Mumtaz and Rajesh Khanna starred in quite a few hit films. In an old chat with Subhash K. Jha, Mumtaz fondly recalled her working relationship with Rajesh Khanna, noting that he was not only her favourite co-star but also hers. Their chemistry was undeniable, leading them to work on many hit films together up until Mumtaz decided to step away from the industry. Mumtaz mentioned that, in most of their films, the heroines didn’t have to do much since Rajesh Khanna was the focal point. However, there was one film where she had a particularly well-etched role.
“Unke filmon mein heroine ko zyada kuch karna ko nahin hota tha (in his films, the leading lady didn’t have much to do) but I like the film which featured the song Duniya Mein Logon Ko Dokha Kabhi Ho Jata Hai (Apna Desh). I had a well-etched role in that,” she said.
Mumtaz also revealed a more personal side of her time working with Rajesh Khanna, recalling an incident where his temper flared up. She hinted at the challenges of dealing with Rajesh Khanna’s intense and passionate nature but also said that their professional bond was built on mutual respect and admiration. “The only time he’d get upset with me was when I signed films with other heroes. He would sulk in the corner. It was okay for him to work with other heroines. There are separate rules for men and women. He always treated me with affection and care. He called me ‘moti’ (fat) because I was always on the plump side. I didn’t mind,” she said.
Mumtaz and Rajesh Khanna were one of Bollywood’s most successful on-screen pairs, with all ten of their films together achieving box office success. Their films included hits like Do Raaste, Saccha Jhutha, Roti, and Aap Ki Kasam, which brought to the fore their undeniable chemistry and left a lasting impact on audiences. Despite Rajesh Khanna’s temperamental nature, which once caused tension between them, their professional relationship remained strong, making them one of the industry’s most beloved duos.
On the personal front, Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia were married in 1973 and got separated in 1982. The megastar died in 2012.
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