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Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 20:09 IST
Madhubala, the legendary Indian actress, battled heart disease in silence. Despite suffering from a ventricular septal defect, she continued her prolific career. She married Kishore Kumar in 1960 and passed away on February 23, 1969.
Madhubala’s untimely death occurred in February 1969.
Madhubala is celebrated in Indian cinema as one of its most enchanting and enigmatic figures. However, behind her captivating public persona, there lay a significant health struggle that was largely unknown to the world. Her sister, Madhur Bhushan, recounted the moment their family learned of her serious heart condition, which ultimately led to her early demise.
“She complained of spitting blood while brushing her teeth. In response, Dilip Kumar flew in with Dr. Rustom Jal Vakil from Mumbai, who diagnosed her with a ventricular septal defect, or a hole in the heart. Although she seemed vibrant and full of life, the news was shocking for everyone, including Madhubala herself. She didn’t take the diagnosis seriously and continued to pursue her film career, signing onto more projects,” Madhur reflected during an interview with Filmfare.
Despite her diagnosis, Madhubala preferred to keep her illness private. Her dazzling performances on screen belied the seriousness of her condition. Madhur stated, “She was adamant about continuing her work. At that time, she was at the pinnacle of her career and couldn’t bear the thought of stopping.”
Madhubala’s unwavering commitment to her work was particularly evident during the filming of K. Asif’s epic, *Mughal-E-Azam* (1960), notable for its ambitious scale and challenging production. “During this period, her relationship with Dilip Kumar had become strained. The shoot often took a toll on her health, and there were instances when she would faint due to exhaustion,” Madhur recalled.
“Our father expressed concerns about her health and advised against marrying at that time, urging her to wait for medical clearance. However, Madhubala and Kishore Kumar decided to marry in 1960 regardless,” Madhur explained. Just days after their wedding, she was taken to London, where doctors grimly stated that her heart condition was dire and that she might not live beyond two years.
Madhur vividly remembers the apprehension their father felt. “He wanted Madhubala to receive a clean bill of health from specialists in London before making any major life changes.” Nonetheless, Madhubala was resolute in her decision. “Her marriage to Kishore Kumar was influenced by her feelings of defiance toward Dilip Kumar. They tied the knot when she was just 27,” she shared.
Madhubala ultimately passed away on February 23, 1969, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate with fans around the world.
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