Madhubala was a veteran Bollywood actress with a life as tragic as the heroines she portrayed. Despite passing away early in life, the Mughal-e-Azam and Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi starlet had left behind an illustrious career and established herself as one of the most prominent faces of post-Independence Bollywood.
Continue reading on as we delve into a definitive ranking of Madhubala's best movies along with a guide on where to stream them all.
From Barsaat Ki Raat to Half Ticket: A look at the best of Madhubala
While she hailed from a conservative family that didn’t really find cinema to be a respectable industry, Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi began her tryst with acting from a young age (cast as “Baby Mutaz” in her child artiste years). Soon, she took up the nom de plume Madhubala and earned acclaim as a leading lady, even becoming the highest-paid Bollywood actress of the 1950s.
Maha marked Madhubala's debut as a leading lady, where she portrayed Kamini, a hauntingly beautiful woman entwined in a tale of reincarnation and forbidden love. Her ethereal presence and haunting performance set the stage for her illustrious career to come.
Today, the late Madhubala is known for her portrayal of the ill-fated court dancer Anarkali in the Mughal-themed epic Mughal-e-Azam. But Madhubala is much more than Anarkali and other tragic heroines, as is evident from her occasionally light-hearted roles in cult classics like Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi and Half Ticket (both starring opposite husband Kishore Kumar) and Guru Dutt’s Mr and Mrs 55.
Half Ticket showcased Madhubala's energetic and bubbly personality as a city girl charmed with Kumar’s protagonist, a simpleton with childlike sensibilities. In Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, Madhubala showcased her comedic prowess as Renu, a spirited woman entangled in a love triangle with three brothers. Her chemistry with co-star Kishore Kumar added to the film's charm, making it a beloved comedy of its time. It’s only unfortunate that Kumar and Madhubala’s real-life romance didn’t work out like the movies.
As for Mr. and Mrs. 55 (directed by and starring Guru Dutt), the 1955 romantic comedy saw Madhubala in a delightful role as Anita Verma, a modern woman caught in a whirlwind romance with a cartoonist. Her portrayal of Anita's vivaciousness and independence resonated with audiences, earning her praise for her nuanced performance.
Coming to her more dramatic roles, Barsaat Ki Raat is a major case in point with Madhubala portraying Shabnam, a woman torn between love and duty in the backdrop of poetic romance and traditional values. Her emotive portrayal added depth to the character, making her a standout in the ensemble cast.
Similarly, Howrah Bridge saw Madhubala in the role of Edna, a cabaret dancer entangled in a web of intrigue and mystery while the freedom movement-era drama Kala Pani showcased Madhubala in a dramatic role as Radha, a woman embroiled in the struggle for justice and freedom.
Why is Mughal-e-Azam the best Madhubala movie to watch?
Mughal-e-Azam stands as a timeless classic in Indian cinema, where Madhubala portrayed Anarkali, a courtesan who captures the heart of Prince Salim (Dilip Kumar). Her portrayal of Anarkali's grace and defiance against societal norms amidst a backdrop of grandeur and romance remains etched in cinematic history. The narrative revolves around Salim and Anarkali’s forbidden love affair that draws the disapproval of the reigning Mughal emperor Akbar (Prithviraj Kapoor). The ensuing discord is captured with tragic beauty in vibrantly spectacular song-and-dance numbers and emotionally poignant dialogues.
Where can you stream the best Madhubala movies?
You can watch most of Madhubala’s highest-rated movies on streaming platforms like ZEE5, Prime Video, Vi Movies and TV and Shemaroo.
