Kishore Kumar left Madhubala alone in her dying days, he ignored her calls, reveals actress' sister Madhur Bhushan

Madhubala with Kishore Kumar

Madhubala and Kishore Kumar are two of the most celebrated names in the history of Indian cinema. Their relationship, full of ups and downs, became one of Bollywood's most talked-about love stories. While they married in 1960, the actress’ sister, Madhur Bhushan, revealed some painful truths about the couple's marriage, shedding light on how Kishore Kumar distanced himself from Madhubala in her final days, even as she suffered from a severe health condition.

Madhubala and Dilip Kumar relationship

Madhubala and Dilip Kumar

Before Kishore Kumar, Madhubala had been in a relationship with actor Dilip Kumar. Their romance, which lasted for almost nine years, was the talk of the town. However, they eventually parted ways, and soon after, Kishore Kumar, who had divorced his first wife, Ruma Guha Thakurta, found love with Madhubala while they worked together in films like Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi and Half Ticket. However, according to Madhur Bhushan, Kishore Kumar was, in some ways, a rebound for Madhubala, who was still heartbroken over her split with Dilip Kumar.

Madhubala's health deteriorated

Madhubala’s health began to deteriorate, and she was diagnosed with a heart condition, which caused her much suffering. It was during this difficult time that Kishore Kumar proposed, just before Madhubala was set to leave for London for medical treatment. In an interview with ETimes, Madhur Bhushan shared some details about their marriage and the relationship dynamics between the couple.

Madhubala and Kishore Kumar

Madhubala and Kishore Kumar wedding

She recalled that her father had asked Madhubala to wait for a clean bill of health from doctors in London before making any big decisions. However, she said, “Madhubala married Kishore Kumar out of stubbornness and anger towards Dilipsaab. They got married in 1960 when she was 27 years old.” This was a time when Madhubala was physically fragile, but her decision to marry Kishore Kumar seemed to stem from both emotional turmoil and her desire to move forward with her life.

Madhubala

"Kishore Kumar ignored her phone calls"

Sadly, after doctors gave Madhubala a grim prognosis, her relationship with Kishore Kumar began to deteriorate. “After the doctor’s projection – that she had limited time left – Kishore bhai brought her a house in Mumbai’s Carter Road and left her there alone, accompanied only by a nurse and a driver. He would visit once every few months. He ignored her phone calls,” Madhur revealed. Despite being deeply in love with Madhubala at one point, Kishore Kumar distanced himself from her after her return from London. “He was not a good husband,” she added.

Madhubala sank into depression

The loneliness that Madhubala experienced during her final days took a heavy toll on her. Madhur Bhushan mentioned how Madhubala sank into deep depression. “Madhubala sank into deep depression because nobody came to visit her. Once a sought-after personality in the industry, she was largely ignored during her bedridden and dying days. She spent most of her time in nightgowns,” she said. Despite once being the queen of hearts in the film industry, Madhubala found herself abandoned when she needed support the most.

Legendary actress Madhubala

Madhubala's demise

Madhubala’s life was tragically cut short, as she passed away at the age of 36. Her untimely death left the film world mourning the loss of one of its greatest stars. Madhubala’s marriage to Kishore Kumar, once the source of much excitement, ended in heartbreak, and her life became a story of sadness and isolation in her final years.

Also Read: When Madhubala told her sister not to 'waste' money on treatments in her last days, said "main bachne nahi vali, main kya se kya ho gayi hoon"

Despite the difficult circumstances of her last years, Madhubala’s legacy continues to shine in Indian cinema. Alongside Dilip Kumar, she remains one of the most iconic actresses to ever grace the silver screen, especially for her legendary role in Mughal-e-Azam. Meanwhile, her relationship with Kishore Kumar, which began with much promise, is remembered with bittersweet emotions, as it ended with loneliness and heartache.