Madhubala's Lifelong Reverence for Japji Sahib and Sikh Teachings

Beyond the Silver Screen: Madhubala's Lesser-Known Faith in Sikhism and Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Composition, Japji Sahib.

Jul 12, 2024

Madhubala: The Muslim Actress Who Found Solace in Sikhism

Here is the story of the famous Indian actress Madhubala and her faith in Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and Japji Sahib:

Madhubala and Her Religious Background

Madhubala, born Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi, was one of the most iconic actresses of Indian cinema in the 1940s-60s. Though she was Muslim by birth, she had a deep respect and reverence for Sikhism and its teachings.

Interest in Sikhism Following a Personal Incident

According to music composer S. Mohinder, who worked with Madhubala, her faith in Sikhism began after a personal incident in her past. She started believing in the message of humanity given by the Sikh Gurus and followed it throughout her life.[1][3]

Madhubala's Devotion to Reading Japji Sahib

Madhubala always carried a small booklet (“gutka”) of Japji Sahib, a sacred Sikh scripture composed by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, with her. She would read it regularly as her prayers, even on film sets during her free time. The ‘gutka” was in Persian script, showing her dedication to understanding the verses.[3][5]

Celebrating Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Gurpurab and Her Commitment to Sikh Practices

Out of her divine dedication, every year on the birth anniversary (Gurpurab) of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Madhubala would contribute her mite and attend the Akhand Path (continuous recitation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib) and Langar (free community meal) organized at a Gurudwara in Andheri, Mumbai. She would even have a clause added in her film contracts stating her unavailability for shooting on that auspicious day so she could be present for the celebrations, even as she was willing to travel at the expense of the producers to any part of the world on other dates.[1][3][5]

Continuing Legacy and Charitable Acts at Andheri Gurudwara

S. Mohinder, who would accompany her, revealed that very few people knew about Madhubala's immense faith and the charitable work and personal sewa she did through and at the Andheri Gurudwara. Her father continued the tradition of organizing the yearly Akhand Path in her memory even after her untimely death at the age of 36 in 1969.[3][5] It is claimed that even now, her name is mentioned in the ‘ardaas’ at the Andheri Gurdwara every year on the occasion of the Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Dev ji,

Conclusion: Madhubala's Interfaith Spiritual Journey

In summary, despite her Muslim heritage, Madhubala discovered profound spiritual guidance in the teachings of Sikhism, developing a deep and enduring devotion to Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the Japji Sahib. Her journey exemplifies the transcendent nature of Sikh teachings, illustrating how they surpass religious boundaries to touch the hearts of many. Madhubala’s life story is merely one example of the universal appeal of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s divine wisdom, rightfully earning him the title of Jagat Guru, revered by countless devotees worldwide, not just the Sikhs.