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She fought cancer with grace and left films at her peak—Mumtaz’s untold story

TOI Entertainment Desk
| ETimes.in | Last updated on - Jul 28, 2025, 16:00 IST
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1/5

She Started Her Career as a Child Artist

Mumtaz entered the film industry at just 12 years old, appearing as a child artist in the 1958 film Sone Ki Chidiya. Her early years were spent doing small roles and B-grade action films, often opposite wrestler-actors like Dara Singh.

2/5

She Did Over a Dozen Films with Dara Singh Before Fame Hit

Before becoming a mainstream star, Mumtaz acted in 16 low-budget action films opposite Dara Singh, which were hugely popular in rural India. Despite the stigma around these films, Mumtaz never denied them and credited them for giving her a strong footing in the industry.

3/5

Rajesh Khanna Was Her Most Frequent Co-Star—And More

Mumtaz and Rajesh Khanna shared sizzling on-screen chemistry and acted in at least 10 hit films together, including Do Raaste, Sachaa Jhutha, and Aap Ki Kasam. Rumours of a real-life romance between them were strong, but neither confirmed it. Their pairing is still considered one of Bollywood’s most iconic.

4/5

She Left Films at Her Peak for Marriage

At the height of her stardom, Mumtaz shocked fans by quitting films after marrying businessman Mayur Madhvani in 1974. She moved to London and embraced family life, turning her back on fame and fortune without regret.

5/5

She Battled Cancer and Made a Graceful Comeback

In the early 2000s, Mumtaz was diagnosed with breast cancer. She bravely fought through it and even made a brief comeback in the film Aandhiyan (1990). Though the film didn’t do well, her strength and positivity won hearts all over again.

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Copyright © Jun 8, 2026, 09.27PM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service