Mumtaz Askari Madhvani (née Askari; born 31 July 1947), known mononymously as Mumtaz is an Indian actress who worked in Hindi films. Regarded as one of the finest actresses of Hindi cinema, Mumtaz is the recipient of two Filmfare Awards. Mumtaz made her acting debut at age 11 with Lajwanti (1958), Sone Ki Chidiya (1958), and did smaller roles in films like Stree (1961) and Sehra (1963).[1]
Mumtaz | |
|---|---|
Mumtaz in 2010 | |
| Born | Mumtaz Askari 31 July 1947 |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1958–1977, 1990 |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 (Natasha and Tanya) |
| Relatives | Malika (sister) Randhawa (brother-in-law) Shaad Randhawa (nephew) Fardeen Khan (son-in-law) |
Mumtaz was typecasted as a "stunt film heroine", with Faulad (1963) and Daku Mangal Singh (1966), which stalled her career. After being 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 she retired 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
editMumtaz 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 elder sister is actor Mallika who was married to wrestler and Indian actor Randhawa – younger brother of wrestler and actor Dara Singh.[5]
Career
editMumtaz 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
editMumtaz married businessman Mayur Madhvani in 1974. They have two daughters of whom 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 Kapoors didn't then want married women of their family to work in the film industry).[11][12][13]
Legacy
editMumtaz 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
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1958 | Sone Ki Chidiya | Child artist | |
| Talaq | Child artist | ||
| 1961 | Stree | ||
| 1962 | Vallah Kya Baat Hai | Mala | |
| Main Shadi Karne Chala | Lily | ||
| 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 | Meena | Guest 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/Kiran | Double role | |
| 1973 | Raja Rani | Herself | Guest 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 | Herself | Docudrama film |
Accolades
edit| 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
edit- Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 at the 42nd Filmfare Awards.[25]
- IIFA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008 at the 9th IIFA Awards.[26]
References
edit- ^ Jha, Subhash (30 July 2012). "Mumtaz: I am lonely". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 18 September 2018. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
- ^ "Mumtaz – The Asian Age". The Asian Age. Archived from the original on 8 March 2022. Retrieved 7 March 2018.
- ^ "Mumtaz's Life In Pics". The Times of India. Times Internet Limited. 31 July 2013. Archived from the original on 13 December 2019. Retrieved 7 March 2018.
- ^ "Mumtaz turns 70: Did you know Shammi Kapoor and Jeetendra were in love with the actor?". Hindustan Times. HT Media Limited. 31 July 2017. Archived from the original on 7 June 2019. Retrieved 7 March 2018.
- ^ "Mumtaz: Dara Singh's kindness got me my first role". The Times of India. Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. 13 July 2012. Archived from the original on 6 December 2017. Retrieved 7 March 2018.
- ^ "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.
- ^ Dinesh Raheja (August 2002). "The oomph and spirit of Mumtaz". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 20 September 2016. Retrieved 23 July 2012.
- ^ "Box Office 1969". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 7 February 2009. Retrieved 23 July 2012.
- ^ "Mumtaz: Rajesh Khanna was very close to me". Rediff.com. 18 July 2012. Archived from the original on 25 February 2014. Retrieved 23 July 2012.
- ^ "Veteran actor Mumtaz opens about recent health crisis, her cancer history made injecting drips difficult". The Indian Express. 6 May 2022. Archived from the original on 9 May 2022. Retrieved 9 May 2022.
- ^ "Men Actress Mumtaz loved and lost! - Times of India". The Times of India. 23 July 2012. Archived from the original on 24 September 2018. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
- ^ "Mumtaz turns 70: Did you know Shammi Kapoor and Jeetendra were in love with the actor?". Hindustan Times. 31 July 2017. Archived from the original on 7 June 2019. Retrieved 7 March 2018.
- ^ Mumtaz Interview: Rajesh Khanna-Anju Mahendroo BREAK-UP | Feroz Khan | Dev Anand on YouTube
- ^ "Top heroines of Bollywood". India Today. Archived from the original on 28 November 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
- ^ Dinesh Raheja The oomph and spirit of Mumtaz Archived 25 September 2018 at the Wayback Machine Rediff.com - Rediff Movies Retrieved 29 December 2021
- ^ "75 Bollywood Actresses Who Ruled The Silver Screen With Grace, Beauty And Talent". Outlook India. 16 August 2022. Archived from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
- ^ "Top Actresses". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 4 January 2012. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
- ^ "Photos - 50 Beautiful Faces: 100 years of Indian Cinema". Times of India. Archived from the original on 23 January 2024. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
- ^ Subhash K. Jha. "Exclusive - 10 hottest Bollywood actresses of all time". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 21 February 2020. Retrieved 26 February 2020.
- ^ "Sadhana to Sharmila Tagore: Style trends from the 1960s' actresses you can take inspiration from". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 12 July 2023. Retrieved 13 February 2017.
- ^ "Top Bollywood sex symbols of all time". India Tribune. 23 July 2012. Archived from the original on 28 September 2013. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
- ^ "Bengal Film Journalists' Association". Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 10 December 2015.
- ^ "The Nominations – 1967". Filmfare Awards. Archived from the original on 29 October 2007. Retrieved 15 December 2010.
- ^ "Check Out The Complete Filmfare Awards Winners List from 1953 to 2023". Filmfare. Archived from the original on 4 February 2018. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
- ^ "Lifetime Achievement (Popular)". Filmfare Awards. Archived from the original on 12 February 2008. Retrieved 15 December 2010.
- ^ "IIFA to honour A. R. Rahman, Shyam Benegal and Mumtaz". DNA India. 17 May 2008. Archived from the original on 23 January 2024. Retrieved 23 July 2012.