Highlights of Mumtaz’s life
by Filmfare | July 31, 2019, 9:12 IST
Highlights of Mumtaz’s life
They say sex appeal is in the eyes. It’s certainly true when it comes to Mumtaz. It’s also said you don’t need a bikini to look smashing. Well, Mumtaz looked smoking hot even when fully clothed and made the screen melt by her mere pout. The credit of making skin tight churidars famous goes to her. She made many a ’70s maiden faint with lack of air, while trying to imitate her dress sense. Mumtaz started life as a child actor but wasn’t ready to pack up her make-up kit when she turned a teenager. She longed to rule the limelight despite being a total outsider bereft of any benevolent godfather. Through sheer grit and determination and helped by supernova sex-appeal, she went ahead and did it. And the best thing is that she had the courage to chuck it all and leave when love came calling…
During the ’60s Mumtaz, chose to pair opposite Dara Singh in action capers in a bid to graduate from her junior artiste status. Here, she’s seen with dialogue writer Qamar Jalalabadi and Dara Singh on the set of Sikanadar-e-Azam (1965).
Wrestle mania
Mumtaz started out as a child artiste in late ’50s. One of her first films was Sone Ki Chidiya (1958). Her early appearance as an adult was in OP Ralhan’s Gehra Daag (1963) and later in Sunil Dutt’s dacoit drama Mujhe Jeene Do (1963). She got her first break as a lead actress opposite Dara Singh in Faulad (1963). She was just 16 while Dara Singh was the world freestyle boxing champion. His big frame didn’t deter her and they went on to do 16 films together, becoming the highest paid B film actors in the process. She reportedly got around 2.5 lakhs then, a huge amount in the ’60s. Her sister Mallika later married Dara’s brother Randhawa. .
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| Mumtaz getting sporty with sister Malika. |
Mumu, as she was fondly called, was the original oomph girl, her sensuality highlighted by her generous curves.
Some like it hot: Mumtaz
At the peak of her career, Mumtaz married Nairobi-based millionaire Mayur Madhvani on May 29, 1974. Seen in the picture also are Mumtaz’s cousin/actor Roopesh Kumar, Vijay Arora and OP Ralhan. At that time she was shooting for three films with Rajesh Khanna Aap ki Kasam, Roti and Prem Kahani.
Some like it hot: Mumtaz
Mumtaz shared a great relationship with brothers Sanjay and Feroz Khan. Here, she’s seen holding Sanjay’s daughter Simone on the set of Dharkan.
Dilip trophy
She started getting noticed doing bit roles in films like Mere Sanam (1965), Kaajal (1965), Pyar Kiye Ja (1966) and Sawan Ki Ghata. But what catapulted her to fame was the coveted role opposite Dilip Kumar in Ram Aur Shyam (1967). The thespian played his first double role in the film and the other lead opposite him was Waheeda Rehman. Though she only got to play the second lead in films like Mere Hamdam Mere Dost (1968), Patthar Ke Sanam (1967) and Hamraaz (1967), she soon had the audience rooting for her.
Some like it hot: Mumtaz
At the inauguration of the twin theatres Ganga and Jumna at Tardeo in 1972, which also marked the release of Dushman, are seen the Governor of Maharashtra Nawab Ali Yavur Jung, owner Zakaria Agadi, Mumtaz, Dilip Kumar and Rajesh Khanna.
Some like it hot: Mumtaz
At the premiere of Khilona Jeetendra, Mumtaz and Union Home Minister YB Chavan.
Some like it hot: Mumtaz
Mumtaz made a lukewarm comeback with Pahlaj Nihalani’s Aandhiyan (1989). Seen here are T Manoj, Pahlaj Nihalani, Mumtaz, Chunky Pandey, N Chandra and Rajiv Rai at an event.
Some like it hot: Mumtaz
Flanked by the Kapoors – Shashi and Shammi. While Shashi played Mumtaz’s reel suitor in Chor Machaye Shor, Shammi was besotted by his Brahmachari co-star and wanted to marry her. But Mumu couldn’t give up a nascent career.
Some like it hot: Mumtaz
Mumtaz’s daughter Natasha Madhwani married Feroz Khan’s son, Fardeen Khan, in 2005. Ma-in-laws Sundari Khan (seated left) and Mumtaz (seated right) enjoy the warm moment.
Super success
Big time success came her way when she paired with superstar Rajesh Khanna in Do Raaste (1969). The film was a blockbuster and her chemistry with Rajesh Khanna was appreciated. The duo went on to star in 10 successful films together, including Sachcha Jhootha (1970), Apna Desh (1972), Aap Ki Kasam (1973) and Roti (1974). Other actors started recommending her name to their producers. Shashi Kapoor, who had allegedly refused to work with her because of her B heroine status, wanted her for Chor Machaye Shor (1974). In fact, at one point Shammi Kapoor who worked with her in Brahmachari (1968), wanted to even marry her. She soon became the top heroine of her era. NRI businessman Mayur Madhvani wooed her at this juncture. She settled for matrimony in May 1974. Some years later, she was diagnosed with cancer and was also said to be hurt by her husband’s alleged extramarital affair. However, she successfully overcame all hurdles and is a contended housewife and businesswoman today.
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I am lonely, says
yesteryear actress Mumtaz
Mumtaz, the heartthrob of millions in the 1960s and 1970s, turns 65 on Tuesday and says she has no complaints from life except for loneliness.
Mumbai: Mumtaz, the heartthrob of millions in the 1960s and 1970s, turns 65 on Tuesday and says she has no complaints from life except for loneliness.
"After I got married, my husband has given me lots of comforts. I enjoy the life of affluence. But I am a bit lonely," Mumtaz told the author on phone from London.
Her elder daughter Natasha is married to actor Fardeen Khan and settled here, while her husband Mayur Madhvani, whom she married in 1974, and younger daughter Tanya are constantly travelling for work.
"What do I do? I can't follow them around the world, can I," she said, adding that she doesn't socialise. And "I rarely drink. I am not a night person. Clubs are not my scene".
Excerpts from an interview:
Q: Sixty-five years of a celebrated life. How do you look back?
A: No complaints. Life can't be a bed of roses. My first 26 years was a time of hard work. I was an obedient child to my parents. Whatever I earned, I gave to my parents. Never asked them where my money went. After I got married, my husband has given me lots of comforts. I enjoy the life of affluence. But I am a bit lonely.
Q: Why are you lonely?
A: My husband is travelling constantly. My children have grown up. My elder daughter is married to Fardeen Khan and lives in Mumbai. My younger daughter is learning our family business from her father. She too is travelling a lot. What do I do? I can't follow them around the world, can I?
Q: But surely you have your own life?
A: I do. But I don't socialise. I rarely drink. I am not a night person. Clubs are not my scene. I hate the noise. One can't converse. I am a daytime person. I go out for lunch with my friends, then stroll for a few hours. London is a perfect city for an afternoon walk. Then I am back home. I watch educational television and the news so I'm aware of what's going on in the world. Then by 11 I am fast asleep. I wake up at 7 am
Q: Have you thought of relocating to Mumbai?
A: I have two homes in Mumbai - in Juhu and Colaba. And I do visit very often. But because of the life I have now, I can't live in India. Even in Mumbai I'll be alone.
Yes, there are friends and relatives there. But for me, it's a case of water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink. Everybody loves me. But I can't make everybody my close friends. I don't make friends easily. At my age you can't forge new associations because you never know what the other person has in mind. Of course, I can have as many fair-weather friends as I want. But that's pointless. Finally it's just me and myself.
Q: Have you kept in touch with your friends in the film industry? Shatrughan Sinha who's unwell?
A: Shatru, I haven't met for years. But I know I can drop in at his home any time and I'd be welcome. It's the same with Mr. Yash Chopra. I can walk into any of my old colleagues' homes, but I am a very shy person. People mistake my shyness for arrogance. But if anyone reaches out to me, like you, I respond. At parties I don't circulate. I sit in a corner for half an hour and then I leave.
Q: What plans for your birthday?
A: My husband has arranged a dinner on a boat for only family and friends. My family has already started gathering here in London. It's mostly family and just four-five friends of mine who have been with me for 30 years now.
Q: No friends from Bollywood for your birthday?
A: Who will come from Mumbai to London for me? It costs money to travel so far. Kaun mere liye Rs.1.5 lakh kharcha karega? Nowadays money is more important than anything else.
Q: Even more important than relationships?
A: Yes, you are judged not for what you are, but how much money you have and what position you have in society. If you don't have money and a social standing, no one looks towards you. If you're a nobody you aren't even invited to any happening party. That's why I'd implore all youngsters to make something of their lives. Kuch karo, kuch bano. I am still remembered back home because 'ek zamaane mein main Mumtaz thi'.
Q: In that case if you were not Mumtaz, Mayur Madhvani wouldn't have married you?
A: I don't think he would have, no!
Q: What about love?
A: 'Aaj kal pyar hota kahan hai'? You tell me. Do you think genuine love exists in today's day and age? You're younger than me. You tell me.
IANS
Updated Date: July 30, 2012 19:44:31 IST
Mumtaz appeared as a child actress in Sone Ki Chidiya (1958). As a teenager she acted as an extra in Vallah Kya Baat Hai, Stree and Sehra in the early 1960s. As an adult, her first role in A-grade films was that of the role of sister of the hero in O. P. Ralhan's Gehra Daag. She got small roles in successful films such as Mujhe Jeene Do. Later, she got the role of the main lead heroine in 16 action films, including Faulad, Veer Bhimsen, Tarzan Comes to Delhi, Sikandar-E-Azam, Rustom-E-Hind, Raaka, and Daku Mangal Singh, with freestyle wrestler Dara Singh, and was labelled as a stunt-film heroine.In the films that the pair Dara Singh-Mumtaz did together, Dara's remuneration was INR 450,000 per film, and Mumtaz's salary was INR 250,000 per film.
It took Raj Khosla's blockbuster Do Raaste (1969), starring Rajesh Khanna, to finally make Mumtaz a full-fledged star. Although Mumtaz had a minor role, director Khosla filmed four songs with her. The film made her popular, and she acknowledged that even though she had a small role, it was still one of her favourite films.In 1969, her films Do Raaste and Bandhan, with Rajesh Khanna, became top grossers of the year, earning around 65 million and 28 million respectively.She played Rajendra Kumar's leading lady in Tangewala. Shashi Kapoor, who had earlier refused to work with her in Saccha Jootha because she was a "stunt-film heroine", now wanted her to be his heroine in Chor Machaye Shor (1973). She acted opposite Dharmendra as the lead heroine in films like Loafer and Jheel Ke Us Paar (1973).
She won the Filmfare Best Actress Award for one of her favourite films Khilona in 1970, and she was "very happy that the audience accepted her in an emotional role". Mumtaz frequently acted with Feroz Khan in hits like Mela (1971), Apradh (1973) and Nagin (1976). Her pairing with Rajesh Khanna was the most successful in a total of 10 films. She quit films after her 1977 film Aaina to concentrate on her family. She made a comeback 13 years later with her final film Aandhiyan in 1990
Victory over Battle with Life
Mumtaz, who was a top heroine in her times, has undergone very bad phase in her life.
Once she was disturbed over the wrangle with her husband, and then cancer oppressed her.
Presently, she is very happy after overcoming both of them.
Mumtaz has been the princess of box-office during sixties. Her pairing with superstar Rajesh Khanna has been incomparable. She married Mayur Madhvani who is a billionaire in London, but their relations got strained. In the meantime Mumtaz was diagnosed to be suffering from cancer. However, she overcame the dreaded disease as well as mutual discord after a long fight.
Chemotherapy to Rescue
Mumtaz had developed breast cancer. Narrating her suffering, she said, “It started with a node in my breast. I was under the expert supervision of Dr. Soonawala and Dr. Kurkure. They removed the node. I was under chemotherapy for one year, due to which I always used to in a bad mood.”
Mumtaz was highly disturbed due to cancer. She told, “Hair from my scalp and eye lashes fell. Though my husband bought a beautiful wig for me, but I never wore it. I do not believe in any artificial things. As an alternative, I used to wear a scarf. I gained lot of weight due to cancer, but am trying to reduce after recovery.”
Heart’s Desire
Mumtaz feels, “Cancer sometimes develops if there is too much of tension and pain in the heart. After a few years of my marriage, my husband developed an affair with someone. Those times were extremely painful for me. Due to loneliness, I also got attracted to another person. As a result, the miseries further grew day by day.” Narrating her painful story, Mumtaz says, “I have learnt from my life that if my own husband is not reliable then why I should expect from others.”
Happy Ending
Mumtaz’s illness revived the delicate feelings between her and Mayur. Mumtaz says, “We love each other even today, but the attitude has changed. I never expect that my husband should suffer in any way.”
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