The allure of Madhubala, Bollywood’s eternal beauty, refuses to fade. Her death anniversary on February 23 brought forth touching remembrances, including a sincere homage from action star Jackie Shroff via Instagram, where he posted her image with words of deep admiration.
‘With great love and respect, we honor Madhubala ji on her punyatithi. Her legacy in films will always resonate in our hearts,’ read his caption, stirring emotions among generations who adore her for that killer smile and soulful gaze.
From humble beginnings in Delhi as Mumtaz Jehan, economic woes pushed her into films at age nine. ‘Basant’ was her first step, but ‘Mahal’ in 1949 truly unveiled her as a superstar, blending innocence with sensuality in a way no one else could.
She dominated the screens in the ’50s, delivering blockbusters such as ‘Howrah Bridge,’ ‘Kala Pani,’ ‘Fagun,’ and the hilarious ‘Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi.’ Pairings with legends like Dilip Kumar in romances and Dev Anand in thrillers showcased her versatility.
The role of Anarkali opposite Dilip Kumar’s Salim in ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ stands as her magnum opus, a testament to her acting prowess amid spectacular production values. Madhubala also produced notable films including ‘Naata,’ ‘Mahalon Ke Khwab,’ and ‘Pathan.’
A lifelong battle with heart ailments led to her untimely demise at 36 in 1969, with ‘Jwala’ emerging as her swan song in 1971. Shroff’s tribute underscores her undying influence, proving Madhubala’s spell over cinema remains unbreakable.