Meet Madhubala’s lesser-known sister, who was as beautiful as her, worked in an Oscar Nominated film, was Raj Kapoor’s…, her name is…
GH News February 25, 2025 10:06 PM
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Madhubala continues to remain one of the most iconic and beloved actresses of Indian cinema. She graced the silver screen in 1950s and 1960s and is still a cherished figure in Bollywoods golden era. Known as Venus of Indian cinema Madhubalas legacy continues to captivate audiences with her timeless beauty unforgettable performances and unmatched on-screen presence.
Born of February 14 1933 Madubalas career spanned for over two decades. Her breakthrough role in Neel Kamal rose her to stardom. Later she continued to prove her acting prowess with films like Mahal Howrah Bridge Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi Dastan Mughal-e-Azam cementing her further position in the industry.
Born in Delhi Madhubalas real name was Mumtaz Jahan Begum Dehlavi. She had four sisters Kaeez Fatima (1925) Altaf (1930) Chanchal (1934) and Zahida (1949). Apart from Madhubala if anyone who stepped into the field of acting like her was Chanchal. Her impeccable beauty and acting chops made her quite a name in the industry.
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Chanchal made her debut with 1955 film Naata alongside actor Abhi Bhattacharya and her sister Madhubala. Later she appeared in several films Tirind Mother India and Raj Kapoors superhit film Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti. Chanchal is best remembered for her role in the film Mother India where she portrayed Roopa a character who become a widow and later marries a man who is dacoit. The 1957-released was also nominated for Oscars under Best Foreign Language Film Category.
Chanchal was also renowned for her striking resemblance to Madhubala which often led to confusion between the two. Despite her talent and resemblance to her sister Chanchals career did not achieve the same level of fame like Madhubala and remained a relatively lesser-known figure in the industry.