Yesteryear diva Mumtaz celebrates her birthday today. She was born in Mumbai (then Bombay) on July 31, 1947. Her parents were of Iranian descent but settled in India. While she worked mostly in the 60s and early 70s, the actress’ looks, infectious charm and dance skills make her a loved figure even with the younger generation. She is quite active on Instagram and lives like a queen. Mumtaz made news of late when she made some sharp comments on Zeenat Aman’s views on couples living-in before marriage. Mumtaz who has homes in London, Uganda and Mumbai is married to an Ugandan tycoon Mayur Madhvani. She is related to actors Fardeen Khan and Shaad Randhawa. Here are some interesting anecdotes about the actress…
Mumtaz Trained With the Best Gurus in Dance
Whether it is “Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche” from Brahmachari (1968) or “Jai Jai Shiv Shankar” from Aap Ki Kasam (1974), Mumtaz is hailed as one of the best dancers of the industry. The actress had trained with late Sitara Devi who was known as one of the India’s best Kathak dancers. Mumtaz believes she had natural rhythm that set her dancing skills a notch above the others.
Mumtaz Dances With Former Co-Star Biswajit Chatterjee – Watch Video
When Shammi Kapoor Was Hurt by Her Refusal
Mumtaz admitted in an interview that Shammi Kapoor fell in love with her when they were shooting for Brahmachari (1968). His wife, actress Geeta Bali had passed away in 1965, due to small pox. She said it was love at first sight for the two of them. But when he proposed to her for marriage, she refused as she was keen to pursue her career in films. The women in the Kapoor family were not allowed to work. Their affair lasted for two to three years. When she did not marry him finally, he apparently told her that she had continued the affair just to bag big movies. This left her shattered.
Mumtaz Brought Luck to Mayur Madhvani
It is a known fact that Mumtaz is married to Mayur Madhvani. The Ugandan businessmen of Indian descent is from one of the wealthiest families of East Africa. But when she married him, he was living in London as dictator Idi Amin had exiled them from the country and taken away their assets. They got married in 1974, and Madhvani’s family got back their businesses in Uganda in 1979. She had said in a Filmfare interview, “People say I married a crorepati. But when I fell in love with Mayur (Madhvani), President Idi Amin had thrown out Indians from Uganda. But then things changed. (Smiles) People say I’m lucky. I bring luck wherever I go.”
Mumtaz and Her Husband Mayur Madhvani Live a Lavish Life
Mumtaz’s Decision To Quit Films Upset Rajesh Khanna
Mumtaz and Mayur Madhvani got engaged when she was 26, and the marriage happened a year later. Then, she relocated to London. It seems Rajesh Khanna asked her why did she want to quit when she was at the peak of her stardom. He would affectionately call her, ‘Moti’. But Mumtaz relied on the advice of her family members and decided to settle down with a suitable man.
The Diva’s Only Regret in Life
Mumtaz’s parents were from a place called Mashhad in Iran. They divorced just a year after her birth. Mumtaz grew up in her maternal home. The actress’ said this is one aspect of her life that she would like to change.
Mumtaz Forgave Husband Mayur for His Extra-Marital Affair
Mumtaz said she found out about her husband’s infidelity from him, when he confessed that he had developed a liking for a woman from the US. It seems she forgave him as he told her the truth upfront. Mumtaz had returned to India after his confession and was seeing someone for a few months. She described it as a temporary phase in her life.
The actress is getting immense love on Instagram. From attending musical nights with the likes of Fawad Khan to working out diligently in the gym, she is making the most out of her life. In real life, she fought breast cancer and emerged as a survivor. On the occasion of her birthday, let us hope we see more of her either in films or on social media. Happy Birthday!
(The above story first appeared on Today News 24 on Jul 31, 2024 08:13 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website todaynews24.top).