‘Meena Kumari knew she would die soon, that's why she sold her Bandra bungalow to me', says Mumtaz: ‘She was not bankrupt'

Indian Express

31-05-2025

In 1972, producer Saawan Kumar Tak announced a new project Gomti Ke Kinare. The film's star, Meena Kumari, insisted that he also direct the film. She was battling with alcoholism and her health had taken a hit. Meena's deteriorating health extended the film's shoot, causing Saawan to run out of money. To help her friend, Meena Kumari decided to sell her Bandra bungalow, which was eventually bought by her co-star Mumtaz. Meena Kumari's decision fuelled speculation. Some claimed she was bankrupt, other said Mumtaz helped Meena by buying her property. Now, Mumtaz has reacted to these claims by sharing her version of the story.
In an interview with Radio Nasha, Mumtaz shared, 'There are lot of misconceptions about this incident.' Explaining what really happened, Mumtaz said, 'Saawan Kumar Tak was her good friend. While making the film, the project faced some financial issues. There was shortage of funds.' Mumtaz was yet to be paid her fees.
'During those days, I used to charge Rs 7.5 lakh per film. I was the highest paid actress. They were yet to pay me about Rs 5 lakh. It was during this time, when an extremely sick Meena Kumari asked, 'Mumtaz, would you mind if I give you my bungalow instead of your due payment?' At first I hesitated, because it was a home she had built for herself, but she kept saying that she wouldn't be around for much longer due to her illness. I eventually took it.'
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Mumtaz added, 'All the news which claims she went bankrupt and that is why she sold her bungalow are false. She just knew she doesn't have any family, so she thought she better give away that bungalow to me than leaving it abandoned. I guess that house was quite lucky for me. I did well in my career after moving in.'
Previously, talking about the incident, Saawan Kumar Tak told Filmfare, 'I told Meena Kumari, 'Because of the delay in shoot, I have exhausted all the finances.' She said, 'Don't worry.' I needed one and half lakh rupees. After five to six days, she gave me the amount saying, 'I am not giving you charity. You can return the money.' Later, I came to know that she had sold her bungalow in Bandra to Mumtaz to give me that money.'
Gomti Ke Kinare was her last release post her death in March 1972. The film, however, didn't work at the box office.