Mumtaz Advocates For Lifting Ban On Pakistani Artists: 'Unhe Bhi Mauka Milna Chahiye'

Recently, Mumtaz, along with her sister Mallika, visited Pakistan. During their visit, the esteemed actress uploaded numerous photos and videos with local actors and classical singers to her Instagram. In a recent interview with Zoom, Mumtaz praised the warm reception they received from Pakistani artists and advocated for an end to the ban on Pakistani talent in India.

Mumtaz recounted how Fawad Khan had booked an entire restaurant to host them and shared a touching moment when Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, despite being ill, performed a song for her. Furthermore, she posted an image with the legendary classical singer Ghulam Ali, capturing moments from her trip. “Woh log hum logon se bilkul alag nahin hain (They are no different from us),” Mumtaz commented on her experience, highlighting the affection and gifts they received everywhere they went. “Everywhere that I went, people came forward to shower me and my sister with love and gifts. Ek kalakaar isse zyada aur kya chahta hai (What more can an artist ask for)? They were familiar with all my films, all my songs.”

Mumtaz believes that these talented artists should be permitted to work in Bollywood, pointing out, “They should be allowed to come and work here. They are talented. I agree we have no dearth of talent in the Mumbai film industry. Lekin unhe bhi mauka milna chahiye (But they should also get work opportunities in Bollywood).”

Mumtaz, a prominent figure in Hindi cinema during the 60s and 70s, began her acting career at age 11 with ‘Sone Ki Chidiya’ and has starred in several hits such as ‘Do Raaste’ with Rajesh Khanna, Dev Anand’s ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna,’ and ‘Apradh’ alongside Feroz Khan. Mumtaz’s daughter, Natasha Madhwani, is married to Fardeen Khan, Feroz Khan’s son.

Recently, Mumtaz has been in the news for criticising her fellow actress Zeenat Aman for latter’s pro stance on live-in relationships before marriage. Mumtaz had said in an interview with Zoom, “Zeenat should be careful with what she is advising. She has all of a sudden come into this huge social media popularity, and I can understand her excitement about sounding like a cool aunty. But giving advice that is counter to our moral values is not the solution to increasing your following.”