Madhubala was born as Mumtaz Jahan Begum Dehlavi in New Delhi, India on 14 February 1933.

She starred in several successful movies in the 1950s and early 1960s, many of which have attained a classic status. Mumtaz’s first movie Basant (1942) was a box-office success. With her contemporaries Nargis and Meena Kumari, she is widely regarded as one of the most talented Hindi movie actresses.

Madhubala had many successful films following Mahal, Mughal e Azam, Lal duptta, Amar prem, phulwari, pujari, etc.

Madhubala was found to have a heart problem commonly known as a "hole in the heart". In 1960, Madhubala sought treatment in London as her condition deteriorated. Madhubala finally succumbed to her illness and died on 23 February 1969, shortly after her 36th birthday. She was buried at Santa Cruz cemetery.