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Mumtaz was born on July 31, 1947, to Abdul Sameed Askari and Sardar Begum Habib Agha, also known as Naaz, both of Iranian descent but settled in Bombay, India. She began her career as a child artist in films such as Sanskar (1952), Yasmin (1955), Lajwanti (1958), Sone Ki Chidiya (1958), and Stree (1961). Her mother, Naaz, was also a film actress. Facing financial difficulties, Mumtaz agreed to work as a junior artist, appearing in group scenes from a young age. She appeared on camera in V. Shantaram's Stree and Sehra but went largely unnoticed.
As an adult, Mumtaz's first role was that of the hero’s sister in O. P. Ralhan's Gehra Daag. She was then cast in the lead role for Pathan, produced by Ataullah Khan, Madhubala's father, but the film was never completed. In the early 1960s, extras in Bombay formed a union, requiring junior artists to contribute part of their earnings. From 1958 to 1964, Mumtaz worked primarily as an extra in films like Vallah Kya Baat Hai. Too young to be cast as the lead, she started with minor roles that often went unnoticed but gradually progressed to lead roles in low-budget B-grade films opposite Dara Singh. Together, they had 16 films between 1964 and 1968, 10 of which were hits.
Mumtaz also secured supporting roles in major hit films such as Sehra, Kaajal, Khandaan, Sawan Ki Ghata, Anpad, Hamraaz, Pyar Kiye Jaa, Pati Patni, Mere Sanam, Suraj, Pathhar Ke Sanam, Ram Aur Shyam, and Brahmachari. In 1969, she was signed opposite Rajesh Khanna in Do Raaste. After the success of Aradhana, Rajesh Khanna had become a superstar, and his subsequent films Do Raaste and Bandhan featured Mumtaz as the leading lady. Following these releases, Mumtaz became the highest-paid Hindi actress from 1970 to 1976.
Known for her versatility, beauty, and charm, Mumtaz won hearts with her captivating looks and compelling performances. She quickly eclipsed established leading ladies due to her impressive acting skills. Sensitive and quick to grasp every nuance, she often outshone co-stars, even in brief roles. Over a 14-year career, she appeared in more than 100 films, consistently delivering excellent performances. Her first major film, Khilona (1970), earned her the prestigious Filmfare Award that year. She was also honored with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997.
Mumtaz embodied the allure of Marilyn Monroe, becoming a fantasy figure for many. She stood out because of her remarkable versatility, making every role seem tailor-made for her. Whether playing negative or positive characters, serious or light-hearted, urban or rural, regal or humble, innocent or wicked, gentle or fierce, shy or bold, Mumtaz fit each part perfectly. Her enduring popularity is evident in the continued broadcast of her films on television decades after her retirement, highlighting her unmatched charisma and lasting appeal.
