If someone asks you who you think is the most ravishing actress in the history of Bollywood, I'm sure many of you would answer – MADHUBALA.
Then again, who was that fashionista Bollywood icon who had always been way ahead of her time, and she is still one of the most prominent style inspirations for most of us? None other than MADHUBALA!
Madhubala was that iconic actress whose charm and beauty are celebrated even today, not just in India but worldwide.
Madhubala was not only famous for her exceptional beauty and impactful acting skills but also for her enviable fashion sense. She was among those blessed persons who could wear anything and everything and carry that with such elegance and panache.
Whether it's her retro look in a satin saree, "girl-next-door look" in a printed saree, or ethnic look in Anarkali, she had undeniably donned every look.
The Enduring Legacy of Madhubala
Madhubala, one of the most beautiful artists ever graced the Indian screen, lived a brief yet impactful life. She was born Mumtaz Jehan Begum on February 14, 1933, in a conservative family.
She entered the world of cinemas as a child artist only at the age of eight. She got her first break in the lead role in Neel Kamal in 1947.
She rose to the fame of a superstar after her performance in the movie Mahal (1949). After that, she established herself as the most celebrated female Bollywood star during the 1950s and '60s through her performance in movies like Tarana (1951), Mr. & Mrs. '55 (1955), and, of course, Mughal-E-Azam (1960).
Unfortunately, Madhubala had been suffering from a persistent heart disease that claimed her life only when she was just 36. Within this short span, she performed in more than 70 films. Her life was no less than a Bollywood movie script, full of extreme hardship, ebbs and flows, heartbreaks, and relentless tragedies.
Madhubala's Fashion Styles That Became Statements
It's not just her captivating beauty or phenomenal acting skills; Madhubala's charisma was beyond that. From sarees to mid-length dresses - whatever she wore became a statement. She belonged to that era when clothing choices were limited. Still, she donned every dress in her unique style, which has become widely popular to date.
· Madhubala in Printed Fabric Sarees
In most images, Madhubala was seen in light-weight and flowy sarees. We can say it's her who popularized the trend of floral printed light fabric sarees, and it's still trending! A lot of Bollywood celebrities, influencers, and fashion lovers take inspiration from her printed saree styles as a reference.
Looking for that perfect printed silk sarees online for a bold statement? Explore PANNA's wide variety of printed sarees online.
· Madhubala and Her Simple Chiffons
Looking at Madhubala's picture draped in a chiffon saree is such a soothing treat to the eyes. She was often seen in plain chiffon sarees with the side pallu tucked in the waist or leaving the pallu free.
Madhubala, with her smiling face leaning against a wall on the roof in a white chiffon saree, has a personal style that has become a cult following.
· Madhubala and the Iconic Anarkali
It's because of her mesmerizing look in the movie 'Mughal-e-Azam,’ that Anarkali suits came into the trend, which has never been in vogue since then. Full-length Anarkali suits with extensive Zaris handwork have become an iconic dress to remind anyone of Madhubala.
Explore our classic Anarkali Suits collection to make your own fashion statement.
Closing up
Be it a simple chiffon saree or Anarkali – Madhubala aced every outfit in her unique style. It's amazing to think how perfectly and flawlessly she carried every outfit and made it a fashion statement. She was and will always be a fashionista in the true sense!
If she were alive in 2025, Madhubala would have turned 92 years old on February 14. Her legacy of fashion will continue to be with us.
If you want to recreate the iconic style of Madhubala in a saree or Anarkali suit, discover a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns with PANNA's exclusive collection and buy designer sarees online of your choice.
