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Mumtaz (Indian actress)

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Mumtaz, born Mumtaz Askari Madhvani, is a celebrated Indian actress. She was a major star in Hindi cinema. Her career spanned several decades of film history. She is remembered for her vivaciousness and spontaneity. Many people also admire her for her beauty. She became a significant fashion icon. Her dewy glow and specific way of draping a sari remain relevant today.

Mumtaz (actress)
Mumtaz (actress)

Mumtaz began her professional journey as a child artist. She made her acting debut at age 11. This occurred in 1958 with films like Lajwanti and Sone Ki Chidiya. During the early 1960s, she performed smaller roles. These included appearances in films such as Stree and Sehra. As she grew into her teenage years, she acted as an extra. She appeared in the film Vallah Kya Baat Hai. Later, she moved into more significant roles in A-grade films. Her first major role was playing the hero's sister in Gehra Daag.

Her early adult career faced a specific challenge. She was frequently cast as a "stunt film heroine." This meant she starred in many action-heavy movies. Examples include Faulad, Veer Bhimsen, and Daku Mangal Singh. She often worked alongside the freestyle wrestler Dara Singh. During this period, there were clear differences in pay. Dara Singh earned INR 450,000 per film. Mumtaz earned INR 250,000 per film. This typecasting initially stalled her career growth. However, she earned two Filmfare Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress. These were for Ram Aur Shyam in 1967 and Aadmi Aur Insaan in 1969.

Her career reached a major breakthrough in 1969. The film Do Raaste, directed by Raj Khosla, changed everything. This was a blockbuster family drama. It starred Rajesh Khanna and featured Mumtaz in a decorative heroine role. The film was a massive financial success. It earned approximately Rs. 65 million. Another film with Rajesh Khanna, also from 1969, earned Rs. 28 million. This success helped her become a full-fledged star. She and Rajesh Khanna became a highly successful pairing. They appeared in a total of 10 films together.

Following her breakthrough, Mumtaz became one of the highest-paid actresses. She appeared on the Box Office India "Top Actresses" list six times between 1969 and 1974. She reached the very top of this list twice, in 1970 and 1971. She also won the prestigious Filmfare Award for Best Actress. This honor came in 1971 for her performance in Khilona. She expressed great happiness that audiences accepted her in this emotional role. Throughout the 1970s, she worked with many famous actors. She starred opposite Feroz Khan, Dharmendra, and Shashi Kapoor.

Mumtaz's personal life is also quite notable. She was born on July 31, 1947. Her father, Abdol Salim Askari, was a dry fruits vendor. Her mother was Shadi Habib Agha. Her family roots trace back to Mashhad, Iran. Though born into a Muslim family, she later expressed faith in Hindu deities. She specifically mentioned Shiva and Ganesha. In 1974, she married Mayur Madhvani, a businessman from Uganda. They have two daughters. One daughter, Natasha, married Fardeen Khan in 2006.

Mumtaz (actress)
Mumtaz (actress)

In her later years, Mumtaz focused on different priorities. She left acting after the 1977 film Aaina to focus on her family. She attempted a comeback in 1990 with the film Aandhiyan. This film did not succeed at the box office. Consequently, she retired from the film industry for good. She eventually settled in London with her husband. Mumtaz has also become an advocate for breast cancer survivors. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 54. She underwent six chemotherapies and 35 radiation sessions. She eventually became cancer-free. She appeared in the 2010 documentary 1 a Minute to share her story.

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