Google dedicates doodle to Madhubala on her 86th birth anniversary
One of India’s most beautiful actress Madhubala, was born on 14 February 1933 in Delhi and died on 23 February 1969 in MumbaiMdhubala (born Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi; 14 February 1933 – 23 February 1969), was Known for her beauty, personality and sensitive portrayals of women in films, she was popularly known as “The Beauty with Tragedy” and “The Venus of Indian Cinema”, and was compared with the Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe and was known as the Marilyn Monroe of Bollywood.
Madhubala rose from humble beginnings to become the most captivating star India has ever produced. Madhubala was born Mumtaz Jehan Begum on Valentine’s Day 1933, in a poor, conservative family of Pathan Muslims in Delhi, a part of a prolific brood of sisters, and entered the world of films at the tender age of eight. After about five years of playing child roles, Madhubala got her first break in a lead role in Neel Kamal (1947), produced and directed by her mentor, veteran filmmaker Kidar Sharma. At the age of 14, she played a romantic lead against another fledgeling star, Raj Kapoor, and Madhubala had finally arrived on the Indian screen. Over the next two years she had blossomed into a truly rapturous beauty (which earned her the sobriquet of the Venus Of the Indian Screen) and with the movie Mahal (1949), literally overnight, she was a superstar.
After showing her potential as a talented child artist for five years, Madhubala got her first big role as a leading lady due to her mentor Kidar Sharma. It was in his film Neel Kamal (1947) opposite the iconic Raj Kapoor and since then there was no looking back. She became a star within a few days with the release of Mahal (1949) opposite Ashok Kumar, followed by few movies like Dulari and Daulat releasing in the same year. With the advent of the 50s she blossomed and was considered to be the “Venus” of Indian cinema, with hits like Beqasoor (1950), Tarana (1951), Mr. and Mrs. 55 (1955). Owing to her alluring beauty, she was perfect for romantic roles and did a few in Chalti ka Naam Gaadi (1958) and Half Ticket (1962). During her career she has worked with all the leading male stars of her time, like Pradeep Kumar, Dev Anand, Shammi Kapoor, Rehman and others. She rose to the pinnacle of glory when she featured in the grand Mughal-e-Azam (1960) opposite the superstar Dilip Kumar. The movie is still remembered as a cult movie in the romantic genre. Her stardom transcended the borders and an article was written on her success in the Theatre Arts in August 1962. Frank Kapra, the American director, also offered her prominent roles in Hollywood, which he declined because of her father’s unwillingness.
Marriage and controversies
Madhubala’s father was a strict man and constantly monitored her life, even though she was a superstar by then. She fell in love with Premnath, but they could not last long because they were from different religions. Her next link-up was with Dilip Kumar that continued for nine years, and during that period they appeared in several movies together. If rumours are to be believed, the relationship breathed its last when during the shooting of Naya Daur (1956) there came up a court case related to change of location, demanded by Attaullah for the safety of his daughter. Dilip Kumar, however, stood against the motion, which was not accepted by her. Madhubala was obedient to her domineering father and sacrificed the relationship. To come out of the agony, she got involved with Kishore Kumar and after three years of affair, married him in 1960. The marriage wasn’t very successful as the two were often in news for wrong reasons.