Mumtaz Wonders Why 'Very Wealthy' Amitabh Bachchan Became An Actor: 'They Had A Bungalow'

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Mumtaz says Amitabh Bachchan had a privileged life and questions his struggler image.
Amitabh Bachchan is often hailed as the symbol of grit in Bollywood — a man who rose from rejection to reign as the industry's biggest star. But veteran actress Mumtaz recently shared a contrasting view, suggesting that his early life was far from the image of hardship that fans usually associate with him.
Speaking to Radio Nasha, Mumtaz said she didn't see real struggle in Amitabh's beginnings and compared their vastly different upbringings.
'See, I had to drop out of school in fourth grade, and I started working as an extra in films. I was 7 years old and we used to get Rs 500 for a role, out of which Rs 100 I had to give to person who got us the job, and the rest I used to give to my mother. On the other hand, Amitabh ji was a highly educated and classy person. His father was a known figure, and they had a bungalow and a nice life, so I don't understand why he needed to become an actor," she said.
The two actors worked together only once — in the 1973 film Bandhe Haath, directed by OP Goyle. While the film may not be remembered as a major hit, it marked a rare collaboration between two celebrated names.
Mumtaz recalled her time working with him fondly. 'He was very wealthy, well known and educated. He wanted to work; I said yes, and we made that film. I was very happy to work with him; he is a very nice person. He has a certain class, and I wish I could have done more films with him so that I could have learnt more from him."
Interestingly, Bandhe Haath released the same year as Zanjeer, the film that transformed Bachchan into a national sensation and redefined the hero archetype in Indian cinema. From there, he delivered iconic performances in films like Sholay, Deewaar, and Amar Akbar Anthony.
Mumtaz was one of the most popular actresses of the 1960s and 70s, known for her expressive performances and effortless screen presence. She starred in numerous box office hits like Do Raaste, Brahmachari, and Roti, and was celebrated for her on-screen chemistry with Rajesh Khanna.
First Published:
June 15, 2025, 09:36 IST