For an entire generation of moviebuffs Madhubala was nothing sort of a screen idol. While many stars have captured our hearts none has enchanted us quite like Madhubala. Tragically she passed away at 36 far too young but her performances are still cherished with love longing and emotion. Madhubalas on-screen persona and her private life couldnt have been more different. On-screen she captured millions of hearts with her playful smile and mischievous charm. While off-screen she only yearned for one thing- true love. Her relationship with Dilip Kumar has always been a topic of intrigue. The couple was madly in love with each other but could not marry. Much has been written about Dilip Kumar and Madhubalas tragic love story. Many claimed that her father Ataullah Khans interference disrupted their relationship her own sister Zahida aka Madhur Bhushan claimed it was the court case during the making of Naya Daur and their conflicting egos were the real barriers. Dilip Kumar in his autobiography mentioned that her fathers desire to treat their relationship as a business venture put him off and he turned her down. Regardless of the reasons Madhubala went on to marry Kishore Kumar her co-star in several films. Her nine-year-long marriage to legendary singer Kishore Kumar was also marked by unhappiness. Reportedly Madhubalas decision to get married was made out of anger and frustration towards Dilip Kumar. Their marriage however went through many challenges as her health deteriorated due to a hole in the heart (Ventricular Septal Defect in medical parlance). Doctors made it clear that she was severely ill and gave her two years to survive. Upon their return from UK where the actress was getting treatment from Kishore and Madhubala started to live separately. Her illness her familys refusal to accept their inter-faith marriage and her anger bouts due to illness meant they drifted apart. There were rumours that Kishore Kumar converted his religion to Islam and changed his name to Karim Abdul to get married. However Madhubalas sister declined all these claims. While they remained married till her death but nine years later their relationship was nothing but over. Madhubalas personal life highlights the complexities of societal and familial pressures. Despite her tragic fate she continues to remain an icon of grace and resilience and her legacy continues to exist in the history of Indian cinema.