A random thought, off topic but I
just realized so many actresses names begin with M – Madhubala, Mumtaz, Meena
Kumari, Madhuri Dixit, Meenakshi Sheshahdri, Madhu, Mamta Kulkari, Mahima
Chaudhary, Merly Streep, Marilyn Monroe, Michelle Pfeiffer… Anyway, one of my
most favorite actresses of all time, the eternal beauty Madhubala was rightly
called the Venus of Bollywood. Should one talk about her interesting
professional and love life, her acting talent or beauty? In fact her beauty was
a blessing and also a bit counterproductive in the sense that as one would be
so caught up in that mesmerizing screen presence, the fact that there is a terrific
actress in there would be overshadowed.
Indeed her magical, almost celestial
beauty dulled and overshadowed everything else in the frame. A beauty, made for
the purpose of gracing the silver screen, that would inspire poets and artists
alike. Those innocent, deep, expressive eyes that could kill with just a gaze.
And yet a very mischievous, lopsided smile, always up to something. She had
sharp features, a defined bone structure yet a porcelain, radiant skin. Glowing
from within, make up and studio lights notwithstanding. Her smile could light
up the whole room, it certainly did set the screen on fire. She was childlike
yet a sensuous woman, she was cute yet a seductress. She was spontaneous and
glided across the screen so naturally as fish takes to water. And that speaks
about her effortless acting skills to shuttle from one character to another
with ease and elegance.
She carried herself with such poise, a dignified manner
no matter whichever role she essayed. She could also move you with her
poignant, deep performances that gave a glimpse of an intense person behind all
that chirpy, childlike demeanor. She had a sense of mystery. And her giggles,
uncontrolled, full of life. Her smile reached her eyes, her twinkling expressive eyes. Black and white or
color, nothing could properly do justice to Madhubala’s beauty, her immense
and untapped talent, her vivacious persona. She truly was one and only.
-
S. Chaudhary
Images courtesy Google Images
