Veteran actor Mumtaz expressed deep emotion about the fate of Rajesh KhannaAashirwad’s iconic bungalow, a “monument”, has admitted that the loss still affects him.In a chat with Vickey Lalwani, Mumtaz spoke about her close bond with Khana, her frequent visits to the bungalow and the memories attached to it.
“This was my hero’s house”
Remembering Aashirwad, Mumtaz said the place still holds immense emotional value for her.“It hurt me. Even today, when I see that building, I say, ‘This was my hero’s house.'”He added: “It was such a big landmark, it was like a monument.”Mumtaz revealed that the residence he bought from Meena Kumari was very close to Aashirwad.“The house we stayed in on Carter Road, it belonged to Meena Kumari. It was very close to Rajesh Khanna’s bungalow. I used to go there a lot.”She fondly remembered the warmth she received from Khanna and her then-partner Anju Mahendru.“When Anju was with her, she would call me and make me sit. Even when I got engaged to Mayur, I would take her along.”“Kaka and Anju would look after us very well… ‘This this, eat that’.” People in the film industry are very big-hearted.”
“That was the dream: to become a museum”
Talking about what happened to the bungalow, Mumtaz said she had heard about the plans to preserve it.“That was the dream, that after his death it would become a museum. But after his death, I don’t know why it was sold.”He declined to speculate further.“I heard there were some internal problems, but I don’t know the details. When you don’t know the truth, you shouldn’t comment.”Calling herself emotional, Mumtaz said her connections in the industry have been enduring.“I am a very emotional person. When I love or become friends with someone, it is forever. I was very close to Anju and Kaka.’
“I knew it would be late, but the job is done”
Along with personal memories, Mumtaz also opened up about working on set with Rajesh Khanna, including his notorious habit of arriving late.“No, because he would come and complete his work. With Rajesh Khana, we had an understanding. I knew he would come late, but he would complete the work.” He added that he adjusted his schedule accordingly.“Yes, we had arguments sometimes. But I was very adaptable. The director would do my solo shots first. I would even ask him, ‘Should I do this in a high tone or a low tone?’ and do it accordingly.”“Then when he came, we did the combination shots. After that, my pack-up was done. I said to him: ‘My first shots are finished, now you do your part. You’re late, I’m leaving.'”
