Tuesday, February 10, 2026
ADVT 
Bollywood

The New York Times Compares Madhubala To Marilyn Monroe In 'Overlooked' Obituaries Special

IANS, 09 Mar, 2018 02:01 PM

    An American newspaper has paid homage to Bollywood's tragedy queen Madhubala.

     

    The classic actress of the bygone era was featured in its new segment, Overlooked, where the daily featured "15 remarkable women that (it) overlooked in (their) obituaries".

     

    The section admired the remarkable contribution of these celebrated women in their respective fields.

     

    They introduced Madhubala, who preferred to be address by her first name, as the one who "transfixed Bollywood".

     

    The New York Times profiled Madhubala with a sass and did not hold back.

     
     
     
     
     

    It wrote, " Madhubala (born as Mumtaz Begum) often portrayed modern young women testing the limits of traditions. She has been compared to Marilyn Monroe: the smoldering looks, the short career, the tragic end", the newspaper said while recalling her first major role, at the age of 16, as the leading lady in 1949 film 'Mahal' opposite Ashok Kumar.

     

    About her untimely death at the mere age of 36, the daily wrote, "She died 20 years later as an icon of beauty and tragedy - her dazzling career, unhappy love life and fatal illness more dramatic than any movie she starred in".

     
     

     

    The actress was featured in some of the best timeless classics such as 'Amar', 'Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi', 'Mughal-e-Azam', 'Barsaat Ki Raat'. The obituary chronicled her romance with veteran actor Dilip Kumar, and her failed marriage with iconic singer 'Kishore Kumar'.

     

    The segment talked about her deteriorating health in her later years, her portrayal of strong women on screen, and choices of eternal classics.

     
     

     

    The feature also talked about writer-poet Sylvia Plath; Henrietta Lacks, whose cancer cells were taken from her body without permission and led to a medical revolution; Margaret Abbott, the first American woman to win an Olympic championship; transgender pioneer Marsha P Johnson; Ada Lovelace, a gifted mathematician credited as the first computer programmer; photographer Diane Arbus and feminist poet Qiu Jin, among others.

    MORE Bollywood ARTICLES

    Trolls Should Be Ignored, Say Bollywood Celebs

    Trolling has become an issue for many celebrities on social media whenever they express their opinion on any topic, but some Bollywood figures maintain that not paying attention is the best way to deal with trolls and maintain one's sanity.

    Trolls Should Be Ignored, Say Bollywood Celebs

    Quite Chuffed Hackers Found Me Interesting Enough: Abhishek Bachchan

    Actor Abhishek Bachchan says he was quite pleased that the pro-Pakistani Turkish cyber army Ayyildiz Tim, who hacked his Twitter account, found him interesting enough.

    Quite Chuffed Hackers Found Me Interesting Enough: Abhishek Bachchan

    Will Be Seen In More Films Now, Says Renuka Shahane

    Actress Renuka Shahane who will soon be seen in film "3 Storeys" that is releasing in March, says now that her children are growing up, she will be seen in more film.

    Will Be Seen In More Films Now, Says Renuka Shahane

    'Padmaavat' Will Always Be A Gem In My Filmography: Ranveer Singh

    With "Padmaavat", Sanajay Leela Bhansali and Ranveer have created magic onscreen for the third time post "Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela " and "Bajirao Mastani".

    'Padmaavat' Will Always Be A Gem In My Filmography: Ranveer Singh

    Anupam Kher Thanks A Bunch Of People On His Way Back From Los Angeles

    Veteran actor Anupam Khersays he had great shoot as well as creative and productive meetings in Los Angeles.

    Anupam Kher Thanks A Bunch Of People On His Way Back From Los Angeles

    For Me Rani Mukerji Will Always Remain That Small Little Girl: Mithun

    For Me Rani Mukerji Will Always Remain That Small Little Girl: Mithun
    Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty shares a special bond with actress Rani Mukerji, and says she will always remain a "little girl" for him.

    For Me Rani Mukerji Will Always Remain That Small Little Girl: Mithun