The much-discussed biopic on legendary actress Madhubala appears to be back on track after years of uncertainty. The project was earlier reported to have been shelved due to budget constraints, but recent updates suggest it has been revived. Initial reports claimed that Kiara Advani had been roped in to portray the iconic star, with Sanjay Leela Bhansali backing the film as producer. However, a subsequent update has dismissed these claims, with sources calling the casting reports “baseless.”
Is Kiara Advani playing Madhubala?
According to a report by Variety India, the long-awaited biopic is moving forward with Sanjay Leela Bhansali attached as producer. The report suggested that Kiara Advani, known for her performance in Shershaah, would portray Madhubala on screen. Filmmaker Jasmeet K. Reen, who directed Darlings starring Alia Bhatt, Shefali Shah and Vijay Varma, was also reportedly set to direct the project.
The film is said to explore the life and career of Madhubala, including her relationships with actors Dilip Kumar and Kishore Kumar, as well as the challenges she faced before her untimely passing at the age of 36. The biopic is currently untitled, and casting for the male leads is reportedly underway.
However, a later report from Hindustan Times quoted an industry insider who denied the speculation. The source stated that there was no truth to the reports claiming Kiara Advani had been cast in the film.
About Madhubala
Born as Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi, Madhubala rose to fame from her early days as a child artist in the 1940s and eventually became one of the most celebrated stars in Hindi cinema. Over the years, she delivered memorable performances in films such as Neel Kamal, Mahal and Amar.
Her filmography also includes classics like Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, Kala Pani and Barsaat Ki Raat. Among her most iconic roles remains Anarkali in Mughal-e-Azam, a performance that cemented her legacy in Indian cinema.
Madhubala passed away on February 23, 1969, after suffering a heart attack following a prolonged illness.
Meanwhile, Kiara Advani will next be seen in Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups alongside Yash (actor), Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria and Rukmini Vasanth.