HBD Mumtaz: Bollywood's one and only diva

As one of the finest actors of the yesteryear, Mumtaz turns 72 today, Etv Bharat brings to you a look back at her journey in Bollywood.

Mumtaz Askari, better known as Mumtaz, is one of the finest actors of her time. She shot to fame for her role in 'Do Raaste' opposite Rajesh Khanna in 1969. After that, Mumtaz again shared the screen with Rajesh in 'Bandhan'. Both the movies proved to be blockbusters of the year which made Mumtaz an overnight sensation.

Mumtaz worked with many biggies from the yesteryear including Rajesh Khanna, Shashi Kapoor, Dharmendra and many more. However, her chemistry with Rajesh was the most loved by the audience.

Mumtaz's onscreen pair with nation's first superstar Rajesh Khanna turned out to be the golden time of the actor's career.

The duo kicked off some of the most successful and memorable films together like 'Do Raastey', 'Sachcha Jhootha', 'Aapki Kasam', 'Apna Desh', 'Prem Kahani', 'Dushman', 'Bandhan' and 'Roti'.

It is also said that just like their reel life chemistry, their offscreen chemistry was also the talk of the town. However, Mumtaz put all the hopes to despair when she married Mayur Madhwani in 1974.

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Reportedly, Mumtaz's marriage came as a major heartbreak to Rajesh as he didn't want her to marry at that moment.

After marriage, Mumtaz stopped working in films. In a career spanning over 15 years, the actor did 108 films out of which most of the films proved to be big hits.

In 1989, Mumtaz gave a chance to her new innings in Bollywood with 'Aandhiyan' but its debacle at the box office made her say a final goodbye to the industry.

Mumtaz was also diagnosed with cancer but she came out stronger with it.

In 1971, Mumtaz was bestowed with Filmfare best actress award for her role in 'Khilona' opposite Sanjeev Kumar.

The graceful actor was awarded Lifetime achievement award in 1996 for her impeccable contribution to Hindi cinema.

Well, we can't forget the grace, beauty and the infectious innocence the actor held within her eyes, smile and style!