Kishore Kumar was deeply affected by Madhubala’s health condition, but he didn’t want to show it, reveals the legendary actress’ sister Madhur Bhushan – Exclusive – Times of India

Madhubala and Kishore Kumar’s marriage has always been a talked-about subject. There’s always been speculation that Madhubala fell ill and that snowballed into their relationship losing its charm and affection. ETimes spoke with Madhubala’s sister Madhur Bhushan, who threw light on a different side of the relationship. She revealed that Kishore Kumar was deeply affected by the sudden diagnosis of the hole in Madhubala’s heart. Madhur said, “He was her husband. He was, of course, affected by it. When they had gone to London for apa’s diagnosis, they were accompanied by Dr Aspi Golwalla, who was a very famous heart specialist. When they found out in London that apa only had 2 years to live, it affected Kishore bhaiya a lot.”

Kishore Kumar chose to put up a brave face and not let his emotions get the better of him. As Madhur revealed, he had to support Madhubala, who was dealing with a graver sense of tragedy. Madhubala’s sister said, “Theirs was a love marriage and it is understandable how it must have affected Kishore Kumar. He didn’t want to show apa that he was hurt and worried for her. He gave her courage and even on their flight back home, he told her, ‘Dekhte hain, kya hota hai’.”

When Madhubala and Kishore Kumar came back from London, he broke the news to Madhubala’s parents that she had a hole in her heart and that the doctors said that there was no operation for it. Madhur Bhushan revealed, “My poor mother had fainted. All the sisters started crying and Kishore bhaiya also revealed that apa would only live for two years.”

It was then that Madhubala’s father, Ataullah Khan gave her courage. Madhur further said, “Despite her condition, even Madhu apa acted with courage and she assured our father, ‘Aap inn doctors ki baton ko mat suno. Main bilkul tandarust hoon, aap filmein sign karo, meri dates lo, main teen dinn baad shooting karne jaungi (Please don’t pay heed to what the doctors are saying. I am fit and fine. You please sign new films, give my dates, I will start shooting three days from now)’.”

While Madhubala’s resilience was commendable, it was Kishore Kumar who again acted with maturity. As revealed by Madhur Bhushan, “Kishore ji said, ‘Madhu this is no joke. Please don’t do this. Rest at least for 6 months. Let’s wait and watch’. Those six months turned into 9 years. She was bedridden for those 9 years and the entire family was in a terrible shock, we used to cry day in and day out.”