Mumtaz
Born
Mumtaz Askari

(1947-07-31) 31 July 1947
OccupationActress
Years active1958–1977, 1990
Spouse
(m. 1974)
Children2 (Natasha and Tanya)
RelativesMalika (Sister)
Randhawa (brother-in-law)
Shaad Randhawa (nephew)
Fardeen Khan (son-in-law)

Mumtaz Askari Madhvani (born 31 July 1947) is an Indian actress who worked in Hindi films. Regarded as one of finest actresses of Hindi cinema, Mumtaz is the recipient of two Filmfare Award. Mumtaz made her acting debut at age 11 with Sone Ki Chidiya (1958), and did smaller roles in films like Stree (1961) and Sehra (1963).[1]

Mumtaz was typecasted as "stunt film heroine", with Faulad (1963) and Daku Mangal Singh (1966), which stalled her career. After praised for her work in Ram Aur Shyam (1967), Mere Hamdam Mere Dost (1968) and Brahmachari (1968), Mumtaz had her career breakthrough Do Raaste (1969). She went on to establish herself as one of the leading actress with films such as - Bandhan (1969), Aadmi Aur Insaan (1969), Sachaa Jhutha (1970), Khilona (1970), which won her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress, Tere Mere Sapne (1971), Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971), Apna Desh (1972), Loafer (1973), Jheel Ke Us Paar (1973), Chor Machaye Shor (1974), Aap Ki Kasam (1974), Roti (1974), Prem Kahani (1975) and Nagin (1976).

After the 1977 film Aaina, and a sabbatical of 13 years, the 1990 film Aandhiyan, marked her final film before retirement. Since her retirement from acting, Mumtaz has settled in London with her husband, Ugandan businessman Mayur Madhvani with whom she has two daughters. She has been an advocate for Breast Cancer survivors and has appeared in the 2010 documentary 1 a Minute.

Early life

Mumtaz was born to Abdul Salim Askari (a dry fruits vendor) and Shadi Habib Agha who hailed from Mashhad, Iran. They got divorced just one year after she was born.[2][3][4] Her younger sister is actor Mallika who was married to wrestler and Indian actor Randhawa – younger brother of wrestler and actor Dara Singh.[5]

Career

Mumtaz in a film

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 the 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 Dara Singh and Mumtaz did together, Dara's remuneration was INR 450,000 per film, and Mumtaz's salary was INR 250,000 per film.[6]

She received two nominations for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performances in Ram Aur Shyam (1967) and Aadmi Aur Insaan (1969). It took Raj Khosla's blockbuster family drama Do Raaste (1969), starring Rajesh Khanna, to finally make Mumtaz a full-fledged star. Mumtaz had a decorative heroine's role and director Khosla had filmed four songs with her.[7] The film made her popular, and she acknowledged that even though she had a small role, it was one of her most favourite films. Do Raaste and Bandhan, both with Rajesh Khanna, became the top grossers of the year 1969, earning around Rs. 65 million and Rs. 28 million respectively.[8] This was followed by a heroine-oriented role in Khilona in 1970, for which she won her first and only Filmfare Award for Best Actress and was "very happy that the audience accepted her in an emotional role". Her pairing with Rajesh Khanna was the most successful, with a total of 10 films.[9] Mumtaz frequently acted with Feroz Khan and gave hits such as Mela (1971), Apradh (1972) and Nagin (1976). She acted opposite Dharmendra in films such as Loafer and Jheel Ke Us Paar (1973). Shashi Kapoor, who had earlier refused Sachaa Jhutha opposite her because she was a "stunt-film heroine" acted with her in Chor Machaye Shor (1973). Mumtaz quit films after the drama Aaina (1977) to concentrate on her family. She made a comeback 13 years later with Aandhiyan (1990) but retired for good when the movie flopped.

Personal life

Mumtaz married businessman Mayur Madhvani in 1974. They have two daughters of which Natasha is married to Feroz Khan's son Fardeen Khan in 2006. In May 2022, Mumtaz was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital for a stomach infection. Mumtaz had been diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 54. She reportedly underwent six chemotherapies and 35 radiation sessions before becoming cancer-free.[10]

Shammi Kapoor was in love with her and almost proposed marriage, but Mumtaz was not ready to leave her film career (the Kapoor family didn't want their women to work in the film industry).[11][12][13]

Reception and legacy

Mumtaz is regarded as one of the greatest actors of Indian cinema.[14][15] During her acting career, Mumtaz carved a niche and became known for her versatility and escaping typecasting, which initially had stalled her career in the first place. In 2022, she was placed in Outlook India's "75 Best Bollywood Actresses" list.[16] One of the highest paid actress from late 1960s to early 1970s, Mumtaz appeared in Box Office India's "Top Actresses" list six times from 1969 to 1974 and topped thrice (1969-1971).[17] Mumtaz was known as a sex symbol during the 1970s. She was placed in Times of India's "50 Beautiful Faces" list.[18] Mumtaz is considered among the hottest Bollywood actresses of all time.[19] Dewy glow and draped sari style were some of the style statements of Mumtaz that are still relevant in the fashion world.[20][21]

Filmography

Year Title RoleNotes
1958 Sone Ki Chidiya Child artist
1961 Stree
1962 Vallah Kya Baat Hai Mala
1963 Sehra Juhi
Rustom Sohrab Shehroo
Mujhe Jeene Do Farida
Gehra Daag Asha
Faulad Rajkumari Padma
1964 Veer Bhimsen
Samson Princess Shera
Qawwali Ki Raat
Hercules
Baaghi
Aandhi Aur Toofan
1965 Tarzan Comes to Delhi Rekha
Tarzan and King Kong
Son of Hatimtai
Sikandar-e-Azam Cynthia
Rustom-E-Hind
Raaka
Mere Sanam Kamini (Kamo)
Khandan Neelima
Kaajal Jharna
Jadui Angoothi
Hum Diwane
Do Dil Albeli
Boxer
Bahu Beti Savitri
1966 Pyas Sudha
Yeh Raat Phir Na Aayegi Reeta
Sawan Ki Ghata Saloni
Saaz Aur Awaaz
Rustom Kaun
Pyar Kiye Jaa Meena Priyadarshini
Pati Patni Kala
Ladka Ladki Asha
Jawan Mard
Daku Mangal Singh Princess Aruna
Daadi Maa Seema
Suraj Kalavati
1967 Woh Koi Aur Hoga Seema
Ram Aur Shyam Shanta
Patthar Ke Sanam Meena
Hamraaz Shabnam
Do Dushman
CID 909 Reshma
Chandan Ka Palna Sadhana
Boond Jo Ban Gayee Moti Shefali
Baghdad Ki Raatein
Aag Paro
1968 Mere Hamdam Mere Dost Meena
Jahan Mile Dharti Akash
Golden Eyes Secret Agent 077
Gauri Geeta
Brahmachari Roopa Sharma
Apna Ghar Apni Kahani
1969 Shart Sapna Singh
Mera Yaar Mera Dushman
Mera Dost
Jigri Dost Shobha Das
Do Raaste Reena
Bandhan Gauri Malikram
Apna Khoon Apna Dushman
Aadmi Aur Insaan Rita
1970 Sachaa Jhutha Meena/Rita
Pardesi Myna
Khilona Chand
Humjoli MeenaGuest appearance
Himmat Malti
Ek Nanhi Munni Ladki Thi
Bhai Bhai Bijli
Maa Aur Mamta Mary
1971 Mela Laajo
Ladki Pasand Hai
Kathputli Nisha
Ek Nari Ek Brahmachari Meena
Chaahat Sheela
Upaasna Shalu (also Kiran)
Tere Mere Sapne Nisha Patel/Nisha Kumar
Hare Rama Hare Krishna Shanti
Dushman Phoolmati
1972 Tangewala Paro/Chandika
Shararat Radha/Meeta
Pyaar Diwana Mamta
Gomti Ke Kinare Roshni
Dharkan Rekha Prasad
Apradh Meena/Rita
Apna Desh Chanda/Madame Popololita
Roop Tera Mastana Princess Usha/KiranDouble role
1973 Raja Rani HerselfGuest appearance
Pyaar Ka Rishta Madhu
Bandhe Haath Mala
Loafer Anju
Jheel Ke Us Paar Neelu
1974 Chor Machaye Shor Rekha
Aap Ki Kasam Sunita
Roti Bijli
1975 Prem Kahani Kamini
Lafange Sapna
Aag Aur Toofan
1976 Nagin Rajkumari
1977 Aaina Shalini
1990 Aandhiyan Shakuntala
2010 1 a Minute HerselfDocudrama film

Accolades

Year Award Category Film Result Ref.
1968 Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards Best Supporting Actress (Hindi) Brahmachari Won [22]
1967 Filmfare Awards Best Supporting Actress Ram Aur Shyam Nominated [23]
1971 Aadmi Aur Insaan Nominated [24]
Best Actress Khilona Won

Honours

References

  1. Jha, Subhash (30 July 2012). "Mumtaz: I am lonely". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  2. "Mumtaz – The Asian Age". The Asian Age. Retrieved 7 March 2018.
  3. "Mumtaz's Life In Pics". The Times of India. Times Internet Limited. 31 July 2013. Retrieved 7 March 2018.
  4. "Mumtaz turns 70: Did you know Shammi Kapoor and Jeetendra were in love with the actor?". Hindustan Times. HT Media Limited. 31 July 2017. Retrieved 7 March 2018.
  5. "Mumtaz: Dara Singh's kindness got me my first role". The Times of India. Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. 13 July 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2018.
  6. "Mumtaz: Dara Singh's kindness got me my first role". The Times of India. 13 July 2012. Archived from the original on 28 September 2013. Retrieved 23 July 2012.
  7. Dinesh Raheja (August 2002). "The oomph and spirit of Mumtaz". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 20 September 2016. Retrieved 23 July 2012.
  8. "Box Office 1969". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 7 February 2009. Retrieved 23 July 2012.
  9. "Mumtaz: Rajesh Khanna was very close to me". Rediff.com. 18 July 2012. Retrieved 23 July 2012.
  10. "Veteran actor Mumtaz opens about recent health crisis, her cancer history made injecting drips difficult". The Indian Express. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 9 May 2022.
  11. "Men Actress Mumtaz loved and lost! - Times of India". The Times of India. 23 July 2012.
  12. "Mumtaz turns 70: Did you know Shammi Kapoor and Jeetendra were in love with the actor?". Hindustan Times. 31 July 2017.
  13. Mumtaz Interview: Rajesh Khanna-Anju Mahendroo BREAK-UP | Feroz Khan | Dev Anand on YouTube
  14. "Top heroines of Bollywood". India Today. Archived from the original on 28 November 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
  15. Dinesh Raheja The oomph and spirit of Mumtaz Rediff.com - Rediff Movies Retrieved 29 December 2021
  16. "75 Bollywood Actresses Who Ruled The Silver Screen With Grace, Beauty And Talent". Outlook India. Archived from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
  17. "Top Actresses". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 4 January 2012. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  18. "Photos - 50 Beautiful Faces: 100 years of Indian Cinema". Times of India. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  19. Subhash K. Jha. "Exclusive - 10 hottest Bollywood actresses of all time". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 26 February 2020.
  20. "Sadhana to Sharmila Tagore: Style trends from the 1960s' actresses you can take inspiration from". The Indian Express. Retrieved 13 February 2017.
  21. "Top Bollywood sex symbols of all time". India Tribune. 23 July 2012. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  22. "Bengal Film Journalists' Association". Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 10 December 2015.
  23. "The Nominations – 1967". Filmfare Awards. Archived from the original on 29 October 2007. Retrieved 15 December 2010.
  24. "Check Out The Complete Filmfare Awards Winners List from 1953 to 2023". Filmfare. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  25. "Lifetime Achievement (Popular)". Filmfare Awards. Archived from the original on 12 February 2008. Retrieved 15 December 2010.
  26. "IIFA to honour A. R. Rahman, Shyam Benegal and Mumtaz". DNA India. 17 May 2008. Retrieved 23 July 2012.
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