Bollywood legend Madhubala has been posthumously honored in The New York Times' 'Overlooked' series, which pays tribute to 15 remarkable women who did not initially have obituaries in the renowned American newspaper.
The New York Times acknowledged its historical bias in obituary coverage, stating, “Since 1851, obituaries in the New York Times have been dominated by white men. Now, we are adding the stories of 15 remarkable women.”
The 'Overlooked' segment aims to rectify this historical oversight by highlighting the achievements and contributions of women who were previously unrecognized in the newspaper's obituary section. Madhubala, born Mumtaz Begum, joins the list of extraordinary women being celebrated for their impact on various fields.
Aisha Khan penned the profile for Madhubala, drawing attention to her portrayal of modern young women challenging traditional norms in Bollywood. The piece reminisced about her breakthrough role at the age of 16 as the leading lady in the 1949 film "Mahal" alongside Ashok Kumar.
Madhubala, often compared to the iconic Marilyn Monroe, left an indelible mark on Indian cinema with her talent and charisma. The inclusion of her obituary in The New York Times' 'Overlooked' series recognizes her enduring influence and contributions to the film industry.
