Sara Arjun to play Madhubala in Sanjay Leela Bhansali film; Sridevi to Madhuri Dixit, Meet actresses who recreated the iconic look
ETimes | April 23, 2026 10:39 PM CST
After years of delays and multiple stalled attempts, the much-anticipated biopic on legendary actor Madhubala is finally moving forward. The makers have confirmed Sara Arjun to portray the iconic star, marking a major development for the project. The film will be her first big Hindi outing after the success of the ‘Dhurandhar’ franchise, with ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ further elevating her growing popularity.
Backed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali
According Variety, the biographical drama is being planned as a direct-to-streaming release and is expected to go on floors in July 2026. The project, which had been in development for years, previously faced delays due to budget concerns. It gained fresh momentum after Sanjay Leela Bhansali came on board as producer, with ‘Darlings’ director Jasmeet K Reen now helming the film.
Sridevi’s Vintage tribute to Madhubala
Back in the 90s, Sridevi recreated one of Madhubala’s classic looks for a special shoot for ‘MOVIE’ magazine. The shoot was art directed by Mukul Anand and captured by photographer Rakesh Shreshta for Dinesh Raheja’s publication. The recreation beautifully captured the vintage elegance associated with Madhubala, proving how her style continues to inspire generations of actors and artists alike.
Madhuri Dixit, celebrated for her elegance in films like ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’ and ‘Gulaab Gang’, once paid homage to Madhubala by recreating her look from ‘Mughal-e-Azam’. She shared a glimpse on social media, appearing in an intricately designed lehenga paired with traditional jewellery. The resemblance and poise drew admiration, with fans praising her ability to embody the classic charm effortlessly.
Jacqueline Fernandez also joined the list of actresses inspired by Madhubala. Sharing a monochrome image during Diwali 2018, she recreated the vintage aesthetic with a dupatta and expressive close-up pose. Fans were quick to shower praise, with one commenting, “I wish I could like this thousand times. This is the most beautiful picture of yours I think,” highlighting how the look resonated with audiences.
Kangana Ranaut once reflected on her resemblance to Madhubala during her early years in the industry. Sharing a collage comparing her photos with the legendary actress, she wrote, “As people want me to play cinema goddess Madhubala on screen, when I started out I was a replica of Madhubala’s younger days, not sure about it now.” Her statement sparked conversations around casting choices for a potential biopic.
Madhubala’s legacy lives on
With Sara Arjun now stepping into the role for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ambitious project, the fascination with Madhubala’s persona continues to thrive. From iconic films like ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ to modern recreations, her beauty and aura remain unmatched. The upcoming biopic is expected to offer a deeper look into her life, while continuing to inspire actors to revisit her unforgettable style.
Backed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali
According Variety, the biographical drama is being planned as a direct-to-streaming release and is expected to go on floors in July 2026. The project, which had been in development for years, previously faced delays due to budget concerns. It gained fresh momentum after Sanjay Leela Bhansali came on board as producer, with ‘Darlings’ director Jasmeet K Reen now helming the film.
Sridevi’s Vintage tribute to Madhubala
Back in the 90s, Sridevi recreated one of Madhubala’s classic looks for a special shoot for ‘MOVIE’ magazine. The shoot was art directed by Mukul Anand and captured by photographer Rakesh Shreshta for Dinesh Raheja’s publication. The recreation beautifully captured the vintage elegance associated with Madhubala, proving how her style continues to inspire generations of actors and artists alike.
Madhuri Dixit channels ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ grace
Madhuri Dixit, celebrated for her elegance in films like ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’ and ‘Gulaab Gang’, once paid homage to Madhubala by recreating her look from ‘Mughal-e-Azam’. She shared a glimpse on social media, appearing in an intricately designed lehenga paired with traditional jewellery. The resemblance and poise drew admiration, with fans praising her ability to embody the classic charm effortlessly.
Jacqueline Fernandez’s classic recreation
Jacqueline Fernandez also joined the list of actresses inspired by Madhubala. Sharing a monochrome image during Diwali 2018, she recreated the vintage aesthetic with a dupatta and expressive close-up pose. Fans were quick to shower praise, with one commenting, “I wish I could like this thousand times. This is the most beautiful picture of yours I think,” highlighting how the look resonated with audiences.
Kangana Ranaut calls herself a replica of young Madhubala
Kangana Ranaut once reflected on her resemblance to Madhubala during her early years in the industry. Sharing a collage comparing her photos with the legendary actress, she wrote, “As people want me to play cinema goddess Madhubala on screen, when I started out I was a replica of Madhubala’s younger days, not sure about it now.” Her statement sparked conversations around casting choices for a potential biopic.
Madhubala’s legacy lives on
With Sara Arjun now stepping into the role for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ambitious project, the fascination with Madhubala’s persona continues to thrive. From iconic films like ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ to modern recreations, her beauty and aura remain unmatched. The upcoming biopic is expected to offer a deeper look into her life, while continuing to inspire actors to revisit her unforgettable style.
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