Madhubala’s birth anniversary: 50 years later, Mumtaz Jehan is still ruling our hearts and these pictures prove it

She was beautiful, she was charismatic, and every time she came on-screen, she left us in awe of her. Born in 1933, Madhubala was one of the most graceful actors that the Indian Film industry has ever seen. Raised in the slums of Bombay, she supported her family as a child artist and soon went on to become a leading lady known for her beauty, charm and considerable acting abilities.

Madhubala’s birth anniversary: 50 years later, Mumtaz Jehan is still ruling our hearts and these pictures prove it

1

She was beautiful, she was charismatic, and every time she came on-screen, she left us in awe of her. Born on February 14, 1933, Madhubala was one of the most graceful actors that the Indian Film industry has ever seen. Raised in the slums of Bombay, she supported her family as a child artist and soon went on to become a leading lady known for her beauty, charm and considerable acting abilities. (Image: newsstate.com)

Madhubala’s birth anniversary: 50 years later, Mumtaz Jehan is still ruling our hearts and these pictures prove it

2

For those unaware, Madhubala made her on-screen debut at the age of 9 with Basant that released in 1942. However, her acting career actually began in 1947, when she starred in Neel Kamal opposite Raj Kapoor at the age of 14. (Image: newsstate.com)

Madhubala’s birth anniversary: 50 years later, Mumtaz Jehan is still ruling our hearts and these pictures prove it

3

Madhubala’s stupendous performance in Mahal (1949) won a lot of accolades and appreciation from all quarters. Popularly known as the ‘The Marilyn Monroe of Bollywood', Madhubala went on to act in over 70 films in a career of 22 years. (Image: newsstate.com)

Madhubala’s birth anniversary: 50 years later, Mumtaz Jehan is still ruling our hearts and these pictures prove it

4

She was an avid fan of Hollywood, and while visiting Bombay, American film director Frank Capra was keen in giving her a break in Hollywood but her father declined the offer. (Image: newsstate.com)

Madhubala’s birth anniversary: 50 years later, Mumtaz Jehan is still ruling our hearts and these pictures prove it

5

In the period drama, Mughal-E-Azam, Madhubala played Anarkali, a courtesan who falls in love with the Emperor’s son Salim. The role of Salim was portrayed by Dilip Kumar. The film was an instant hit breaking all records of that time.

Madhubala’s birth anniversary: 50 years later, Mumtaz Jehan is still ruling our hearts and these pictures prove it

6

The on-screen pair Dilip Kumar and Madhubala were in a romantic relationship, but her father interfered, and the relationship came to an end at the time of the movie’s release. (Image: Twitter)

Madhubala’s birth anniversary: 50 years later, Mumtaz Jehan is still ruling our hearts and these pictures prove it

7

Madhubala married actor Kishore Kumar in 1960. However, on I Want to Live: The Story of Madhubala, her biographer Khatija Akbar wrote that she chose to marry Kishore Kumar “despite not knowing him well” just to prove that she could live with someone other than Dilip Kumar. (Image: PTI)

Madhubala’s birth anniversary: 50 years later, Mumtaz Jehan is still ruling our hearts and these pictures prove it

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Madhubala's life and career was cut short when she died on 23 February 1969 from a prolonged illness at the age of 36.