Veteran actress Mumtaz was seen in films for nearly 30 years. She has worked with prolific actors like Rajesh Khanna, Shammi Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, and Dharmendra, among others. Her chemistry with Rajesh Khanna was greatly appreciated by the audience and they starred in 10 films together. In a recent chat, she spoke about the veteran superstar’s career and his gradual downfall.
Speaking to Rediff, she expressed that Rajesh Khanna’s decline wasn’t entirely his fault. “We stars are what we are because of your love. Without your love, we are nothing. It wasn’t entirely Rajesh Khanna’s fault. I remember when he was known as the phenomenon. My bungalow was very close to his. I have seen big-name producers and directors behaving like his chamchas. His girlfriend Anju Mahendroo would play host all night. She would serve food and drinks till 3 am. I have seen the same night-long sessions in Shammi Kapoor’s home. He used to spend a fortune on entertaining guests,” she added.
She said, “I think Shammi Kapoor let himself go and decided to live life the way he wanted to. But to his credit, when he came on set, he worked hard. The same goes for Rajesh Khanna.” Shammi Kapoor and Mumtaz used to date.
As Mumtaz criticised directors for their ‘chamchagiri’ towards actors, she lauded Sanjay Leela Bhansali for “maintaining a distance from everyone.” “He does his work, treats his actors with respect, and goes home. You are paying the actors; why do you need to do their chamchagiri?” she said.
Mumtaz was also asked if she would make a comeback to films anytime soon. She said, “I have received offers and big money to write my story. I will do it when I am ready. Even when I make a comeback to acting, it would have to be something worthy of me. I watch the films that are being made these days. They’ve nothing to offer me. Why should I play the mother or the bhabhi? I have always done what I wanted in life.“ She added that she wants to work with Heeramandi director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
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