Mumtaz admits her in-laws stopped her from acting when she was paid Rs 7.5 lakh per film: ‘I don’t accept jobs that offer just Rs 2–3 lakh’

Veteran actress Mumtaz continues to command love and admiration from fans of Hindi cinema. Known for her striking performances and box office success, she was once the highest-paid actress in the industry. Yet, her career came to an abrupt halt in the mid-1970s when she stepped away from films to prioritise her family.

In a recent conversation with Vickey Lalwani, Mumtaz revealed that her decision to quit acting wasn’t voluntary. After marrying Ugandan businessman Mayur Madhvani in 1974, she moved to London and cut ties with the film world—largely because her in-laws were against her continuing in the profession. “At the time of my marriage, the Madhvani family said that I couldn’t continue working. So I quit my job and got married at a time when I was the highest-paid actress. Who else charged Rs 7.5 lakh per film? Yet, when they said I couldn’t work anymore, I left the job,” she said.

Mumtaz about leaving the industry

The 'Ram Aur Shyam' actress expressed a tinge of regret over her early exit from cinema. But she acknowledged that her family, especially her conservative Iranian mother, had her best interests at heart. She recalled her parents’ words about how inconsistent the industry is. They told her that once she reached her late 40s, she would be typecast into certain roles. They wanted her to be part of a good family after marriage.

“My family members were not selfish people who kept pushing me to keep working to bring in more money. My mother was a very orthodox person, hailing from Iran. I actually respect my family for letting go of a girl who was making crores at that time,” she explained.

Mumtaz rejected 'Seeta Aur Geeta'
Mumtaz still believes her legacy lives on precisely because she bowed out while still at the top. She also recounted passing on some major projects, including 'Seeta Aur Geeta' (1972), written by the legendary Salim–Javed duo. She felt the payment didn’t match her worth. “Ramesh Sippy ji offered me very little money. So, I said I wouldn’t work at that price. Even today, when they call me to work in TV, I don’t accept jobs that offer just Rs 2–3 lakh. I have a fixed price. I am not being rude. But if they want me and believe that I am worth it, then they should pay properly.”

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The actress made a brief comeback with 'Aandhiyan' in 1990, and in 2010 she was featured in the docudrama '1 a Minute.'


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