Madhubala’s 96-Year-Old Sister Abandoned By Her Daughter-In-Law Within A Month Of Son’s Death

By Priyadarshini Malavia Updated February 03, 2022 7:22 PM

Indian culture as a whole puts a lot of emphasis on respecting and caring for the elderly. I have grown up around both my grandmothers living with us until my Nani passed away recently. As you can imagine, I do have a soft spot for the elderly despite being the first to admit that they can be difficult to care for. Because of this, I was absolutely appalled when I heard the news 96-year-old Kaniz Balsara, who is the older sister of late actress Madhubala, was kicked out of her home in New Zealand by her daughter-in-law and put on a flight to Mumbai alone without any money.

In an interview, Kaniz’s daughter, niece of Madhubala, Perveez spoke about her mother’s plight and gave details of her life in New Zealand with her son and daughter-in-law Sameena. Perveez said that Kaniz went to New Zealand 17-18 years ago out of her love for her son, Farook, nephew of Madhubala and didn’t want to stay without him. She said that Farook was a respectable man and worked in the Correction Department in NZ. However, Sameena disliked Farook’s parents.

Perveez said that Sameena refused to cook for her parents and Farook had to bring food for both of them from a restaurant close to them. Sameena’s daughter is married and lives in Australia but she isn’t fond of Farook’s parent’s either and treated apparently. She was apparently present there when Kaniz was put on the plane by herself. How cruel!

Madhubala’s niece used to visit her mother in New Zealand regularly and Kaniz would fly down twice a year as well. However, she wasn’t able to visit for the past 5 years because Farook thought it was unsafe for her to travel at her age and health issues.

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Parveez also said that Sameena hadn’t informed her of Kaniz’s arrival and she found out just hours before she landed via a cousin. Madhubala’s niece said that she was in Palghar and had to rush to be at the airport on time. There is also a chance that Kaniz must have been treated even worse after Farook’s death on January 8. Kaniz didn’t have enough money to pay for the RTPCR test which Parveez had to send in. Upon meeting her daughter Kaniz said, “Beta, do you know that Farook marr gaya? Main usko kabar mein dal ke aayi hoon. Plus, I am very hungry. Can I get some food?” My heart genuinely breaks!

Sameena also went as far as to not give Parveez any of Kaniz’s money or jewellery. “Peace and harmony stood destroyed, long ago at their home. But my brother loved Mummy beyond words; it won’t be wrong to say that he worshipped her. He even ensured after my father passed away, she was put in Day Care. Then in the evening, the NZ government had assigned a caretaker who would drop by for an hour and give her a bath. NZ is a very friendly country towards the elderly,” said Perveez, Madhubala’s niece, according to reports. She tearfully wondered why this must be happening to her mother at such an old age.

Honestly, though, my heart goes out to Kaniz Balsara, the older sister of Madhubala. No one should be treated this way, especially not a 96-year-old woman who just lost her son. I really hope everyone who has been affected by this find peace.

Featured Image credit: E Times