When Mumtaz broke down recalling Shammi Kapoor's last birthday party: He was very ill but still drinking, Agar agle janam...

When Mumtaz broke down recalling Shammi Kapoor's last birthday party: He was very ill but still drinking, agar agle janam...

Veteran actor Mumtaz recently opened up about her final meeting with legendary star Shammi Kapoor. The two had shared screen space in the film Brahmachari, and were rumoured to have shared a romantic relationship off-screen as well. Speaking to Radio Nasha, Mumtaz shared intimate memories of Shammi, including the moment he proposed to her and their last poignant interaction.

Mumtaz recalled how Shammi Kapoor had once asked for her hand in marriage. “He proposed to me, but his father was strict,” she said. “He asked me to quit films, but I wasn’t ready to do that. I wanted to keep working.” Her commitment to her career stood in the way of what could have been a lifelong relationship with the flamboyant star.

Breaking down in tears, Mumtaz described the heartbreaking scene of their final meeting. “He was very ill. It was his last birthday. I was invited by his wife. She said, ‘It’s his wish that you attend the party.’ I was shopping in Bandra at the time and I said I would definitely come,” she shared. “I went there with Asha Patel. He was sitting on a chair, and he was still drinking. From afar, I asked him, ‘Why are you still drinking when you’re not well?’ And that’s when I realised he wouldn’t live for long. Then I said, ‘Okay, enjoy yourself.’ He wanted to be happy.”

Despite the emotional weight of the moment, Mumtaz tried to keep her composure in front of Shammi. “I didn’t say much to him. I sat beside him for a while and told him to take care of himself. It was very sad to see him dying,” she said. Reflecting on their bond and the possibility of meeting again, she added, “Agar kehte hain agle janam mein milte hain toh milenge. If it’s true, I don’t know. But he was a wonderful person.”

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Mumtaz described Shammi as charismatic and charming. “He was a little fussy, but such a handsome man. If he had wanted, he could have had many women, but he was very choosy. I think he was incredibly good looking,” she said fondly.

Shammi Kapoor passed away on 14 August 2011 at the age of 79, after suffering from chronic kidney failure. He was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital and spent his final days on a ventilator.

Mumtaz, who began acting at the age of 11 with Lajwanti in 1958, eventually became one of Hindi cinema’s most celebrated actresses, overcoming early typecasting to shine in numerous iconic roles.