Mumtaz Askari
Biography
Mumtaz Askari Madhvani (born 31 July 1947) is an Indian actress. Primarily known for her work in Hindi films, she is the recipient of a Filmfare Award and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to Hindi cinema.
Mumtaz made her acting debut at age 11 with Sone Ki Chidiya (1958). Following smaller roles as a teenager in films like; Stree (1961), Sehra (1963), and Gehra Daag (1963), Mumtaz progressed to leading roles with a series of action films opposite wrestler Dara Singh in films like; Faulad (1963) and Daku Mangal Singh (1966). However, her appearance in these films typecasted her as a "Stunt Film Heroine" and her career stalled. Following praised supporting work in films; Ram Aur Shyam (1967), Mere Hamdam Mere Dost (1968), and Brahmachari (1968), Mumtaz had her career breakthrough with Raj Khosla's family drama Do Raaste (1969). She went on to establish herself as one of the leading actresses of Hindi cinema with films; Bandhan (1969), Aadmi Aur Insaan (1969), Sachaa Jhutha (1970), Khilona (1970), Tere Mere Sapne (1971), Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971), Apna Desh (1972), Loafer (1973), Jheel Ke Us Paar (1973), Chor Machaye Shor (1974), Aap Ki Kasam (1974), Roti (1974), Prem Kahani (1975) and Nagin (1976). Following her appearance in the drama Aaina (1977), Mumtaz took a sabbatical from acting for 13 years, making her comeback with Aandhiyan (1990), following which she retired from acting.
During her acting career, Mumtaz carved a niche and became known for her versatility and escaping typecasting, which initially had stalled her career in the first place. She became a prominent sex symbol during the 1970s and established herself as the highest-paid woman in the Indian entertainment industry from the late 1960s to the mid-1970s. Since her retirement from acting, she has settled in London with her husband, Ugandan businessman Mayur Madhvani with whom she has two daughters. She has been an advocate for Breast Cancer survivors and has appeared in the documentary 1 a Minute (2010).
Mumtaz was born to Abdul Salim Askari (a dry fruits vendor) and Shadi Habib Agha who hailed from Mashhad, Iran. They got divorced just one year after she was born. Her younger sister is actor Mallika who was married to wrestler and Indian actor Randhawa - younger brother of wrestler and actor Dara Singh.
