Mumtaz

The Hindi film actress of yester years known for her up tilted nose & cute smile. She had almost 8 hits with the then superstar Rajesh Khanna. Who would have thought she would be so successful with her roles that were a C or a D grade initially? I have seen good actresses like Aruna Irani or Farida Jalal giving up their main role status to supporting roles, al biet memorable!

With the Dara Singh movies she was noticed but had little work as Dara Singh had major screen time. After her debut she struggled for almost 11 years to be noticed in a main role. But the non essential roles helped to move in front of the camera with ease. She is as comfortable in any of her songs …I wonder how she can move in ‘Aaj kal tere mere pyar ke kisse…’

Recently read that Shammi Kapoor wished to marry her. He was deep in love with her. But she could not leave her career & refused. The Kapoor bahus don’t work after their marriage & concentrate on the family only. All Raj Kapoor’s sons have chosen their partners from the acting community! Except Rajeev Kapoor who was married to an Architect.

After her marriage with Mayur Madhvani she traveled abroad & came for getting the life time achievement award. She worked with all the popular stars then & yet maintained a simple lifestyle. She glamorized the half sari & she looked very good in it. She was able to carry off any costume designed for her.

The ‘Khilona’ role rejected by most of the actresses, brought her the only best actress award that she deserved. Her phenomenal rise to stardom is what dreams are made of. That sets her apart from the rest! The reason why she is different & a story that is the living legend.