Mumtaz was born on July 31, 1947, as Mumtaz Askari into a family that knew the harsh realities of poverty. Her mother, Sardar Begum Habib Agha, aka Naaz, and her aunt Nilofar were junior artists and extras in the films, and earnings were hard to come by. However, there are situations when fate acts in its way. Growing up in this environment, little Mumtaz was exposed to the film world from childhood, but she promised herself that she would never enter the industry as a junior artist like her family members.
There was artistic vibration at home, although it was accompanied by economic hardship. Her mother and aunt’s work as extras gave young Mumtaz a glimpse into the film industry, but she was determined to break the cycle. She observed how her relatives struggled with life—the ever-present concern of where the next meal, clothing, and board would come from. It was out of such childhood experiences that she developed the determination to make something greater out of her life.
When Mumtaz decided to join the film industry, she was clear about one thing—she would only enter as a heroine, not as a background artist. This was quite a remarkable determination, considering her background. However, in 1963-1968, she gradually began to receive some opportunities, but not those she dreamed about. The blessings of goddess Saraswati seemed to be with this junior artist’s daughter, as she possessed a natural talent that couldn’t be ignored.
The Stunt Film Era: Establishing Base
Mumtaz’s first significant break came through stunt films, primarily working opposite Dara Singh. These were action-packed movies like Faulad, Veer Bhim Sen, and Daaku Mangal Singh. These films brought her the title of a heroine. However, they formed a certain image—she was recognized as the heroine of stunt films. This classification was a curse and a blessing.
Being a heroine in 16 stunt films was not trivial, particularly for a person with her origins. But this success had its own problems. She started getting typecast in the film industry, and A-grade filmmakers were not ready to give her roles in mainstream films. Directors and producers believed she could only fit in stunt films, not serious drama works.
It was hard to eliminate the image of a stunt film heroine. While her family’s financial situation improved somewhat – the junior artist’s daughter had become a heroine – Mumtaz knew this was just the beginning. She had more ambitions and was willing to escape this narrow-minded image. Her contribution to these movies may not have received critical applause, but it indicated her professionalism and commitment to her work.
Though limited, these stunt movies taught her important things about the industry. She learned how to collaborate with various directors, how to read camera angles, and, above all, how to be confident in front of the camera. These skills would be instrumental to her success later on.
The Turning Point: Dilip Kumar’s Faith
The real turning point in Mumtaz’s career came when legendary actor Dilip Kumar agreed to work with her in “Ram Aur Shyam” (1967). This had never happened before—when no leading hero was willing to be associated with her as she was considered to be doing stunt films, the king of tragedy in Bollywood believed in her as an actor. This decision changed everything for Mumtaz.
It’s interesting to note how the letter ‘D’ played a significant role in her career—first Dara Singh, then Dilip Kumar. When Dilip Kumar accepted her as his co-star, it was like a stamp of approval from the industry’s most respected actor. The film’s success opened doors that had been firmly shut for her. The same heroine who could not enter mainstream cinema was suddenly acceptable to leading actors and directors.
“Ram Aur Shyam” established Mumtaz as a credible actress and proved she could hold her own alongside the biggest stars. Her work in the movie was valued, and she was regarded more than a stunt film heroine. This movie with Dilip Kumar provided her with the gap she had to fill between the B-grade and A-grade cinema.
This film gave a new turn to her career since it became a success. Directors who had earlier rejected her began to take an interest. The same industry that had typecast her was now willing to work with her. This transformation didn’t happen overnight, but Dilip Kumar’s decision to work with her was the catalyst that started this change.
The Irony of Success: When Heroes Required Her
The world is funny; that’s how life comes a circle. The same heroes who once refused to work with Mumtaz because of her stunt film background are now insisting on having her as their co-star. This ironic twist best describes how success can alter attitudes in the film industry.
Shashi Kapoor, who initially rejected the film Sachcha Jhootha because Mumtaz was cast as the heroine, later demanded that she be cast opposite him in Chor Machaye Shor. The producers had to convince Mumtaz to postpone her retirement plans to accommodate Shashi Kapoor’s demand. This attitude turnaround demonstrates how luck can quickly turn against the Bollywood people.
Similarly, Dharmendra, who had also refused to work with her earlier, went on to make two superhit films with Mumtaz—”Loafer” and “Jheel Ke Us Paar.” These films were commercially successful and showcased Mumtaz’s versatility as an actress. The music of these films, tuned by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, and lyrics by Anand Bakshi, were super hits.
This transformation from a rejected actress to a demanded heroine was a sweet vindication for Mumtaz. It showed that talent will get recognition, though it may take time. The industry that had previously written her off was now partying with her success and fighting to work with her.
Love Marriage and Self Troubles
At the height of her career, Mumtaz made a bold personal decision that would change her life forever. After falling in love with Mayur Madhvani, an African businessman, she eloped with him and got married despite the objections of both families. This is a love marriage, and it took some guts to do this because it would have gone contrary to family demands and may have attracted societal condemnations.
Accepting to marry Mayur was not a smooth one. There were likely objections from both sides – Mumtaz’s family might have had concerns about the different religious backgrounds, and Mayur’s family might have had reservations about her film career. However, love triumphed over all obstacles, and Mumtaz chose to follow her heart.
After marriage, Mumtaz gradually reduced her film commitments, focusing on building a family life. She had children and appeared to be leading a happy and peaceful life away from the glamour and stress of the film world. This was a change after the long struggle to get to the top.
But life was to give her another test. After all the things appeared to be great, she received the diagnosis of cancer. This devastating news could have broken anyone’s spirit, but Mumtaz proved that she was a fighter on screen and in real life. The same spirit that had enabled her to struggle professionally was exhibited when she fought cancer.
Victory in the Face of a Crisis: The Cancer Fight
Mumtaz’s battle with cancer was perhaps her most remarkable performance – not on screen, but in real life. When the disease threatened to take away everything she had worked for, she faced it with the same courage that had helped her transform from a junior artist’s daughter to a leading lady of Bollywood.
The diagnosis occurred when she was experiencing marital bliss and motherhood. Cancer is a disease that can break the strongest of spirits, but Mumtaz refused to give up. She fought the disease with incredible willpower and determination, supported by her family’s love and prayers from countless fans who her performances had touched.
Her cure was miraculous. This inner strength, which had enabled her to rise above poverty, rejection, and typecasting in her profession, now helped her to conquer cancer. Such a dramatic defeat of such a severe disease was due to her struggling spirit and optimistic approach to life.
Mumtaz’s cancer battle inspired many people who were facing similar challenges. She gave hope to cancer patients and their families. Her story proved that with determination, medical treatment, and strong emotional support, overcoming even the most challenging health issues is possible.
Legacy of a True Fighter
Mumtaz’s journey from a struggling junior artist’s daughter to one of Bollywood’s most celebrated heroines is a story of extraordinary determination and resilience. Her life teaches us that success is not just about talent – it’s about persistence, courage, and the ability to reinvent oneself when circumstances demand it.
She worked in various stages of Hindi cinema, including action-oriented stunt films of the 1960s and romantic dramas of the 1970s. She worked with the legendary actors Dilip Kumar, Rajesh Khanna, Shashi Kapoor, and Dharmendra and made an unforgettable impact in Indian cinema. Her performances in films like Sachcha Jhootha, Chor Machaye Shor, and Loafer are still remembered fondly by audiences.
Beyond her professional achievements, Mumtaz’s journey – her love marriage, battle with cancer, and triumph over adversity – makes her story truly inspiring. She proved that it’s possible to have both professional success and personal happiness, though both require sacrifices and hard work.
Today, when we look back at Mumtaz’s career, we see not just a successful actress but a woman who refused to be defined by her circumstances. She smashed glass ceilings and tons of stereotypes and won every battle that life presented to her. Her story has continued to give hope to new generations of dreamers that if they believe in their dreams and work hard, they will achieve them.
Also Read: Sadhana Shivdasani: The Fashion Icon Who Gifted Bollywood Its Most Famous Hairstyle
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