Highlights of Mumtazs life | Filmfare.com
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.
Mumtaz getting sporty with sister Malika.
Mumu, as she was fondly called, was the original oomph girl, her sensuality highlighted by her generous curves.
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.
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
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.
At the premiere of Khilona Jeetendra, Mumtaz and Union Home Minister YB Chavan.
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.
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.
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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