Mumtaz reveals how ‘chamcha’ directors and producers lined up to see her Aap Ki Kasam co-star Rajesh Khanna; says, “His girlfriend Anju Mahendroo would play host all night”

Mumtaz recently shared a peek behind the stardom of Rajesh Khanna and Shammi Kapoor and how the Bollywood industry functioned in the 70s.

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

August 5, 2024 - 1:31 PM IST

In the retro era, as actresses like Sharmila Tagore, Mumtaz, Hema Malini, Rakhee, and others ruled Bollywood, there are many experiences that they have shared which gives current generation a sneak peek into what the 70s Bollywood looked like. Recently, Mumtaz, who is bets known for being one of the most loved co-stars of Rajesh Khanna and Shammi Kapoor, opened up about the career graphs of these actors and made some interesting revelations about how ‘chamcha’ directors and producers would line up outside their houses to get a chance.

Mumtaz reveals how ‘chamcha’ directors and producers lined up to see her Aap Ki Kasam co-star Rajesh Khanna; says, “His girlfriend Anju Mahendroo would play host all night”

Mumtaz revealed how these directors and producers would take this opportunity to do butter up a superstar like Rajesh Khanna and how his girlfriend Anju Mahendroo would end up hosting them through the night. In an interview with Rediff, Mumtaz was quoted saying, "We stars are what we are because of your love. Without your love, we are nothing. It wasn’t entirely Rajesh Khanna’s fault. I remember when he was known as the phenomenon. My bungalow was very close to his. I have seen big-name producers and directors behaving like his chamchas. His girlfriend Anju Mahendroo would play host all night. She would serve food and drinks till 3 am. I have seen the same night-long sessions in Shammi Kapoor’s home. He used to spend a fortune on entertaining guests.”

She also added, “I think Shammi Kapoor let himself go and decided to live life the way he wanted to. But to his credit, when he came on set, he worked hard. The same goes for Rajesh Khanna.” The yesteryear star compared these ‘chamcha’ directors to filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali as she appreciated the latter for maintaining his professionalism. She praised him for ‘maintaining a distance’ from the actors and focusing on his job rather than indulging in such antics. “He does his work, treats his actors with respect, and goes home. You are paying the actors; why do you need to do their chamchagiri?” she maintained.

Also Read: Mumtaz recalls wearing bikini for Apradh: “I had a complex about my typical heavy Iranian thighs”