When Mumtaz revealed Vyjayanthimala didn’t talk to her on the set, said, 'Vo log bade the, hum chote the, Waheeda Rehman ji down to earth thi..."

When Mumtaz revealed Vyjayanthimala didn’t talk to her on the set, said, 'Vo log bade the, hum chote the, Waheeda Rehman ji down to earth thi..."

There was a time when Bollywood was ruled by queens like Waheeda Rehman, Vyjayanthimala, and later, Mumtaz, women who defined grace, glamour, and the golden age of Hindi cinema.

But behind the glittering frames and evergreen melodies, there were stories of distance, discipline, and unspoken hierarchies.

In a throwback interview with Dawn News, yesteryear diva Mumtaz opened up about those early days when she was still trying to find her footing in an industry dominated by towering figures. Her candid revelations offer a fascinating glimpse into the human side of fame.

Mumtaz, who began her career as a teenager with Sone Ki Chidiya in 1958, went on to become one of the most loved actresses of the 60s and 70s, starring in hits like Do Raaste, Khilona, and Aap Ki Kasam. Yet, even as her popularity soared, she never forgot the struggles of her early days, both on and off the sets.

When asked about her rapport with her contemporaries and seniors, Mumtaz’s honesty stood out. She recalled how young actresses like herself were often kept at a distance by established stars. “Vo log bohot bade the aur hum toh chote the, they didn’t like mingling with us,” she said.

“There were a few exceptions like Waheeda ji. She used to be very down to earth. Vyjayanthimala also belonged to the same era, but she didn’t talk to me.”

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Mumtaz went on to explain that it wasn’t necessarily hostility, but rather the norm in those days, senior stars kept to themselves, and newcomers had to earn their space. “Some people don’t want to talk to people inferior to them,” she added. “Some artists don’t even give autographs when they are on the street.”

Over time, as her talent and charm made her one of the leading ladies of Indian cinema, Mumtaz carved her own circle of trust and friendship. She mentioned that she bonded deeply with actresses like Anju Mahendru and Poonam Sinha, friendships that continue even today. “Gradually, as I made my place in the industry, I also made friends,” she said. “Anju Mahendru and Poonam Sinha are two people I still share a close bond with.”