Veteran actress Mumtaz was not seen in any film for almost 30 years. Mumtaz, who has been seen on screen with iconic Bollywood stars like Rajesh Khanna, Shammi Kapoor, Dharmendra and Dilip Kumar, was last seen on the big screen in the 1990 film ‘Aandhiyan’.
The audience loved to see Mumtaz, who had worked with great actors of her time, on screen with Rajesh Khanna. Her chemistry with superstar Rajesh Khanna was very iconic. Now Mumtaz has talked about Rajesh Khanna’s career and the declining phase of his career in a new interview.
Rajesh Khanna’s career did not go down because of himself
While talking to Rediff, Mumtaz said, ‘Whatever we stars are, is because of your love. Without your love, we are nothing. This was not entirely Rajesh Khanna’s fault. I remember she was recognized as a phenomenon. My bungalow was very close to his bungalow. I have seen big renowned directors and producers being made a mess in front of him. His girlfriend Anju Mahendru remained the host throughout the night. She used to serve drinks and food till 3 in the morning. I have seen similar all-night long sessions in Shammi Kapoor’s house also. He used to spend a lot to entertain the guests.
Directors used to cheat
Mumtaz further said, ‘I think Shammi Kapoor had let himself loose and had decided that he will live the way he wants. But he should get credit for the fact that when he used to come on the set, he used to work very hard. The same thing can be said for Rajesh Khanna. Let us tell you, Mumtaz had also dated Shammi Kapoor at one time.
Criticizing the ‘chamchagiri’ of directors, Mumtaz praised ‘Hiramandi’ director Sanjay Leela Bhansali for maintaining a necessary distance from everyone. He said, ‘They do their work, treat their actors with respect and go home. You pay the actors; So why do you need to flatter them?
Mumtaz was also asked whether she was going to return to films soon? So he said, ‘I have been offered a huge amount to write my story. I will do this when I am ready for it. I may make a comeback in acting, but there should be something that is worthy of me. I watch the films that are being made these days. There is nothing in them for me. Why would I play the role of mother or sister-in-law? I have always done what I wanted to do in life. Mumtaz said that she wants to work with ‘Hiramandi’ director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.