Mumtaz said, ‘Rajesh Khanna’s career did not sink because of his mistake, the directors had become sycophants…’

Veteran actress Mumtaz has not appeared in any film for almost 30 years. Mumtaz, who has appeared on screen with iconic Bollywood stars like Rajesh Khanna, Shammi Kapoor, Dharmendra and Dilip Kumar, was last seen on the big screen in the 1990 film ‘Andhiyan’.

Mumtaz, who has worked with great actors of her time, was loved by the audience to see her on screen with Rajesh Khanna. Her chemistry with superstar Rajesh Khanna was iconic. Now Mumtaz has talked about Rajesh Khanna’s career and the declining phase of his career in a new interview.

Rajesh Khanna’s career did not fall because of himself
Talking to Rediff, Mumtaz said, “We stars are what we are because of your love. Without your love, we are nothing. It was not entirely Rajesh Khanna’s fault. I remember he was known as a phenomenon. My bungalow was very close to his bungalow. I have seen big name directors and producers being sycophants in front of him. His girlfriend Anju Mahendru used to play host all night. She used to serve drinks and food till 3 am. I have seen similar all night long sessions at Shammi Kapoor’s house as well. He used to spend a lot to entertain the guests.”

Directors used to do sycophancy
Mumtaz further said, ‘I think Shammi Kapoor had let loose and decided to live his life the way he wanted. But he should get credit for the fact that when he came on the set, he used to work very hard. The same can be said for Rajesh Khanna as well.’ Let us tell you, Mumtaz had also dated Shammi Kapoor at one time.

Criticising the ‘sycophancy’ of directors, Mumtaz praised ‘Heeramandi’ director Sanjay Leela Bhansali for maintaining the necessary distance from everyone. She said, ‘He does his work, treats his actors with respect and goes home. You pay the actors; so why do you need to be their sycophancy?’

Mumtaz was also asked if she is going to make a comeback in films soon? She said, ‘I have been offered a huge amount to write my story. I will do this when I am ready for it. I may even make a comeback in acting, but it should be something that suits me. I watch the films that are being made these days. There is nothing for me in them. Why would I do the role of a mother or a Bhabhi? I have always done what I wanted to do in life. Mumtaz said that she wants to work with ‘Heeramandi’ director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.