Veteran actress Mumtaz has recently addressed long-standing rumors of a rivalry with her contemporary, Sharmila Tagore, during a candid conversation. While clarifying that they were never close friends, Mumtaz also touched upon their professional journeys, specifically in relation to accolades received.
When asked about the supposed contention between the two leading ladies of their era, Mumtaz stated, “Rivalry for what? I had nothing to do with Sharmila Tagore. She has among the top actors, and so was I.” She further emphasized her own achievements, asserting, “On the contrary, I think I have won more awards than what she had ever won. I got more awards. She and I both were beautiful, so why would I be jealous of her? I was never jealous of her; I don’t know why people think that.” 1 Â
Looking at the awards received by both actresses throughout their illustrious careers, Mumtaz has indeed been recognized with a Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her role in Khilona (1971), a Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997, and an IIFA Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema award in 2008. She also won a Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Award for Best Supporting Actress for Brahmachari in 1968.
Sharmila Tagore,, on the other hand, has garnered a Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Aradhana (1970) and a Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998. She has also been honored with two National Film Awards: Best Actress for Mausam (1975) and Best Supporting Actress for Abar Aranye (2004). Additionally, she received an IIFA Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema award in 2011.
While the number of popular awards might slightly favor Mumtaz, Sharmila Tagore’s National Film Awards hold significant prestige in the Indian film industry. Both actresses have been celebrated for their remarkable contributions to cinema with Lifetime Achievement Awards from prominent institutions.
Mumtaz also reflected on her close working relationship with the late superstar Rajesh Khanna, with whom both she and Sharmila Tagore shared significant on-screen pairings. Mumtaz highlighted the numerous successful films and hit songs she did with Khanna, suggesting a closer professional bond.
In the same conversation, Mumtaz also addressed whether she had reached out to Sharmila Tagore following the recent reported attack on her son, Saif Ali Khan. Mumtaz stated that she did not, explaining that she generally doesn’t call people and that she was never particularly close to Sharmila.
Ultimately, Mumtaz’s recent remarks offer her perspective on the rumored rivalry and shed light on the professional relationship she shared with Sharmila Tagore during their time as leading actresses in Bollywood. While acknowledging Sharmila’s stature as a top actor, Mumtaz confidently stated her own achievements in terms of awards received.