In today’s weekend blog, I am continuing with the topic I started a few weeks back about the actresses who made their debut in the 1960s and who attained superstardom. In this series, the next actress is MUMTAZ, who started acting as a child artist in the 1950s, but graduated into adult roles in the 1960s.
She is one of the most popular and beloved actresses of Bollywood. Known for her vibrant screen presence, expressive acting, graceful dancing, and remarkable versatility. She ruled Bollywood in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Her journey from struggling in minor roles, to heroine in B-grade films, to side actress in A-grade films, to top heroine is well known to cinegoers.
In the early 1960s, Mumtaz acted in several stunt and action films, many of them opposite wrestler Dara Singh. While these films were not considered prestigious, they helped her gain recognition among audiences. Her fortunes changed after acting in supporting roles in films like Saawan Ki Ghata, Yeh Raat Phir Na Aayegi, Pyar Kiye Ja, and mainly Ram Aur Shyam opposite Dilip Kumar.
The period between 1968 and 1974 marked the golden years of her career. She delivered a series of successful films and became known for combining glamour and strong acting performances. Some of her most notable films include:
1 Do Raaste (1969): Co-starring Rajesh Khanna, the film was a huge commercial success and established Mumtaz as a leading star.
2 Bandhan 1969: Another successful pairing with Rajesh Khanna that strengthened her popularity.
3 Sachcha Jhutha 1970: A major hit in which Mumtaz showcased her charm and acting skills.
4 Khilona 1970: This film is widely regarded as one of the finest performances of her career. Mumtaz played a dancer who helps a mentally disturbed man regain stability. She won the Filmfare Best Actress award for her performance.
5 Tere Mere Sapne 1971: The film highlighted her ability to perform emotionally demanding roles.
6 Aap Ki Kasam1974: Her chemistry with Rajesh Khanna and memorable songs made the film a classic.
7 Roti 1974 : One of the year’s biggest hits, further cementing her status as a superstar.
Partnership with Rajesh Khanna : She formed one of Bollywood’s most successful screen pairings with Rajesh Khanna, the first superstar of Hindi cinema. Together they starred in many hit films including- Do Raaste, Bandhan, Sachchaa Jhutha, Dushman, Apna Desh, Roti, and Aap Ki Kaasm.
At the peak of her career, Mumtaz married Mayur Madhvani, a businessman. Following her marriage, she gradually stepped away from films and settled abroad. She made a brief comeback in the film Aandhiyan 1990.
In the early 2000s, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She made a successful recovery from the disease.
Her story is one of perseverance, talent and triumph. Rising from modest beginnings and years of struggle, she became one of Bollywood’s biggest and brightest stars.
Here are my favourite songs picturised on her, with their YouTube link:
1Yeh Hai Reshmi Zufon Ka Andhera Na Ghabraiye: Mere Sanam 1965 (Film-F). Asha Bhosle (Singer-S), Majrooh Sultanpuri (lyricist-L), OP Nayyar (Music Director-MD).
https://youtu.be/NU8t6lAfkzE?si=MXlSI9YzEIjzQJrZ
2 Aaj Koi Pyar Se Dil Ki Baatein Keh Gaya: Sawan Ki Ghata 1966 (F), Asha Bhosle (S), SH Bihari (L), OP Nayyar (MD)
https://youtu.be/NU8t6lAfkzE?si=MXlSI9YzEIjzQJrZ
3 O Meri Maina, Tu Maan Le Mera Kehna: Pyar Kiye Ja 1966 (F). Manna Dey & Usha Mangeshkar (S), Rajender Krishan (L), Laxmikant Pyarelal (MD). On Screen with Mehmood.
https://youtu.be/U7I4qyJtTE0?si=AsQuz9iJzBSND6EZ
4 Balam Tere Pyar Ki Thandi Aag Mein Jalte Jalte: Ram Aur Shyam 1967 (F). Mohd. Rafi & Asha Bhosle (S), Shakeel Badyuni (L), Naushad (MD). On screen with Dilip Kumar.
https://youtu.be/EiIn7wDqsjY?si=Kb7QG2FuBKQOS7k-
5 Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche har Jaban Par : Brahamchari 1968 (F). Mohd Rafi & Suman kalyanpur (S), Hasrat Jaipuri (L). Shankar Jaikishan (MD). On screen with Shammi Kapoor.
https://youtu.be/ulEiyaxHx4s?si=82I6a7tN-9IdSYvI
6 Bindiya Chamkegi, Chudi Khankegi : Do Raaste 1969 (F). Lata Mangeshkar (S), Anand bakshi (L), Laxmikant Pyarelal (MD)
https://youtu.be/vIQSnBbfeXY?si=zjK-4uJTfG41Sfzr
7 Zindagi Ittefaq Hai, Aaj Bhi Aur kal Bhi: Aadmi aur Insaan (1970). Asha Bhosle (S), sahir Ludhianvi (L), Ravi (MD)
https://youtu.be/ulEiyaxHx4s?si=82I6a7tN-9IdSYvI
8 Yunhi Tum Mujhse Pyar Karti Ho, Ya Koi Pyar Ka Irada Hai : Sachcha Jhutha 1970. Mohd Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar (S), Indeevar (L), Kalyanji Anandji (MD). On screen with Rajesh Khanna
https://youtu.be/F_KRgQTM_Sw?si=mZWqdGK4ACvu5Fcg
9 Agar Dilbar ki Ruswai, Hamen Manjoor Ho Jaaye : Khilona 1970(F). Lata Mangeshkar (S), Anand bakshi (L), Laxmikant Pyarelal (MD)
https://youtu.be/lOYcQQQq7iQ?si=fP11e_D_lNnPoFr0
10 Rut Hai Milan Ki Saathi Mere Aare : Mela 1970 (F). Mohd Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar (S), Majrooh sultanpuri (L), RD Burman (MD). On screen with Sanjay Khan
https://youtu.be/njoZp6M5kcU?si=k14u2C9o_Kt0yyrT
11 Jaise Radha Ne Mala Japi Shyam Ki : Tere Mere Sapne 1971 (F). Lata Mangeshkar(S),Neeraj(L),SDBurman(MD). https://youtu.be/ROPIDnr8cJM?si=_0DaNIKSWGPxhZhA
12 Maine Dekha Tune Dekha, Isne dekha, Usne Dekha, Sabne Dekha : Dushman 1972 (F). lata Mangeshkar & Kishore Kumar (S), Anand Bakshi (L), Laxmikant Pyarelal (MD). On screen with Rajesh Khanna
https://youtu.be/ROPIDnr8cJM?si=_0DaNIKSWGPxhZhA
13 Duniya Mein Logo Ko Dhoka kabhi Ho Jaata Hai : Apna Desh 1972 (F), Asha bhosle & RD Burman (S), Anand Bakshi (L), RD Burman (MD). On screen with Rajesh Khanna
https://youtu.be/ZaM6F7gmNAA?si=SwWtg5UCdOrO5XR
14 Koi Shehri Babu, Dil Lehri Babu, Pag Baandh Gaya Ghunghru : Loafer 1973 (F). Asha bhosle (S), Anand bakshi (L), Laxmikant Pyarelal (MD).
https://youtu.be/5kYeFWeB9I8?si=GtWdyDGBNUAlv1LJ
15 Jai Jai Shiv Shankar, Kaanta Lage Na Kankar: Aap Ki Kasm 1974 (F). Lata Mangeshkar & Kishore Kumar (S), Anand Bakshi (L), RD Burman (MD). On screen with Rajesh Khanna.
https://youtu.be/p5XcaKqzSrU?si=6XhKQeQJPE9oJLh0
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
13th June 2026