Mumtaz Askari
Actor
About Mumtaz Askari
Mumtaz Askari, better known by her stage name Mumtaz, began her career as a child artist in the late 1950s before transitioning to adult roles. Her appearance in Sehra (1963) marked one of her early significant roles as she was establishing herself in the industry. Throughout the 1960s, she appeared in numerous supporting roles and gradually gained recognition for her beauty and screen presence. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, she had become one of the most sought-after leading ladies in Hindi cinema, working with top stars like Rajesh Khanna, Shammi Kapoor, and Dharmendra. Her career peaked during this period with memorable performances in films like Brahmachari, Do Raaste, and Khilona. She was known for her versatility, appearing in everything from romantic dramas to action films. After marrying businessman Mayur Madhvani in 1974, she reduced her film appearances but continued acting sporadically through the 1980s before retiring from films entirely.
The Craft
On Screen
Mumtaz was known for her natural acting style and expressive performances. She had a unique ability to convey emotions through her eyes and facial expressions, making her particularly effective in romantic and dramatic scenes. Her dancing skills were exceptional, and she brought energy and grace to musical numbers. She adapted well to various genres, from light-hearted comedies to intense dramas, showcasing remarkable versatility throughout her career.
Milestones
- Debut as child artist in Sone Ki Chidiya (1958)
- First adult role in Sehra (1963)
- Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Khilona (1970)
- Peak popularity period 1968-1974
- Marriage to Mayur Madhvani in 1974
- Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1996)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Khilona (1970)
- Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Aap Ki Kasam (1974)
- Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1996)
- IIFA Lifetime Achievement Award (2008)
- Screen Lifetime Achievement Award (2011)
Nominated
- Filmfare Best Actress nomination for Do Raaste (1969)
- Filmfare Best Actress nomination for Bandhan (1969)
- Filmfare Best Actress nomination for Roti (1974)
- Filmfare Best Actress nomination for Prem Kahani (1975)
Special Recognition
- Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award (2022)
- Star on the Bollywood Walk of Fame
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Mumtaz revolutionized the portrayal of the modern Indian woman on screen with her bold fashion choices and confident persona. She was one of the first actresses to wear Western outfits like miniskirts and bikinis in mainstream Indian cinema, challenging traditional norms. Her success as a leading lady despite not coming from a film family broke barriers in the industry. She set trends in fashion and style that were emulated by millions of young women across India. Her films often addressed social issues subtly, contributing to changing attitudes about women's roles in society.
Lasting Legacy
Mumtaz's legacy as one of the most iconic actresses of Hindi cinema remains unparalleled. She appeared in over 100 films during her career and delivered numerous box office hits. Her ability to balance commercial success with critical acclaim set a benchmark for future generations. Even decades after her retirement, her films continue to be celebrated for their entertainment value and her performances. She paved the way for actresses to have more agency in their careers and to command equal billing with male stars. Her journey from humble beginnings to superstardom serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors.
Who They Inspired
Mumtaz influenced generations of actresses with her natural acting style and screen presence. Her success proved that actresses could be the primary draw of films, leading to more female-centric narratives in Indian cinema. She inspired actresses to take risks with their career choices and to maintain their individuality in a male-dominated industry. Her fashion sense and style continue to be referenced in modern films and fashion shows. Many contemporary actresses cite her as an inspiration for balancing personal life with professional success.
Off Screen
Mumtaz was born into a family with mixed heritage - her father was Iranian and her mother was of Indian origin. She faced financial hardships during her childhood and began working in films at a young age to support her family. In 1974, she married Mayur Madhvani, a wealthy businessman from Uganda, and relocated to London. The couple has two daughters, Natasha and Tanya. Natasha Madhvani followed in her mother's footsteps and became an actress, marrying actor Fardeen Khan. Mumtaz has largely stayed away from the public eye since her marriage, though she occasionally appears at award ceremonies and film events.
Education
Limited formal education due to early entry into films; completed basic schooling in Mumbai
Family
- Mayur Madhvani (1974-present)
Did You Know?
- Started her career at age 11 as a child artist
- Was paid only Rs. 500 for her role in Sehra (1963)
- Initially rejected for many roles due to her short height
- Was the first actress to charge Rs. 1 lakh per film
- Her iconic white sari look from Aap Ki Kasam became a fashion trend
- She was a trained classical dancer
- Refused to work with Amitabh Bachchan early in his career, a decision she later regretted
- Her marriage to Mayur Madhvani was one of the most talked-about celebrity weddings of the 1970s
- She was offered a role in the James Bond film Octopussy but declined
- Her daughter Natasha made her debut opposite Fardeen Khan, continuing the family's film legacy
In Their Own Words
"I never thought I would become a big star. I just wanted to earn enough to support my family." - in an interview about her early career
"Acting came naturally to me. I never took any formal training, I just learned on the job." - about her acting technique
"Marriage was more important to me than films. I chose family over career and I have no regrets." - about her decision to retire
"Rajesh Khanna was my favorite co-star. We had a magical chemistry on screen." - about working with Rajesh Khanna
"Fashion is not about what you wear, it's about how you carry yourself with confidence." - on her style philosophy
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Mumtaz Askari?
Mumtaz Askari, known professionally as Mumtaz, was one of the most popular and successful actresses in Hindi cinema during the 1960s and 1970s. She began as a child artist and rose to become a leading lady known for her beauty, acting talent, and dancing skills. She won multiple Filmfare Awards and received the Padma Shri in 2022 for her contributions to Indian cinema.
What films is Mumtaz best known for?
Mumtaz is best known for films like Sehra (1963), Brahmachari (1968), Do Raaste (1969), Khilona (1970), Aap Ki Kasam (1974), and Roti (1974). Her performances in these films, particularly Khilona and Aap Ki Kasam, earned her Filmfare Awards for Best Actress. She appeared in over 100 films during her career and delivered numerous box office hits.
When was Mumtaz born and when did she retire?
Mumtaz was born on July 31, 1947, in Bombay (now Mumbai), India. She began her career as a child artist in 1958 and gradually transitioned to adult roles. She effectively retired from films after her marriage to Mayur Madhvani in 1974, though she made a few sporadic appearances through the 1980s before completely stepping away from acting in 1990.
What awards did Mumtaz win?
Mumtaz won two Filmfare Awards for Best Actress for Khilona (1970) and Aap Ki Kasam (1974). She also received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996, the IIFA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008, and the Screen Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. In 2022, she was honored with the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award, for her contributions to the arts.
What was Mumtaz's acting style?
Mumtaz was known for her natural and spontaneous acting style. She had exceptional expressive abilities, particularly through her eyes and facial expressions, which made her performances emotionally compelling. She was also an accomplished dancer and brought grace and energy to musical numbers. Her versatility allowed her to excel in various genres, from romantic dramas to action films, making her one of the most complete actresses of her era.
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Films
1 film
