Mumtaz Jahan Begum Dehlavi or Madhubala, as she is popularly known, was born on 14th February 1933. Madhubala was one of the most popular actresses from 1950s and 1960s. Madhubala has made a niche of her own in the hearts of the audiences. Even today she is considered one of the most talented actors that Indian Cinema has ever produced. Financial constraint had led Madhubala to the film industry. She started her acting career at an early age of 9. The film was Basant (1942) which was declared hit at the box office. An almost perfect face, beautiful eyes, a mesmerizing smile, grace and immense talent soon made her a favourite amongst the masses. Within a short span of time she established herself as a professional and bankable star.

Madhubala`s first film was Neel Kamal (1947) with Raj Kapoor. Though the film flopped it earned her recognition as an actress. The film that helped Madhubala to achieve success was Mahal (1949) where she acted opposite Ashok Kumar. In the early 1950s she became one of the most sought after heroines in Indian film industry. It was also said that the beauty of Madhubala often preceded her acting capabilities. The life behind all the glitz and glamour is often not easy and it was true enough for Madhubala. She was lively and committed to her work. Very few people knew about the pain that she bore behind a smiling face. It was revealed to the film industry in 1950s that Madhubala suffered from heart trouble. She was born with a hole in the heart. It was on the sets of S.S. Vassan`s film Bahut Din Huwe that she coughed up blood. This incident was quickly forgotten and she went onto become one of the most successful stars in Bollywood for the following few years.

Madhubala had worked with some of the biggest names in the film industry, Ashok Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Rehman, Pradeep Kumar, Shammi Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Sunil Dutt and Dev Anand. In 1950s Madhubala established herself as a versatile actor. While she was simple village girl in Tarana (1951), she was the traditional Indian woman in Sangdil (1952) and a spoilt brat in Guru Dutt`s Mr. and Mrs. 55 (1955). Howrah Bridge was followed by Phagun with Bharat Bhushan, Kala Pani with Dev Anand, Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi opposite Kishore Kumar and Barsaat Ki Raat (1960) with Bharat Bhushan.

It was with Mughal-E-Azam that she created history. It is considered as the best performance of her career. The hit pair went onto star in four films. According to film industry Madhubala had a long affair with co-star Dilip Kumar however they separated consequently. Madhubala later married Kishore Kumar but that was a loveless marriage. In the 1960s Madhubala`s physical condition deteriorated further. She was taken to London for treatment too but the doctors declared that it was too late for surgery. Madhubala came back and lived for another 9 years. In the year 1969 23rd February, at the age of 36 years Madhubala passed away.

Filmography of Madhubala

Basant	Paras	Aaram	Phagun
Mumtaz Mahal	Neki Aur Badi	Saqi	Kalapani
Dhanna Bhagat	Mahal	Sangdil	Howrah Bridge
Rajputani	Imtihaan	Rail Ka Dibba	Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi
Pujari	Dulari	Armaan	Baghi Sipahi
Phoolwari	Daulat	Bahut Din Huye	Kal Hamara Hai
Saat Samundaron Ki Mallika	Apradhi	Amar	Insaan Jaag Utha
Mere Bhagwan	Pardes	Teerandaz	Do Ustad
Khubsoorat Duniya	Nishana	Naqab	Mehlon Ke Khwab
Dil-Ki-Rani Sweet-Heart	Nirala	Naata	Jaali Note
Chittor Vijay	Hanste Aansoo	Mr. & Mrs. `55	Barsaat Ki Raat
Neel Kamal	Beqasoor	Shirin Farhad	Mughal-E-Azam
Parai Aag	Tarana	Raj Hath	Passport
Lal Dupatta	Saiyan	Dhake Ki Malmal	Jhumroo
Desh Sewa	Nazneen	Yahudi Ki Ladki	Boy Friend
Amar Prem	Nadaan	Gateway of India	Half Ticket
Sipahiya	Khazana	Ek Saal	Sharabi
Singaar	Badal	Police	Jwala

Since Madhubala did not age on the silver screen she epitomizes eternal beauty. Till date she remains one of the pioneering actresses of Hindi cinema.