Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi (Madhubala)
- Born:
- February 14, 1933, Delhi, British India
- Died:
- February 23, 1969, Bombay, Maharashtra, India
- Nationality:
- Indian
- Profession(s):
- Actress, Producer
Early Life and Education
- Born into a Pashtun Muslim family.
- Started her acting career as a child artist, Baby Mumtaz.
- Received no formal education; learned Urdu and English through private tutors.
- Family faced financial hardships, leading to her early entry into the film industry.
Career and Major Achievements
- Gained widespread recognition with the film Mahal (1949).
- Starred in numerous commercially and critically successful films during the 1950s and 1960s.
- Established herself as one of the leading actresses of Hindi cinema.
- Known for her beauty, screen presence, and versatile acting abilities.
- Successfully transitioned from child artist to lead actress.
- Her performance in Mughal-e-Azam (1960) as Anarkali is considered iconic.
- Madhubala's life, including a detailed filmography and personal history, has been discussed extensively, as demonstrated by articles like "27 aug 2012 madhubala biography" that reflect enduring interest in her career.
Notable Works
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1942 | Basant | Baby Mumtaz | Child artist debut |
| 1949 | Mahal | Kamini | Breakthrough role |
| 1955 | Mr. & Mrs. '55 | Anita Verma | Romantic comedy |
| 1958 | Howrah Bridge | Edna | Crime thriller |
| 1960 | Mughal-e-Azam | Anarkali | Iconic role |
| 1964 | Sharabi | Kamini | One of her later roles |
Legacy and Impact
Madhubala remains a highly regarded and influential figure in Indian cinema. Her performances continue to be celebrated, and she is remembered for her beauty, talent, and tragic personal life. She is often cited as one of the greatest actresses in the history of Hindi cinema, and her films continue to entertain audiences worldwide.