Despite her passing years ago, Madhubala continues to be one of the most enigmatic stars of Hindi cinema. Beyond her iconic performances during what is often referred to as Bollywood’s ‘golden era,’ her personal life remains a subject of intrigue. It was also the sorrow in her personal life that earned her the moniker of the ‘tragedy queen.’ In a recent interaction, Madhubala’s sister Madhur Bhushan talked about her life and her love affairs with Dilip Kumar and Kishore Kumar.
Young in the film industry, Madhubala fell in love with Dilip Kumar. However, their romance didn’t last long as the couple parted ways after an ego spat. After ending her relationship with Dilip, Madhubala got involved with Kishore Kumar, with whom she had worked in films like Dhake Ki Malmal (1956), Chalti Ka Naam Gadi (1958), and Half Ticket (1962). However, their marriage too wasn’t a happy one.
Madhubala and Kishore Kumar married despite the Mughal-E-Azam star being diagnosed with a heart condition — a hole in her heart (ventricular septal defect). Their marriage suffered after Madhubala’s condition worsened and she became bedridden. Talking about the same, Madhur told Filmfare, “As she (Madhubala) wasn’t keeping well, Abba said don’t get married now, see what the doctor has to say. But they got married in 1960.”
After Madhubala’s condition worsened, Kishore Kumar flew her to London to consult a doctor, where they declared that she wouldn’t survive. “Kishore Bhaiyya flew her to London about 10 days later. The doctors said, her heart is finished. And that she wouldn’t live beyond two years,” recalled Madhur.
Kishore Kumar, who was at the peak of his career at that time, left a suffering Madhubala at her home with her father and sisters. The actor argued that since his career demanded him to travel, he couldn’t take care of the ailing actor. “Kishore Bhaiyya left her at our home. He said that she was sick and needed care while he had to travel, work, sing and hence wouldn’t be able to give her time. He said, I tried my best, I took her to London. But the doctors have said she won’t survive. What’s my fault?” Madhur added.
Though Madhur didn’t blame Kishore for leaving Madhubala alone during a tough time, she agreed that the actor-filmmaker didn’t provide her with emotional strength. “We’re not saying that he was wrong. Aapa was told by the doctors you cannot have sex, you cannot have children… But yet a woman needs emotional support no matter what.”
Madhur explained that Madhubala insisted on living with Kishore, and he even bought her a flat at Mumbai’s Carter Road, but she was mostly left alone in the house. She said, “She’d be alone most of the time. The sea breeze made her sicker.”
Story continues below this ad
Kishore reduced his visits to Madhubala and would also not be available to take her calls, and that made her jealous. “Often Kishore Bhaiyya’s phone was disconnected. He’d visit her once in two to three months. He’d say, ‘If I come, you’ll cry and it will not be good for your heart. You’ll go into depression. You should rest.’ She was young, jealousy was natural. Perhaps, a feeling of being abandoned killed her,” said Madhur.
Madhur admitted that despite seeing heartbreak and facing a fatal illness, her sister had a ‘tremendous willpower’ that helped her survive for nine years when she was only given two years to live. She passed away in 1969, at the age of 36.
