pre production stages, Madhubala finally succumbed to her illness and died on 23 February 1969, shortly after her 36th birthday.
Although her death definitele left a void in the industry and in our hearts, she has given us such memories which will be cherished forever. Her unforgettable Mughal-e-Azam was brought back in colour in 2004 and it was as if she was never gone.
The Marilyn Monroe of Bollywood, Madhubala was a true beauty. Fridaymoviez wishes Madhubala a very Happy birthday!