New Delhi. Madhubala, considered one of Hindi cinema’s most celebrated and evergreen actresses, still holds a special place in people’s hearts for her beauty, acting, and memorable films. Many stories related to her professional achievements and personal life have been discussed from time to time. However, there is one aspect of her life that very few people know about. This aspect is related to her religious faith and spirit of service, which is still remembered every year at a Gurudwara in Andheri, Mumbai.
Born into a Muslim family, Madhubala, whose real name was Mumtaz Jehan Dehlvi, was deeply influenced by the teachings and spiritual thoughts of Guru Nanak Dev. It is said that she found peace of mind through spiritual paths during difficult times in life. After this, she began regularly reciting Japuji Sahib. Lacking knowledge of the Gurmukhi script, she ordered a copy of Japuji Sahib published in Persian and made it a habit to always carry it with her.
Her devotion wasn’t limited to her personal life. It’s said that no matter how busy she was, she would always visit the Gurudwara in Andheri, Mumbai, to pay obeisance on the occasion of Guru Nanak Dev’s birth anniversary. Furthermore, when signing new films, she ensured that she had the opportunity to visit and serve at the Gurudwara on the occasion of Guru Nanak Dev’s birth anniversary. Even the producers respected this priority.
An interesting incident related to her faith is often recounted. During a film shoot, preparations were underway for the next scene. In her spare time, Madhubala took out a small book from her purse, covered her head, and began reciting it. When she was called for shooting, she kept the book safely with her assistant. When the book was examined, it was discovered to be a copy of Japuji Sahib written in Persian. She later explained that during difficult times, visiting the Gurudwara and regularly reciting Japuji Sahib brought her spiritual peace and mental balance.
Due to this devotion, she also expressed her desire to perform langar seva at the Gurdwara on the occasion of Guru Nanak Dev’s birth anniversary. It is said that she bore the entire cost of this service herself each year and provided financial support to the Gurdwara Committee in advance. This tradition continued for many years during her lifetime and became an important symbol of her faith.
Even after her passing, this tradition did not completely end. In the early years, her family continued this service. Later, the Gurdwara Committee, her family, and devotees decided to keep Madhubala’s devotion and spirit of service alive forever. In keeping with this tradition, even today, her name is remembered in the Ardaas (prayer) held on the occasion of Guru Nanak Dev’s birth anniversary, and a request is made to accept the langar service on her behalf.
Madhubala’s story isn’t just an account of a famous actress’s religious faith, it’s also an example of how spiritual belief and selfless service can enhance a person’s identity over time. Years later, her legacy is remembered with reverence among devotees and cinema lovers alike.