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From Mughal-e-Azam to Tarana: 8 must-watch Madhubala films that you need to watch right now
Madhubala has featured in more than sixty films in a career spanning twenty years. The actress was one of the highest-paid actresses at the time and saw huge success in the 1950s. She has become a cult classic even for the young Indian audience, and talks about a film being made about her life are around the corner.
Madhubala, the eternal beauty
Madhubala, originally named Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi, was born on February 14, the day of love. The actor was among the most well-known actresses of the period. She was unlike anyone else in terms of beauty, and the late actor was popular even amongst the younger Indian audience. Her filmography includes many of the superhit movies of the time, and here is a list of eight must-watch movies with Madhubala in lead roles that you must watch right now.
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1/8
Mughal-e-Azam, 1960.
The Indian epic historical drama Mughal-e-Azam was released in 1960 and was directed by K. Asif and produced by Shapoorji Pallonji. It focuses on the romance between court dancer Anarkali and Mughal Prince Salim, who later rose to become Emperor Jahangir. The film stars Prithviraj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Madhubala, and Durga Khote in the lead roles. The relationship is not acceptable to Salim's father, Emperor Akbar, who sparks a conflict between the two of them.Madhubala portrayed Anarkali in the historical epic film and became a household name after this. Due to its long-lasting entertainment effects, this 1960 mega-hit remains one of the best-charting films of the era and is viewed by Indians of all generations as well as Hindi film enthusiasts. It is without a doubt the greatest milestone of the venerable actress's acting career.,
2/8
Kaala Paani, 1953
The story of the film centres around Karan, played by Dev Anand, who is on a mission to find out the truth behind his father's confinement in Kaala Paani. After learning that his father was wrongfully accused of a murder that occurred fifteen years earlier, Karan swears to find the real killers and free his father from prison. Madhubala plays Asha in the film, a courageous journalist whom Karan encounters while searching for the truth about his father's life. The Raj Khosla-directed film is a remake of the Bengali film Sabar Uparey from 1955, which was based on the 1953 novel Beyond This Place by A.J. Cronin.
3/8
Howrah Bridge, 1958
The crime-thriller film Howrah Bridge features Ashok Kumar, Pran, and Madhubala in the lead roles. Prem Kumar, a businessman from Rangoon, is the character that the story revolves around. He journeys to Calcutta in an effort to find his brother's killers. The story centres around his voyage, in the middle of which he also finds a family heirloom. Madhubala starred as Edna, a cabaret performer, in the film, which is one of her most popular roles. The songs "Aaiye Meherbaan" and "Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu," which feature Madhubala and Helen, respectively, continue to be extremely popular.
4/8
1962 Half Ticket
Half Ticket, a fun comedy made by Bombay Talkies, stars Madhubala, Kishor Kumar, and Pran in lead roles. The lovely comedy classic was released in 1962 with an interesting plotline.A diamond thief hides his loot in a child who is actually an adult, using the child's identity to get a discounted train ticket. In a series of absurd misadventures, the burglar then tries to outsmart the eccentric., ,It was Madhubala's second to last movie, as her health had begun to decline soon after the production of her final movie, Jwala, which was released in 1971. The Kalidasa-directed movie is a must-watch for all avid movie watchers and Madhubala fans.,
5/8
Mr. and Mrs. '55, 1955
Abrar Alvi wrote the screenplay for the 1955 Indian romantic comedy Mr. & Mrs. which Guru Dutt both directed and produced. In this socially critical movie, Madhubala portrays Anita Verma, a naive heiress who is coerced into marrying an unemployed cartoonist (Guru Dutt) in order to keep her millions.,Its box office success was a turn around for Madhubala, who was one of the 1954 movie stars dubbed "box office poison." Most people agree that she had one of her most memorable and recognisable performances when she played Anita Verma. The song "Preetam Aan Milo" was originally sung by C. H. Atma in 1945 as a non-film song.,
6/8
Barsaat Ki Raat '60
Apart from the fact that Madhubala gave yet another standout performance, the qawali songs in the movie too helped it to gain popularity. The movie features Madhubala, Bharat Bhushan, and Shyam in the lead roles. Aman Hyderabadi, a Qawali singer, is portrayed in the movie by Bharat, while Shabnam, a love interest, is portrayed by Madhubala. Their love story and their financial struggles are featured in the movie. The film, directed by P.L. Santoshi, with a very unique plot, was a smash blockbuster in Hindi cinema in 1960. "Zindagi Bhar Nahin Bhoolegi" was a top-charting song at the time. Watching the romantic musical is a must to witness Madhubala's unforgettable performances.
7/8
Tarana, 1951
S. Daryani produced and wrote the 1951 romantic comedy film Tarana. Madhubala, the title heroine of Tarana, is a free-spirited country girl who develops feelings for a visiting doctor ( Dilip Kumar). The film was one of the biggest box office successes of the year and received overwhelmingly favourable reviews from critics, who praised the director, soundtrack, and on-screen chemistry of the main actors.The Talat Mahmood and Lata Mangeshkar duet "Seene Mein Sulagte Hai Arman" was one of the most well-known songs. The younger generation simply must see it to witness the chemistry Madhubala and Dilip Kumar shared on screen.,
8/8
Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi was released in 1958
Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi stars Madhubala and the Ganguly brothers (Ashok, Anoop, and Kishore)in lead roles. The Satyen Bose-directed film centres on a middle-aged guy who despises women owing to certain misunderstandings and bans his younger brothers from getting married. The film includes many popular songs from the film, including "Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhagi Si," "Babu Samjho Ishare," and "Haal Kaisa Hai Janaab Ka.",The fourth consecutive major hit for Madhubala in 1958 cemented her place as the top female performer of the late 1950s and early 1960s. You must watch this film to see Madhubala at the top of her career.