When Mumtaz revealed “Kapoors were strict about their Bahus not working in films” while recalling her split with Shammi,’He was 18 years older than me’

It was 1968 when Bollywood icons Shammi Kapoor and Mumtaz lit up the screen with the dance number ‘Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyaar Ke Charche’, a track that still enthrals audiences today. The pair, once among Bollywood’s most sought-after on-screen couples, were also rumoured to have been in a relationship off-screen, a spark that reportedly died down almost as quickly as it flared up.

Mumtaz on her relationship with Shammi Kapoor

Mumtaz once talked to Pinkvilla about her close bond with Shammi, her marriage, her extramarital affairs, and the unrealistic beauty standards that have long plagued the Indian film industry. She began by addressing her rumoured relationship with the ‘Andaaz’ star. The veteran actress recalled how, at just 17, she was navigating heartbreak even as her career was flourishing. “I loved him tremendously,” the now 74-year-old star revealed. “I believe Shammiji also loved me a lot. I felt sad that I couldn’t marry him. I was only around 17. He was 18 years older than me. It was too early for me to get married. I wanted to prove myself. We separated with understanding. He didn’t do anything to leave a khalish (ache) in my heart.”She further added, “He was very sweet and caring towards me. But you can’t fight destiny. Honestly, had I got married, it wouldn’t have worked. Because I’d have always held a regret in my heart. I wanted to act. I wanted to achieve something. The Kapoor family was strict about their bahus not working in films. Nevertheless, Shammiji married such a wonderful lady, a beautiful person. Neila Deviji’s such a sweetheart. She suited him perfectly and handled him so well.“

Mumtaz on marrying Mayur Madhvani

The actress married Mayur Madhvani in 1974, and although he had no background in the entertainment industry, he found it tough to get used to the glamorous world his wife belonged to. Yet, the actress revealed that she had actually known Mayur since she was just ten, long before he became part of the film fraternity. “I knew the Madhvanis since I was 10. I knew the family in and out. I’d even been to Uganda and stayed with them. It was like moving from one home to another,” Mumtaz shared, adding, “I didn’t give up on my marriage… Isiliye mera miyan bhi mera hi hai. He loves me so much.”

Mumtaz on her husband Mayur’s extra-marital affair

She then spoke about how Mayur had once strayed in their marriage. “It’s quite common for men to have affairs through the backdoor. My husband didn’t have any… except one. I respect him because he himself told me about it. He confided that he’d developed a liking for a girl in the US. He was born and brought up in America,” the Indian star continued. “But he insisted, ‘Mumtaz, you’re my wife. I love you and will always love you. I will never leave you.’ The problem arose because I was a little stubborn, a little difficult. But today, it’s a forgotten story. Even god forgives ones. I live like a queen. My husband has never kept me wanting for anything.”

Mumtaz on her own extra-marital affair

She then opened up about her own extramarital affair. “Honestly, after the episode, I began feeling lonely. I was headstrong. I felt hurt. So, I flew down to India. When you’re amidst thorns and someone comes along with a rose, you do get carried away. But it was nothing serious. Just a temporary phase, which ended soon. I’m lucky that my husband still loves me so much. Even if I fall a bit sick, all hell would break loose.”

Mumtaz on her husband’s role during her cancer battle

Mumtaz credited her husband with ‘bringing her back to life’ following her cancer battle. “Had it not been for my husband, I’d have been dead by now. Mine was slow-growing cancer. The doctors said that they had removed what was necessary. But Mayur’s well-read and well-informed. He insisted that they check the lymph nodes. He asked me, ‘Do you mind going through another surgery for my sake? I want my children to have their mother. I will love you even if you have no hair.’ I went through another surgery and out of the 22 lymph nodes, they found some growth in one.” She added, “Years ago, the treatment was harsher. I used to turn blue after the therapy. I had to go through six chemotherapies and 35 radiations. That was the time I bloated. I had to eat well to fight the side effects of chemo. I began my weight loss journey much later.”She also touched upon whether she carries any regrets from her life. “When my parents (Sardar Begum Habib Agha and Abdul Sameed Askari) divorced, I was around three. I lived with my mother, grandma and aunt. My father disappeared. So, as a child, I used to miss him. Otherwise, I have no regrets.” She went on to add, “I’m someone, who went all out to fulfill my dreams. You make your own life. I call God my ‘boyfriend’. He saved me from death, he gave me a loving husband and children. My life’s been an open book. The good and the bad co-exist. Even Shahenshahs don’t get it good all the time.”

Mumtaz on body image and beauty standards in the industry

The actress, remembered as one of the most stunning stars of her era, shared that she had always been conscious about her looks. “I had a voluptuous figure. I was never too slim. I was heavy everywhere. I had to control my weight. A woman should appear proportionate. I didn’t want to be called fat,” she said. “Along with being an actor comes the challenge of always looking your best. An actor is expected to look beautiful even in death. Janaaza bhi beautiful lagna chahiye! This is the truth. But I like to live normally. I enjoy being a housewife and I go shopping for vegetables, fruits… I want to experience everything. A casual picture was taken unawares, in which you may not appear so nice, can go viral. For instance, around 20 years ago when I was undergoing cancer treatment, I bloated. That ‘bloated’ picture did the rounds for years. I got remarks like, ‘Mumtaz is done for.” Mumtaz concluded saying, “On 31 July, I will be 75. I could have lied about my age but I didn’t. I guess, for 75 I’ve maintained myself pretty well. But I never come across comments saying, ‘Wow at this age she still appears fit!’ I request my critics that when I appear good, please don’t hesitate to say so.”