The marriage between Kishore Kumar and Madhubala, one of Bollywood's most beautiful and celebrated actresses, has always been a topic of much speculation and intrigue. Recent insights, particularly those shared by Madhubala's sister, Madhur Bhushan, shed light on the complexities and underlying sadness that marked their relationship.
Madhubala, already a superstar, married Kishore Kumar in 1960, shortly after her highly publicized breakup with Dilip Kumar. According to Madhur, her sister was drawn to Kishore Kumar's charm, his beautiful voice, and his ability to make her laugh. However, Madhubala was also battling a serious heart condition, a ventricular septal defect (a hole in her heart), which would eventually contribute significantly to the trajectory of their marriage.
Before the marriage, Madhur revealed that the family was concerned about Madhubala's health. They advised her to consult with doctors before making any decisions. Despite these concerns, Madhubala insisted on marrying Kishore Kumar. Shortly after their wedding, Kishore Kumar took Madhubala to London for medical treatment. There, doctors delivered the devastating news that her heart was severely damaged and that she had only about two years to live.
This diagnosis cast a long shadow over their relationship. In a recent interview, Madhur disclosed that doctors had informed Madhubala that she could not have sexual relations or bear children due to her condition. While Madhur emphasized that she wasn't blaming Kishore Kumar, she acknowledged that Madhubala needed emotional support, regardless of her physical limitations. "Aapa was told by the doctors you cannot have sex, you cannot have children… But yet a woman needs emotional support no matter what," she stated.
Despite Madhubala's desire to be with Kishore Kumar, their marriage was far from idyllic. Madhur recounted that Kishore Kumar bought Madhubala a flat on Carter Road in Mumbai, but she often found herself alone. Her health deteriorated, and the sea breeze exacerbated her condition. Eventually, she returned to her father's home, longing for her husband's presence.
According to Madhur, Kishore Kumar's visits became infrequent. He would often disconnect his phone and visit her only once every two to three months. His reasoning was that his visits would upset her and worsen her depression, stating, "If I come, you'll cry and it will not be good for your heart. You'll go into depression. You should rest." This distance, coupled with her illness, led to feelings of abandonment and jealousy. Madhur believes that this sense of abandonment ultimately contributed to her sister's demise. "Perhaps, a feeling of being abandoned killed her," she said.
Madhur also addressed the narrative that Kishore Kumar left Madhubala at her parent's home because he couldn't care for her due to his busy career. While acknowledging that Kishore Kumar had stated he was unable to provide her with the necessary care due to his work commitments, Madhur didn't explicitly blame him. She highlighted that Madhubala's need for emotional support was paramount, regardless of Kishore's reasons.
Kishore Kumar's perspective on the marriage, as reported by various sources, suggests a different angle. He claimed that he knew about Madhubala's illness before marrying her but felt obligated to honor his promise. He stated that he cared for her for nine years, watching her health decline. He described the emotional toll it took on him, witnessing her pain and frustration.
Regardless of the circumstances, Madhubala's final years were marked by immense suffering. Her illness caused her body to produce excess blood, which would spill from her nose and mouth. She suffered from pulmonary pressure and required oxygen every few hours. Confined to her bed for nine years, she desperately wished to live, constantly asking when a cure would be found. She passed away on February 23, 1969.
