It stumbles forward in a clumsy manner till you lose all patience with it and curse under your breath every minute of the two hours." Madhubala was unanimously praised for her work, but other stars including Dev Anand were ridiculed for their performances. The Motion Picture Magazine reviewed, "Under Prahlad Dutt's slow stupid and inane direction, Madhubala loses all coherency and logic. The film was derided by film critics for its direction. This film, consequently named after the actress, came to be known as Madhubala. At this point of time, Madhubala not only did agree to star in a film by the studio but even worked in the film for free. In 1950, by which Madhubala was popular star, the studio was passing through bad times and was in dire of a hit. This incident and Shah's kindness left a deep mark on Madhubala. He gave her ₹2,000 without a single question and her mother's life was saved. In this time of need, Ranjit Studios' Chandulal Shah came at the front to help her financially. Madhubala, the sole earning member in the whole family, used to be paid a little amount of ₹300 in those days, while the hospital's fees was no less than ₹2,000. To save her life, there was a need of a good hospital. In 1946, when Madhubala was 13 years old and playing juvenile roles, her pregnant mother suddenly became very ill. But Randhir explained the position and on the misunderstanding being removed, the lovers united. When Ashok came to know that Sheela and Madhubala were the same, he got excited. Under her careful nursing Ashok's eyes were cured. She got herself engaged at his place under an assumed name Sheela. Madhubala went to the hospital to see him but Ashok scolded her.
A burning curtain fell on Ashok's head and he lost his eyesight. He engaged him in his dramatic company in order to put an end to Ashok's life. He whispered into Ashok's ears that Madhubala paid up the fine just to spite him. He was released as Madhubala paid the fine. In a frenzy, began to create havoc and nuisance in the street. Because of Ashok's attitude Madhubala came to the city but with a weakened heart. He broke up the preparation for the marriage. He felt that Madhubala was party to this. As luck would have it, Madhubala's friends headed by Kalicharan came to the village in search of her. Preparations for marriage were going ahead.
After few bad encounters, both began to love each other. Seeing her condition, the Doctor advised her to go to a village as the cool and sedate atmosphere over there would have a soothing effect on her. Madhubala was passing her days trying to draw what comfort she could. Amongst them the most insistent was Kalicharan, the proprietor of a dramatic company. Many young people were meeting her off and on with different motives and there was regular tussle between them to win her favours.
She was leading a lonely life, her only solace being the Doctor who was more like a father to her. Madhubala was heir to two inheritances of her father: wealth and heart disease.