The Marilyn Monroe of Bollywood, was not only a gorgeous woman but carried a persona so distinct and lively, that her onscreen presence stole millions of hearts instantly. Several of her films were big hits and contributed to her rising to fame at a fragile age of 16. Earlier called Mumtaz Begum, she enjoyed immense popularity and a diverse fan base even in those days.
On Madhubala’s 85th birth anniversary, we recall the goddess of beauty by taking a glance at these enthralling pictures of her, that are beyond beautiful along with some facts about her life.
1. Her family moved to Bombay (Now Mumbai) in order to survive, after Madhubala’s father lost his job.
Madhubala’s father lost his job in a Tobacco factory in Peshawar, Pakistan after which he shifted to Mumbai with his family. During these days he used to take his young daughter, Mumtaz Begum only of age 9, looking for appropriate roles for her in the film studios across Mumbai.
It was in such circumstances that the actress managed to bag a role in the 1942 film Basant. Soon she played a character in Mahal that made her a household name overnight. Remember, the beautiful young lady was just 16 then.
2. Her name was changed after the film – Neel Kamal.
Her birth name, Mumtaz Begum was changed and she was re-christened as Madhubala after the success of her film Neel Kamal. She was extremely professional and was always dedicated to work, even if it meant skipping meals, travelling third class and working non-stop.
3. The actress was married to Kishore Kumar.
After a failed relationship with Dilip Kumar, she married Kishore Kumar. However, it wasn’t soon before they parted ways after doctors made it clear that she wouldn’t live for long with her medical condition.
4. In her last days, she was alone and depressed.
After being diagnosed with a hole in her heart and being told that she wouldn’t survive long the actress felt herself trapped in agony and pain. In midst of her anguish, she had to also bear the loss of her relationship when her then husband Kishore Kumar decided to leave her. The actress succumbed to her ailing condition at the young age of 36, when she was preparing for her directorial debut – Farz aur Ishq.
The film failed to see the light of the day and thus took away a story that was meant to be told but was destined to become a mystery.