Born in Mumbai (then Bombay) on July 31, 1947, yesteryear diva Mumtaz celebrates her birthday today. Her parents were of Iranian descent but settled in India. While Mumtaz worked mostly in the 1960s and early 1970s in Hindi cinema, the actress' looks, infectious charm and dance skills make her a much loved figure even with the younger generation. She is quite active on Instagram and lives like a queen. Mumtaz made news of late when she made some sharp comments on another yesteryear diva Zeenat Aman's views on couples living-in before marriage. Mumtaz, who has homes in London, Uganda and Mumbai, is married to a Ugandan tycoon Mayur Madhvani. Here are some interesting anecdotes about the actress...

Mumtaz Trained With the Best Gurus in Dance

Whether it is "Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche" from Brahmachari (1968) or "Jai Jai Shiv Shankar" from Aap Ki Kasam (1974), Mumtaz is hailed as one of the best dancers of the industry. The actress had trained with the late Sitara Devi who was known as one of the India's best Kathak dancers. Mumtaz believes she had natural rhythm that set her dancing skills a notch above the others.

Mumtaz Dances With Former Co-Star Biswajit Chatterjee – Watch Video

 

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When Shammi Kapoor Was Hurt by Her Refusal

Mumtaz admitted in an interview that Shammi Kapoor fell in love with her when they were shooting for Brahmachari (1968). His wife, actress Geeta Bali had passed away in 1965 due to small pox. Mumtaz said it was love at first sight for the two of them. But when he proposed to her for marriage, she refused as she was keen to pursue her career in films. Back then, the women in the Kapoor family were not allowed to work in the film industry. Mumtaz and Shammi Kapoor's affair lasted for two to three years. When she did not marry him, he apparently told her that she had continued the affair just to bag big movies. This left her shattered.

Mumtaz Brought Luck to Mayur Madhvani

It is a known fact that Mumtaz is married to Mayur Madhvani. The Ugandan businessmen of Indian descent belongs to one of the wealthiest families of East Africa. But when she married him, he was living in London, as dictator Idi Amin had exiled the family from the country and taken away their assets. Mumtaz and Mayur got married in 1974, and Madhvani's family got back their businesses in Uganda in 1979. Mumtaz revealed in a Filmfare interview, "People say I married a crorepati. But when I fell in love with Mayur (Madhvani), President Idi Amin had thrown out Indians from Uganda. But then things changed. (Smiles) People say I’m lucky. I bring luck wherever I go."

Mumtaz and Her Husband Mayur Madhvani Live a Lavish Life

 

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Mumtaz’s Decision To Quit Films Upset Rajesh Khanna

Mumtaz and Mayur Madhvani got engaged when she was 26. Their wedding took place a year later, after which she relocated to London. It seems the then Bollywood superstar Rajesh Khanna asked her why she wanted to quit films when she was at the peak of her stardom. He would affectionately call her, 'Moti'. But Mumtaz relied on the advice of her family members and decided to settle down with a suitable man.

Diva’s Only Regret in Life

Mumtaz's parents were from a place called Mashhad in Iran. They divorced just a year after her birth. Mumtaz grew up in her maternal home. The actress said this is one aspect of her life that she would like to change.

Mumtaz Forgave Husband for His Extramarital Affair

Mumtaz said she found out about her husband's infidelity when he confessed to her that he had developed a liking for a woman from the US. It seems she forgave him, as he told her the truth upfront. Mumtaz had returned to India after his confession and was seeing someone for a few months. She described it as a temporary phase in her life.

Mumtaz is a breast cancer survivor. The actress is getting immense love on Instagram these days. From attending musical nights with the likes of Pakistani actor-singer Fawad Khan to working out diligently in the gym, she is making the most of her life.

On the occasion of her birthday, let us hope we see more of her either in films or on social media. Happy birthday, Mumtaz!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 31, 2024 08:13 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).