Madhubala's 85th birth anniversary special: Iconic beauty who still rules our hearts

New Delhi: Indian cinema's one of the most beautiful actresses, Madhubala was born on the day which celebrates love—Valentine's Day. The iconic figure ruled the silver screens during the golden era of black and white cinema. She was called as the 'The Venus of Indian Cinema' and 'The Beauty with Tragedy'.

Her enchanting beauty had a magnetic effect on viewers and likewise, she had a huge fan following. Her acting skills were highly appreciated by the masses and classes alike.

Madhubala featured in films like 'Mahal' (1949), 'Amar' (1954), 'Mr & Mrs 55' (1955), 'Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi' (1958), 'Mughal-e-Azam' (1960) and 'Barsaat Ki Raat' (1960).

Her powerful enactment of Anarkali in period drama 'Mughal-E-Azam' still gives goosebumps to the viewers. Her act won many accolades and is still hailed as the finest one performed by an Indian actress.

She was born as Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi in Delhi. Madhubala reportedly started working in films at an early age of 9. She made her smashing big screen debut in Basant, which released in 1942.

However, her first lead role came at the age of 14 when she was paired opposite legendary actor Raj Kapoor in 'Neel Kamal' (1947). But it was in Bombay Talkies studio's Mahal which gave the beautiful Madhubala the much-deserved stardom. It was helmed by Kamal Amrohi.

The film was the third largest hit at the 1949 Indian box office. Her on-screen pairing with veteran actor Dilip Kumar was loved by the fans. Their chemistry was beyond words and were a real-life couple before they decided to part ways.

Then actor-singer Kishore Kumar came into Madhubala's life and the two even got married in 1960. However, it too wasn't a fairytale wedding and the duo shared some turbulent times in their relationship reportedly.

Madhubala breathed her last at the young age of 36 in 1969. She suffered ventricular septal defect (a hole in her heart) which was detected while she was shooting for 'Bahut Din Huwe' in Madras in 1954.

The actress battled the disease for a long time but finally went to the heavenly abode leaving behind a void which can never be filled.