THE MAGIC OF MADHUBALA
Former Member
Former Member
THE MAGIC OF MADHUBALA
Former Member
THE MAGIC OF MADHUBALA
Former Member
Top Bollywood movies of actress Madhubala
Updated on October 17, 2015
The beautiful Bollywood actress Madhubalahad acted in over 70 movies within her short lifetime. Starting as a child actress from a very early age, her fascinating face got featured in several movies from the role of a ghost to an independent-minded modern girl with no family bounds. Whether it was humor or sorrow or gay scene, Madhubala's charmingface had the capability of expressing it in the right sense. I used to watch her performance in the small screen when I was a child and have always loved her amazing dancing and act filled with emotions.
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Top Bollywood movies of actress Madhubala
1. Mahal
This was the first super hit movie of Madhubala in lead roles at the age of 16 in the year 1949. Under Kamal Amrohiâs direction, Mahal movie of Bombay Talkies Studio paved the way for gothic fiction first time in India. Many female faces were screen tested for the coveted role and finally the fledgling Madhubala got selected backing down Suraiyya, the reigning
It is said that Madhubala upstaged this classic filmâs experienced hero Ashok Kumar with her captivating appearance and act. The main setting of the movie is a haunted mansion where a lovely womanâs wandering soul follows a young man. Madhubala played the gorgeous spirit. The melodic song âAayega aayegaâ sung by Lata Mangeshkar and lip-synced by Madhubala also was a major factor behind its success. The film was a key in providing her stardom and popularity and making her a successful and illustrious actress of the1950s.
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Top Bollywood movies of actress Madhubala
2. Dulari
Under the direction of Abdul Rasheed Kardar, movie Dulari got released in the same year when Madhubala was just 16. Naushadâs music direction was commendable. Madhubala as a gypsy girl named Dulari is the focus of the whole story. Her beauty fascinates two men and finally real love wins. The story discloses one more fact in the end; Dulari was not a gypsy, but the kidnapped child of a royal family. Madhubala enacted her role fabulously that made the movie another blockbuster.
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Top Bollywood movies of actress Madhubala
3. Beqasoor
In 1951, Madhubalaâs innocent face got starred in the movie Beqasoor, directed by K Amarnath. The movie plot is the cross-fire of a deep-rooted sibling rivalry. Madhubalaâs husband Ajith gets trapped in a corruption case falsely by his scheming brother and he again succeeds in making him believe that his wifeâs character is bad. The young Madhubala could take the audience in her hands with her naivetÃĐ looks and act.
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Top Bollywood movies of actress Madhubala
4. Tarana
This Hindi movie cast Madhubala and Dilip Kumar in the lead roles that opened the gateway for their love in real life. She acted in this movie in 1951 under the direction of Ram Daryani at the age of 18. It is said that Madhubala sent a note accompanied by a rose with her hairdresser to the room of Dilip Kumar in the film sets. Amused by the love request, Dilip Kumar soon acknowledged her love.
Tarana movie details the love story of a young doctor and a beautiful village girl. The doctor falls in love with her when he gets stranded in a village after his plane crashes. Both of them separate due to the intervention of villagers against this. After her fatherâs death, the girl sets out to meet her lover. Their romance and love conjured up with humor has been best enacted by the duo as their hearts had united during the film shoot.
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Top Bollywood movies of actress Madhubala
5. Badal
Madhubalaâs stardom gave her lead roles consecutively. In the same year 1951, movie Badal became a super hit in which she costars the young Premnath who has the role somewhat similar to Robin Hood. During his constant fight against the greedy rulers, he falls in love with her and the movie is a thriller combined with love, sorrow and stunt.
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Top Bollywood movies of actress Madhubala
6. Sangdil
Under the direction of R. C. Talwar, movie Sangdil was shot casting Madhubala and Dileep Kumar in the lead roles in 1952. The movie is a typical adaptation of Charlotte Bronte classic Jane Eyre. Two childhood friends get separated and both get raised on different backgrounds. If Madhubala is brought up as a priestess in a temple, Dileep Kumar becomes a vindictive man who had been dejected from his society. Both meet later and confess their love towards each other. Madhubalaâs portrayal of an ideal Indian woman got praise from everywhere as her emotional expressions were simply superb.
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Top Bollywood movies of actress Madhubala
7. Bahut Din Huwe
In 1954, under the direction of South Indian director S.S.Vasan, Madhubala had the fortune to present herself for the blockbuster movie Bahut Din Huwe. It is said that she vomited blood during its shooting; an indication of worsening of her heart. The director and his family took care of her, giving the best treatment.
The director spent huge money for the settings and making up of the movie Bahut Din Huwe. Though Madhubala was born as a princess, she is bound to live a life of wretchedness during her childhood. But she grows into a most beautiful woman and is proposed by the Prince of the kingdom. Her marriage takes place with the Prince in a grant manner and then get blessed with a boy child. But her life of misery starts again when she gets trapped by a Satan and falls under his captivation. But his bad intentions and actions stop when her son (who is grown up now) reaches Satanâs kingdom and put an end to his life secret. Madhubala is freed, re-united with her husband and kid and lives a joyous life thereafter.
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Top Bollywood movies of actress Madhubala
8. Mr. & Mrs. 55
In 1955, this social, romantic, comedy movie got released in which Guru Dutt was the hero cum director. Madhubala appeared as a westernized heiress who was controlled by her feminist aunt. But her fatherâs decree that she should marry after 21 years of age exposes her to the traditional life of an Indian wife that transforms her attitudes towards men. Guru Dutt has the role of her husband whose romance with Madhubala is conjured up with comedy.
The songs of this movie Mr.&Mrs. 55 now too air the minds of music loving people. O.P. Nayyar has done the best music direction for the lyrics of Majrooh Sultanpuri.
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Top Bollywood movies of actress Madhubala
9. Howrah Bridge
Directed by Shakti Samanta in 1958, Madhubala got featured in a very different role from her usual ones as a hotel dancer. This musically hit filmâs songs are evergreen and still create waves when played. One of its songs âMera naam chin chin chooâ danced by Helen was reused in the film Salaam Bombay and was welcomed with great applause. The sensuous song âAayiye Mehrbaanâ picturized on Madhubala was also a super hit.
The movie Howrah Bridge focuses on two brothers and the love between one of them, Ashok Kumar and a hotel dancer Madhubala. Madan and Rakesh were living with their dad in Rangoon. Madan becomes a spoilt guy who steals his family heirloom together with some cash and runs away to India. After some days, his dead body is found under the Howrah Bridge of Calcutta. His brother Rakesh (Ashok Kumar) arrives on the scene to investigate his brotherâs death. Meanwhile he meets the hotel dancer Edna and falls in love with her. The movie then deals with all the mystery involved in the murder and his wooing of Edna.
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Top Bollywood movies of actress Madhubala
10. Phagun
The same year 1958 hosted another super hit film of Madhubala cast against Bharat Bhushan under the direction of Bibhuti Mitra. The music direction of O.P.Nayyar again became commendable that also contributed to its success. Madhubalaâs another face of acting as a tactic, disguised lady of much vigor can be perceived in this movie Phagun from her usual roles. Also, her beauty is doubled with the portrayal as a gypsy girl of folk blended costumes of great fit and style.
The new owners of Deepak Mahal meet with its caretaker, Mattu, who narrates the story of its' former owners: Bijondra - the only child of a wealthy Hindu Brahmin Zamindar; and Banani - the only child of a gypsy single father, Banjara Sardar Tinkari who is really the daughter of a rich man. The properties of the Brahmin Zamindar were inhabited by some gypsies whose head was Sardar Tinkari. Bijondraâs move to evict them results in a long deep love affair with Banani. The romance with the flute playing of Bijondra and the highly enthusiastic and emotional folk dance by Banani is the core of this movie Phagun. Amidst strong obstacles, they continue courting in disguised dress and unite themselves in the end.
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Top Bollywood movies of actress Madhubala
11. Kala Pani
Madhubalaâs co-stars list included Dev Anand too, when she was starred in Kala Pani in the same year 1958. He was the producer of this movie for Navketan films directed by Raj Khosla. The movieâs script was based on A.J. Croninâs novel, Beyond This Place.
Kala Pani movie focuses on the investigation of Dev Anand for the reasons his father had been imprisoned. He comes to know that his father was not at all guilty and was trapped by his enemies. On his mission to free him from jail, Dev Anand meets Madhubala, a journalist who supports him and ultimately he falls in love with her. Also, he woos actress Nalini Jaywant for some documents that can prove to claim his fatherâs innocence in that case.
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Top Bollywood movies of actress Madhubala
12. Chalti ka naam gaadi
Madhubalaâs life had another turning point during this film sets. She met with Kishor Kumar who became her husband until death. Chalti ka naam gaadi is a comedy film in which all the three brothers Kishore Kumar, Ashok Kumar and Anoop Kumar acted together. Kishore Kumarâs songs also became super hit that established him as a singer too. The music was composed by S D Burman and the lyrics were written by Majrooh Sultanpuri.
Chalti ka naam gaadi, as the name implies, is mostly set up on a garage and a moving car. The three brothers run a garage where Madhubala comes one night seeking a repair for her car. Kishore Kumar who was on duty sees her and refuses to help her. But after making fun with her, he finally works on it and gets it repaired. Their romance is filled with comedy in which Kishore Kumarâs jokes attract her towards him. The three brothers then get involved to fight with some crooks who were well-known for their misconduct. Finally all of them marry their ladies of love with glee.
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Top Bollywood movies of actress Madhubala
13. Mughal-e-Azam
Mughal-e-Azam meaning the Emperor of the Mughals is an epic film directed by K Asif and produced by Shapoorji Pallonji. The movie is based on the rule of Mughals in India on how the Emperors took justice in matters of honor focused mainly on the love affair between Salim and Anarkali. This big budgeted film searched for some top notch actors of that period to render in lead roles. Madhubalaâs beautiful face got selected in the screen test for the role of Anarkali from a number of actresses who had applied for that role. Production of the movie was disrupted by communal interventions and bankruptcy. It took 10 years for the movie to complete and got released in 1960 because even a single sequence was more expensive than the entire budget of a typical film.
Indian classical and folk music also played an important role in delivering Mughal-e-Azam into a musically inspired movie. It contains 12 songs, voiced by playback singers Lata Mangeshkar and Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan.
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Top Bollywood movies of actress Madhubala
14. Barsaat ki raat
Released in the same year 1960, this movie is regarded as the last movie dispensing celebrated stardom for Madhubala. Under the direction of P. L. Santoshi, Madhubala is cast against Bharat Bhushan. Shyama plays the role of the main character. Roshanâs music including many âqawwalisâ is one of his best that also adds charm to this movie.
Barsaat ki raat glorifies the lives of the singing girls often not regarded to be decent in Indian society. A love story cast parallel to the lives of strong female characters who are independent and choose their own loves and destiny is the core part of this movie.
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Top Bollywood movies of actress Madhubala
15. Half ticket
Directed by Kalidas, movie Half Ticket is another classic film of Madhubala with her co-star Kishore Kumar who acts like a comedian. The music direction by Salil Choudhari is praiseworthy and Kishore Kumarâs songs were super hit. Released in 1962, this movie is the comic story of a âgood-for-nothingâ boy who is born to a rich industrialist. He is being thrown out of his home by his father in an attempt to mend and to get him settled in life.
He leaves for Mumbai and plans to live a fresh life in the big city. But he doesnât have enough money to travel, so he disguises as a child and buys a half ticket!! The movie is a mix of Kishoreâs love with Madhubala, his escape from a diamond smuggler and reunion with his father.
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Madhubala was a gift of God to Bollywood who had dedicated her life for it. Her movies would reverberate in the minds and hearts of those who may witness her stunning performance in top movies. She speaks to us through her expressive eyes sometimes joyously or sometimes sadly.
Madhubala ~ the rejoice for a depressed soul through extravagant beauty and live emotional expressions.
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THE MAGIC OF MADHUBALA
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THE MAGIC OF MADHUBALA
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THE MAGIC OF MADHUBALA
A RECAP OF THE POPULAR MADHUBALA SONGS:
1)
The more I read the more angry I get at Kishor.
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Prashad posted:The more I read the more angry I get at Kishor.
Prash, it would have really been good to know Kishore side of the story, but unfortunately we do not have that information.
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THE MEN IN MADHUBALA'S LIFE
Madhubala was born on 14th february 1933 which was a Valentines Day to a pathan family. It is a great coincidence that such a luminous beauty was born on Valentines Day. It seems that those women who are born on Valentines Day and who are also very beautiful are bound to have lots of love affairs during their lifetime. Madhubalas father Attaulla Khan, an orthodox Pathan was very possessive of Madhubala. She was under clutches all her life. Madhubalas real name was Mumtaz Jahan Begum nicknamed as Majhlee Appa. She was born in poverty and was 5th child of 11 children. It was Madhubalas tragedy that she was diagnosed with a hole in her heart during her early childhood. Her father hid this fact from film producers. She even went to England for treatment. But as she was in advanced stage and as Doctors could not perform any surgery she had to come back to India without any treatment. Due to her fathers obsession of not allowing her to mingle with anybody she never found true love during her lifetime. He followed her right from his home to studios and back. She used to keep a diary on daily basis where she used to keep acurate account of daily events of her life.This diary could have unfolded many of Madhubalas secrets, especially about her love life. But unfortunately her father decided to bury her diary along with her in her grave.
Some of her love affairs are with:
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Childhood Friend Latif:
Latif lived in Delhi. while moving from Delhi to Mumbai Madhubala gave him a red rose: an indication of her love. He had kept this rose till she died and placed it on her grave 30 years later. Now a retired IAS officer, he still goes to her grave on 23rd February and places a red rose on it.
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Director Kidar Sharma:
He gave her the first break in his film. It was a love at first sight. She never reciprocates him as she thought that if she waits somewhat longer she may find a better person.
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Director Kamal Amrohi:
The Magic formula of film Mahal directed by Kamal Amrohi worked becoz the director and heroine were in deep love with each other. Father Attaullah khan had no objection on this affair. They may have gotten married but for possessive mind of Madhubala Amrohi was a Muslim. And Islam allowed upto 4 wives provided that first wife gave consent to her husband for second marriage. She offered him lakhs of rupees and insisted that he leave his first wife. But Amrohi remained loyal to his first wife and told Madhubala bluntly that he may be selling dialogue stories to film industry, but cannot sell his wife and children and nor his conscience! So she broke off with him, never to see him again. *However Amrohi got married to Mina Kumari(The Tragedy Queen) later.
*Maybe on day we will do a story of Meena Kumari
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Actor Premnath:
Film Badal was the first movie of Madhubala with Premnath as hero. On the first day of shooting, before shooting started, Madhubala entered makeup room of Premnath and quickly handed him a fully blossomed red rose and a note. Puzzled Premnath read the note which said if you love me, please accept the rose, otherwise return it. Premnath was stunned. Without hesitation, Premnath accepted the rose and tucked it into the button hole of his coat and said to her Kubool hai, Kubool hai. After few weeks they broke off. Reason was a mystery as it had started from Madhubala's side. Later on Premnath came to know she did the same with Ashok Kumar. Then he got furious and decided not to see her again.
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Dilip Kumar:
Dilip Kumar was also a Pathan. Her love affair with Dilip Kumar started when she was just 17 years old. Her father started to worry that if Madhubala gets married to Dilip Kumar, he would loose the financial support that Madhubala offered to the Khans entire family as she was the sole breadwinner for Attaullah Khan's family. It has been said that Dilip Kumar had insisted that if they were to marry, Madhubala would have to break all ties with her family. However their relationship continued for number of years. Finally they broke off due to her father huge impositions.
During the controversial period of B.R chopra's film Naya Daur in which Madhubala was dropped and was replaced by Vyjayantimala, love between the couple got revealed to the public as Dilip Kumar declared in the court that he loved Madhubala and will continue to love her until his death. Finally they broke off due to her father huge impositions and this whole court drama.
Then came K.Asifs Mugal-e-Azam. Madhubala had to fulfill this contract despite her broken relationship with Dilip Kumar. The film took incredible 10 years to complete and ironically followed the graph of their romantic affair. Dilip Kumar was very bitter and was not even talking to Madhubala except when shooting required a dialogue delivery with her. Under these conditions, it is remarkable that Madhubala maintained her composure and gave her best for the film with her superb acting. Film Mughal-e-Azam immortalized Madhubala.
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Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto (Former Priminister of Pakistan):
Bhutto used to visit the sets of Mugal-e-Azam in Mumbai studios just to see Madhubala. Especially, on the sets when the song Mohe Panghat Pe Nandlal Ched Gayo re was being picturized. Although he was not part of Mumbai film industry he became obsessed with Madhubala's beauty. After few years he left Mumbai and settled pemanently in Sind,Pakistan.
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Actor/Singer Kishore Kumar:
Soon after Madhubala's break up with Dilip Kumar she married actor/singer Kishore Kumar. Madhubala needed stability in her life and Kishore at that time needed financial help. Madhubala had severe health problems and had no time to take care of his financial problems. Eventually song Mere Sapno Ki Rani from film Aradhana clicked after which Kishore Kumar never looked back. Madhubala's terminal illness confined her to her house which caused huge amounts of tension between the married couple. Madhubala passed away on Feb 23,1969 on a Sunday Morning when she had just turned 36 years old.
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THE LEGEND MADHUBALA:
SHE LEAVE THIS WORLD WITH A BROKEN HEART:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mAUmFusrXs
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THE MAGIC OF MADHUBALA:
MOVIE : MAHAL 1949SINGER: LATA MANGESHKAR
MUSIC : KHEMCHAND PRAKASH
LYRICS: NAKSHAB
11) MUSHKIL HAIN BAHUT MUSHKIL
http://www.mastimag.com/download.php?song_id=35211
Mushkil hai
It is difficult
Mushkil hai ai ai ai
It is difficult
Mushkil hai bahut mushkil (chahat ka bhula dena)It is really difficult to forget your love
Aasaan nahin dil ki (yeh aag bujha dena)2
It is not easy to put out the fire of love in the heart
(Yeh khel nahin lekin yeh khel hai ulfat ka)2
This is not a game, one should take it seriously
Roton ko hansa dena (hanston ko rulaa dena)2
A crying person can be made happy, and a happy person can be reduced to tears
Mushkil hai bahut mushkil
It is really difficult
(Dilwalon ki duniya mein hai rasm ke jab koi)2
In the land of love, the tradition is such that
Aaye to qadam lena (jaaye to duaa dena)2
When one enters one must pace themselves,(take things slowly) and when they leaves pray for them because they will be leaving devastated
Mushkil hai bahut mushkil
It is really difficult
Uljhan hai bahut phir bhi hum tum ko na bholenge
It is a problem, I would not be able to forget you
Mumkin to nahin lekin (tum hum ko bhula dena 2)
I do not think it will be possible, but you should try to forget about me
Mushkil hai bahut mushkil chaahat ka bhula dena2
It is really difficult to forget your love
Trans:Ranjana:
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THE MAGIC OF MADHUBALA:
MOVIE : MAHAL 1949
SINGER: LATA MANGESHKAR
MUSIC : KHEMCHAND PRAKASH
LYRICS: NAKSHAB
11) THE VIDEO: MUSHKIL HAIN BAHUT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcjyBX53pQI
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THE MAGIC OF MADHUBALA:
MOVIE : SHIRIN FARHAD 1956
SINGER: LATA MANGESHKAR
MUSIC : S MOHINDER
LYRICS: TANVEER NAQVI
12) GUZRA HUA ZAMANA AATA NAHIN DUBARA
http://cdn.mp3mad.info/128-252...a%20Hua%20Zamana.mp3
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THE MAGIC OF MADHUBALA:
A RECAP OF HER MOST POPULAR SONGS: VOL 1
1) AAYEGA AAYEGAA AANEWALA
http://www.mastimag.com/download.php?song_id=35208
1)THE VIDEO: AAYEGA AAYEGA AANEWALA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e24S6d4e3QA
2) DILNE PHIR YAAD KIYA
http://www.mastimag.com/download.php?song_id=35204
2) THE VIDEO: DILNE PHIR YAAD KIYA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03Ce_iV22e4
3) PYAR KIYA TU DARNA KYA
http://www.mastimag.com/download.php?song_id=26079
3) THE VIDEO: PYAR KIYA TU DARNA KYA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdOS-0sIW-Y
4) MOHABAT KI JHOOTI KAHANI PE ROYE
http://www.mastimag.com/download.php?song_id=26073
4) THE VIDEO: MOHABAT KI JHOOTI KAHANI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rk2Tooe-CXo
5) NA SHIKWA HAI KOI
http://www.mastimag.com/download.php?song_id=29680
5) THE VIDEO: NA SHIKWA HAI KOI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cbtxuBP-gk
6) SAB KUCH LUTA KE HOSH MEIN
http://link.songspk.cab/indian.../download.php?id=345
6) THE VIDEO: SAB KUCH LUTA KE HOSH MEIN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M06qGuUH0fo
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THE MAGIC OF MADHUBALA:
A RECAP OF HER MOST POPULAR SONGS: VOL 2
7) ZINDAGI BHAR NAHI BHOOLENGE
http://www.mastimag.com/download.php?song_id=29413
7) THE VIDEO: ZINDAGI BHAR NAHI BHOLENGE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBcOORmJLPA
8) AYE DIL TUJHE KASAM HAI
http://www.mastimag.com/download.php?song_id=28781
8) THE VIDEO: AYE DIL TUJHE KASAM HAI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMzxNyYdyYg
9) SEENE MEIN SULAGTI HAIN ARMAAN
http://mp3mad.com/tones/tone.php?id=190922
9) THE VIDEO: SEENE MEIN SULAGTI HAIN ARMAAN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk_0ML7iuVE
10) TAQDEER JAGA KAR AYEE HOON
http://www.mastimag.com/download.php?song_id=28774
10) THE VIDEO: TAQDEER JAGA KAR AYEE HOON
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kiuXJM0fVw
11) MUSHKIL HAIN BAHUT MUSHKIL
http://www.mastimag.com/download.php?song_id=35211
11) THE VIDEO: MUSHKIL HAIN BAHUT MUSHKIL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3R26FoiB9Io
12) GUZRA HUA ZAMANA AATA NAHIN DUBARA
http://cdn.mp3mad.info/128-252...a%20Hua%20Zamana.mp3
12) THE VIDEO: GUZRA HUA ZAMANA AATA NAHIN DUBARA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8aqXUA40jg
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Madhubala's timeless beauty
RASHEEDA BHAGAT
Story of Madhubala captures the fascinating persona of this yesteryear queen of the silver screen, portraying all the romance and heartache, the joie de vivre and despair that characterised her all-too-short life.
May 31, 2011:
When the publishers of the book â Hay House India â sent the customary alert about its forthcoming publications, a senior colleague in Business Line, Delhi, put it very eloquently in his short and succinct response to me: âMadhubalaâĶ hai marjawaâ.
Well if the stunning beauty of this yesteryear's queenâĶ her bewitching eyes, mischievous glances, dazzling smile, glowing skin, natural look unburdened by make-up and a matchless, timeless sensuous personaâĶcould have a magic effect on me, a woman, my colleague in Delhi is, after all, a mere male!
The book in question is The Story of Madhubala written by Khatija Akbar, and I hastily asked for a review copy. Mention Madhubala and what immediately comes to mind is the magic chemistry between her and Dilip Kumar, the Salim and Anarkali of Mughal-e-Azam. Though, thanks to her father Ataullah Khan's cussedness, the two never got married.
Before Mughal-e-Azam came Tarana, where Dilip and Madhubala were cast together. Says the author, âthe aura of intimate, unalloyed happiness has never been captured as effectively in any film before or since, as it was when with a simple flick of one finger, Dilip Kumar pushed a stray lock of hair away from Madhubala's face, gazed into her eyes and forgot to look awayâ!
Her sister Madhur Bhushan adds that, in every scene of the film, romance was âplayed out at its heart-searing best. It was a professional association that was waiting to turn the page and become much, much more. They were made for each other. What a pair!â
In 1992, Ms Akbar decided to write a book on Madhubala, but very little authentic research material was available to her in the form of exhaustive interviews or in-depth articles. The strictness of her father, the reclusive lifestyle of the star and the young age at which she died â she was only 36 â in 1969, made the book a daunting task.
Dilip Kumar's take
Also, many people close to her had passed away, and she found it impossible to get an appointment with the man whose input was invaluable for her venture. On Dilip Kumar the common refrain was âHe will not speak on Madhubalaâ. But she persisted, and with help from Dilip's brother Ahsan Khan, finally got a promise of 10 minutes, which stretched to 45!
When she began by saying she wouldn't delve into âcontroversiesâ Dilip Kumar said: âThere were no controversies. There were straight decisions taken on moral and common sense grounds.â
On the woman he had once loved so passionately he said she had âgreat star auraâ and fans thronged for no other star outside the studios as âthey did for MadhuâĶ her personality was vivacious.â Describing her as an âexcellent artiste with a lot of versatilityâ he added: âShe had an obsession about her work. The aptitude and flair were there from the beginning.â
So who was his favourite star, she asked?
âThere was a pause, and he replied: âMeena and Madhu'â. When the author gushed that Madhubala was her all-time favourite, Dilip smiled and said: âYou are in good companyâ.
Pure star value
Academy Awards veteran and Hollywood director Frank Capra, once in Bombay for an international film festival, was keen to meet Madhubala, but the reclusive star stayed away from all the meets to honour him.
When B.K.Karanjia went to interview him with a copy of his magazine Movie Times, where Madhubala was on cover, Capra exclaimed: âGood God! Who is this girl? Is she really as beautiful?â Seeking a lunch meeting at the Taj, he said he could give her an opening in Hollywood.
When an excited Karanjia conveyed this message to Ataullah Khan, the dragon father, who put such severe restrictions on his star daughter's movements, dismissed the whole thing saying she couldn't eat with âforks and knivesâ!
A director's delight, the star was extremely punctual; after a morning walk on the seashore at 5 a.m, she would ring up Premnath at 6 a.m. and urge him not to miss his game of tennis and often reached the studios before the director or producer arrived.
Effect on co-stars
In one article Filmindia magazine joked: âWith the time-conscious Madhubala reaching the studios at 9 a.m. sharp, Mehboob has to pass through the pain of going early with all his technicians. They all come yawning and wake up Dilip Kumar who sleeps in the studio these days to be in time for his heroine.â
When Shammi Kapoor first saw her, he found it impossible to take his eyes off her. Enraptured, flustered and lost, he said he was so nervous to work with her he'd forget his dialogues. âWhen I looked at her, I was lost and tongue-tied. She had that effect on me. She knew it too, she could see it and she helped me gradually. In no time at all, I was in love. I said it then and I still maintain I have never seen a more beautiful woman; such perfection of face, form and skin, she was almost etherealâ.
You can't think of Madhubala without recalling her portrayal of that incredible melody âAccha ji mein haari chalo maan jao naâ from Kala Pani. Whether romance, sensuality or raw sex appeal, she could convey it all through her eyes.
Says the author: âUnalloyed and pure, her beauty belongs to every age. Its only parallel in the film world can perhaps be found in Marilyn Monroe.â
But her book, which describes how the Madhubala-Dilip romance came to nought, breaking the already fragile and sick heart of the actress, leaves you with a sense of immense loss and deep sadness.
In her quest of discovery, Ms Akbar found no disillusioning facts or unsavoury truths. âNo dark secrets, no skeletons in cupboards, no horror tales of drunkenness or mean habits. Only human failings. It was not easy to come to terms with the reality of Madhubala's increasing suffering and helplessness. One felt it was all so wrong. The beauty, adoration and fame had come with a very heavy price attached.â
And yet her beauty has proved to be timeless. Shashi Kapoor calls her âthe sexiest woman I've ever seenâ and adds: âI recently saw Mughal-e-Azam and she once again succeeded in destroying me totally. It's a fatal attraction, its not just sexiness but that tremendous quality of projecting love.
Her eyes spoke volumes. Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan have gone on record of being smitten with Madhubala.
So my Delhi colleague is in great companyâĶ hai marjawa indeed!
Former Member
THE MAGIC OF MADHUBALA:
Former Member
THE MAGIC OF MADHUBALA:
While filming for Bahut Din Huwe, Madhubala discovered she had Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) or a hole in her heart. She also suffered from pulmonary pressure in her lungs and had to be given oxygen several hours a day.
She was eventually confined to her bed for nine years and attempts at acting or directing failed miserably. She eventually passed away at the tender age of 36. Madhubala was buried along with her personal diary at the Santa Cruz Muslim cemetery.
Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, January 18th, 2015
Former Member
THE MAGIC OF MADHUBALA:
Madhubala was born in Delhi, India on February 14, 1933 as Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi. Her father, Attaullah Khan was a Yousafzai Pasthun from the old Peshawar valley, which included the present-day Mardan and Swabi region as well.
He relocated the family to Bombay and then Delhi after he lost his job at the Imperial Tobacco Company in Peshawar. As a side note, Swabi still produces the best tobacco exported all over the world.
The family struggled in Delhi in its initial years before Mumtaz Jehan got a role as a child star in the film Basant which was a big success. She was the sole earning member in her large family which included her parents and her four other sisters.
Former Member
Mumtaz Jehan was only 14 years old when she played her first lead role against Raj Kapoor (who was 22 at the time) in Neel Kamal in 1947. She adopted her popular name Madhubala (made of honey) after the film on the advice of a friend. Madhu played the lead role in around 66 films against all of the major male leading actors before doing her career-defining role as Anarkali in Mughal-i-Azam.
Former Member
THE MAGIC OF MADHUBALA:
Former Member
I am madly fan of madhu bala
Looking good , Nice features, Style was amazing,
Former Member
Arshi Bano posted:I am madly fan of madhu bala
Looking good , Nice features, Style was amazing,
Arshi, I do agree with you, that in her heydays she was the darling of the Indian Screen, too bad she had to leave this world at a very young age, indeed she was a beautiful woman.
Thanks for liking this one.
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