Madhubala - Mumtaz Begum Jehan Dehlavi, famously known as Madhubala, was born in Delhi, India on February 14, 1933. Her first film was the box-office success, Basant (1942) in which she played the daughter of the popular actress, Mumtaz Shanti. She then went on to act in several films as a child artist. It was the celebrated actress, Devika Rani, impressed by her performances and potential, who advised her to change her name to Madhubala. Her first break came when filmmaker, Kidar Sharma cast her opposite Raj Kapoor in Neel Kamal (1947). Until that point, she had always been billed as Mumtaz but after this film she was credited as Madhubala. She was only fourteen years old, but Madhubala had finally arrived on the Indian screen in a lead role. Though the film was not a commercial success, she was noticed and her performance well received. In the next two years she blossomed into a captivating beauty (film media and fans referred to her as the Venus of the Screen). However it was not until she starred in the coveted lead role of Bombay Talkies production, Mahal in 1949, that Madhubala became a fully fledged star and a household name. Audiences enthused over Madhubala's enigmatic screen presence and beauty. Though she was only sixteen at the time, critics widley acknowledged that her subtle and skillful performance upstaged her seasoned co-star, Ashok Kumar. The film became a popular success and the song Aayega Aanewala heralded the arrival of two new superstars both Madhubala and playback singer Lata Mangeshkar.
As a star, Madhubala did ascend to the top of the industry. Her co-stars at the time were the most poular 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. The directors she worked with were amongst the most prolific and respected: Mehboob Khan (Amar), Guru Dutt (Mr & Mrs 55), Kamal Amrohi (Mahal) and K. Asif (Mughal-E-Azam) . She also ventured into production and made the film Naata (1955) which she also acted in.
Madhubala's heart problem was discovered in 1950 after she frequently coughed up blood on the sets. She was born with a cardiac defect commonly known as a "hole in the heart". At the time, heart surgery was not widely available.
When acting was clearly no longer an option, Madhubala turned her attention to film making. 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 February 23rd, 1969, shortly after her 36th birthday. She was buried at Santa Cruz Cemetery by her family and husband Kishore Kumar.
Filmography
Movie Year
Basant-1942
Mumtaz Mahal1944
Dhanna Bhagat1945
Rajputani1946
Pujari1946
Phoolwari1946
Saat Samundaron Ki Mallika1947
Mere Bhagwan1947
Khubsoorat Duniya1947
Dil-Ki-Rani Sweet-Heart1947
Chittor Vijay1947
Neel Kamal1947
Parai Aag1948
Lal Dupatta1948
Desh Sewa1948
Amar Prem1948
Sipahiya1949
Singaar1949
Paras1949
Neki Aur Badi1949
Mahal1949
Imtihaan1949
Dulari1949
Daulat1949
Apradhi1949
Pardes1950
Nishana1950
Nirala1950
Madhubala1950
Hanste Aansoo1950
Beqasoor1950
Tarana1951
Saiyan1951
Nazneen1951
Nadaan1951
Khazana1951
Badal1951
Aaram1951
Saqi1952
Sangdil1952
Rail Ka Dibba1953
Armaan1953
Bahut Din Huye1954
Amar1954
Teerandaz1955
Naqab1955
Naata1955
Mr. & Mrs. '551955
Shirin Farhad1956
Raj Hath1956
Dhake Ki Malmal1956
Yahudi Ki Ladki1957
Gateway of India1957
Ek Saal1957
Police1958
Phagun1958
Kalapani1958
Howrah Bridge1958
Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi1958
Baghi Sipahi1958
Kal Hamara Hai1959
Insaan Jaag Utha1959
Do Ustad1959
Mehlon Ke Khwab1960
Jaali Note1960
Barsaat Ki Raat
1960
Mughal-E-Azam1960
Passport1961
Jhumroo1961
Boy Friend1961
Half Ticket1962
Sharabi1964
Jwala1971
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