Veteran actress Mumtaz, who began her film journey as a background dancer and supporting artiste before securing lead roles, recently shared an anecdote about her early career during an interview. She revealed that when she was cast as the lead opposite Jeetendra in V. Shantaram’s 1967 film Boond Jo Ban Gayee Moti, Jeetendra initially expressed unhappiness about her getting the role. Mumtaz recounted that Shantaram had to firmly tell Jeetendra that he could leave the film if he was unwilling to work with her.Jeetendra’s Objection and Shantaram’s Firm StanceIn a conversation with Radio Nasha Official, Mumtaz explained that Shantaram’s daughter, Rajshree, was initially slated for the film but opted out due to her wedding plans. Shantaram then chose Mumtaz for the role. Mumtaz recalled Jeetendra’s reaction:“I’m sorry, Jeetu, but that’s what you said. He said, ‘Why are you taking Mumtaz?’ Shantaram said, ‘I think she has all the qualities of becoming a heroine. She is beautiful, she dances well, she is a good actress, and I like her.’ Jeetu was like, ‘No, no. Can’t we cast someone else?’ Shantaram told him, ‘She will be the heroine. If you don’t want to do it, then you can leave the film’.”Mumtaz then looked into the camera and added, “I’m sorry, Jeetu, that I’m saying this, but it’s the truth.”Gratitude Towards Dilip Kumar and MehmoodMumtaz further expressed profound gratitude towards Dilip Kumar and Mehmood for their crucial support during her early career. She shared that initially, no leading star was willing to work with her. However, Dilip Kumar showed confidence in her for the film Ram Aur Shyam. He agreed to work with her after seeing her reel, which played a crucial role in launching her acting career. She believes she wouldn’t have become an actress if he had refused to share the screen with her.Mumtaz added that after Dilip Kumar agreed, other actors followed suit, and she faced no further rejections.
