The real tragedy of the Cinema in India

Madhubala 

To many people, actress Meena Kumari is regarded as the Tragedy Queen in Bollywood, but the true tragedy lies with the life of   Madhubala.

The stunning actress died nine days after her 36th birthday, from blood poisoning - a disease which first showed in her late teens - her condition lead to one of the biggest disputes of the era.

She was scheduled be play opposite actor Dilip Kumar in the movie Naya Daur, a story about the struggles to turn a farm from horses to horsepower. The director wished to do extensive outdoor shooting, as you would expect in a film about farming. Because of her illness, her father pulled her out of the film as he was sure the outdoor work would damage his daughter's health - he was probably correct - at the time, Madhubala, and Dilip were in a much-publicized relation ( the Richard Burton / Elizabeth Taylor of India).

The relationship broke up, and the father accused the director of having his daughter in the film, so the star could chat her up.

The film was remade with actress Vyjayanthimala taking the female lead.