Veteran Actress Mumtaz Reflects On Rajesh Khanna’s Stardom: 'I Have Seen Big Directors Behaving Like His Chamchas'

Mumtaz co-starred alongside Rajesh Khanna in many box office hits. The actress recently talked about the actor's downfall in the industry.

New Delhi: Actress Mumtaz, who has been in the industry for over 30 years, recently discussed superstar Rajesh Khanna's successful but turbulent career. Mumtaz, who co-starred with Rajesh Khanna in ten films, was quite open and honest in an interview with Rediff on his popularity and subsequent fall, adding that it was not all his fault.

Mumtaz reflected on Rajesh Khanna’s prime years saying, “We stars are what we are because of your love. Without your love, we are nothing. It wasn’t entirely Rajesh Khanna’s fault. I remember when he was known as the phenomenon.”

Mumtaz, who lived close to Khanna's house, remembered how many famous directors would drop by. “My bungalow was very close to his. I have seen big-name producers and directors behaving like his chamchas. His girlfriend Anju Mahendroo would play host all night. She would serve food and drinks till 3 am. I have seen the same night-long sessions in Shammi Kapoor’s home. He used to spend a fortune on entertaining guests,” the actress shared.

Mumtaz on Shammi Kapoor

She described her ex-boyfriend Shammi Kapoor as someone who "let himself go" and "decided to live life the way he wanted to" when asked about their relationship. She said, “But to his credit, when he (Shammi Kapoor) came on set, he worked hard. The same goes for Rajesh Khanna.”

When questioned about her own possible comeback to films, Mumtaz said she has had a lot of offers, but she is picky. She said, "Even when I make a comeback to acting, it would have to be something worthy of me. I watch the films that are being made these days. They’ve nothing to offer me. Why should I play the mother or the bhabhi? I have always done what I wanted in life."