Legendary Indian actress, Madhubala, would have been 85 years old had she lived today. The 85th anniversary of her birth was a couple of days ago on February 14, 2018. She passed away from what was then a rare heart defect (ventricular septal defect) when she was only 36 years old in 1969.
Madhubala was an icon in Indian cinema for her charm, immense screen presence, captivating looks, and outstanding performances. I wanted to make this appreciation post in honor of her and highlight some of her memorable films, scenes, and song/dance sequences.
Mahal (1949)Mahal is about the story of Hari Shankar (played by Ashok Kumar) who moves into a mansion and is obsessed with a beautiful ghost, Kamini (Madhubala), who entices him. Kamini haunts the mansion and has a tragic backstory. This movie was actually the inspiration for another famous Bollywood film, Madhumati (1958).
Mr. & Mrs. '55 (1955)This comedy is about a marriage of convenience between a struggling cartoon artist, Pritam (Guru Dutt), and a wealthy heiress, Anita (Madhubala). The marriage is orchestrated by Anita's scheming aunt, Sita Devi (Lalita Pawar).
Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958)Another one of the most memorable Bollywood comedy films, it is about three brothers, Brijmohan (Ashok Kumar), Manmohan (Kishore Kumar), and Jagmohan (Anoop Kumar), who get their lives turned upside down when they all fall in love with Renu (Madhubala).
Mughal-e-Azam (1960)Set during the Mughal Empire, prince Salim falls in love with commoner Nadira/Anarkali (Madhubala), and thereby rebels against his father, Emperor Akbar (Prithviraj Kapoor), who is against the relationship.
Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya - Mughal-e-Azam
Aaiye Meharbaan - Howrah Bridge
Haal Kaisa Hai Janaab Ka - Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi
SourceSourceSourceSourceSourceSourceSourceSourceSourceSourceSourceSourceSourceFavorite Madhubala films or videos? This can also be a general post for classic Indian cinema.