When Dilip Kumar slapped Madhubala on the Mughal-E-Azam set after their break-up, director told actress, "It only proves he loved you"

Dilip Kumar slapped Madhubala after their breakup

The resurfacing of an unsettling incident between two of Bollywood’s most iconic stars, Dilip Kumar and Madhubala, has sparked intense discussion online. A recent news revisits a controversial moment from the set of the classic film Mughal-E-Azam, revealing an emotionally charged and painful chapter in the duo’s personal and professional history.

Before Dilip Kumar married Saira Banu, he was deeply in love with Madhubala. The two stars began dating during the filming of Tarana and even planned to marry. However, Madhubala’s father strongly opposed the relationship. This parental disapproval led to their breakup during the shooting of Mughal-E-Azam, though they continued working together despite the personal rift.

The incident in question occurred during the filming of a scene where Dilip Kumar’s character, Prince Salim, had to slap Madhubala’s Anarkali. But instead of faking the slap, as is commonly done in cinema, Kumar reportedly struck her with real intensity. According to their co-star Ajit, as mentioned in the book I Want To Live: The Story of Madhubala, “Dilip Kumar had ‘let go’ and used his ‘full force’ to hit the actress.”

What shocked many even more was director K. Asif’s reaction. As Madhubala stood stunned on set, he allegedly said, “I am very happy today for it is apparent he still loves you. Who but a man in love could have done something like this? It only proves he loved you and continues to love you, whatever you may think.”

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Although the relationship ended, Madhubala reportedly tried to reach out to Dilip Kumar before her death. In his autobiography The Substance and The Shadow, Dilip Kumar recalled visiting her, and noticing her frail health. “When I went to Madhu’s home, I was pained to see that she was frail and looked very weak.” He remembered her saying with a smile, “Hamare shehzade ko unki shehzadi mil gayi hai, main bahut khush hoon!” (Our prince has got his princess, I am very happy).

This was their final meeting. Madhubala, one of the most celebrated actresses of her time, passed away in 1969 at the young age of 36 due to a heart condition.

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