Veteran actors Shammi Kapoor and Mumtaz once shared an intense romance that ultimately ended due to conflicting dreams and family traditions.
Shammi Kapoor on Their “Nightmare” Romance
During the filming of the 1968 movie Brahmachari, rumors swirled about a blossoming affair between Shammi Kapoor and Mumtaz. Shammi Kapoor, a widower after his first wife Geeta Bali passed away in 1965, spoke about this period.
He described Mumtaz as “a very beautiful thing” in the film. While they initially had “dreams” together, he candidly admitted in an old interview that the relationship eventually “turned into a nightmare.” He concluded by stating his happiness with how things turned out.
Mumtaz’s Deep Affection and Tough Choice
Mumtaz, on her part, openly shared her deep love for Shammi Kapoor. She revealed that he had proposed to her when she was just 17 years old. Despite the immense affection she felt, she turned down his proposal.
The reason was significant: Shammi Kapoor asked her to give up her acting career, a common expectation for women marrying into the Kapoor family at that time. Mumtaz expressed that she never forgot him and that his name still brought tears to her eyes, emphasizing, “It was not a love affair, it was much more. We loved each other deeply.”
Career Versus Tradition
For Mumtaz, her career was non-negotiable. She was a top-earning actress, even as a struggler, and had a family depending on her income. At the time, she was reportedly the highest-paid actress, earning a substantial sum.
She explained that while Shammi had to respect his family’s wishes regarding women not working, she also had to prioritize her career and responsibilities. Her childhood dream was to marry royalty, symbolizing her desire for the best in life, which included her successful profession.
Life After Separation
Though their paths diverged romantically, both Shammi Kapoor and Mumtaz moved on with their lives. Shammi Kapoor later married Neila Devi. Mumtaz, similarly, found love and married businessman Mayur Madhvani.
- Shammi Kapoor described his affair with Mumtaz as an initial “dream” that became a “nightmare.”
- Mumtaz deeply loved Shammi Kapoor but declined his marriage proposal.
- The proposal required Mumtaz to quit acting, which she couldn’t do due to family tradition for Kapoor women and her successful career.
- Both stars eventually married other partners and moved forward in their lives.
Their story remains a poignant chapter in Bollywood history, highlighting the personal sacrifices and societal expectations faced by stars of that era.
