Entertainment / Fri, 19 Jun 2026 News18

This Superstar Actress Was Once The Highest-Paid Heroine, But Her In-Laws Forbade Her From Acting After Marriage

ADVERTISEMENT3 / 10 At the height of her career, Mumtaz commanded the highest fees among heroines. 6 / 10 In the early 1970s, Mumtaz met businessman Mayur Madhvani. ADVERTISEMENT7 / 10 Mumtaz married Mayur Madhvani in 1974 at the absolute peak of her career. 8 / 10 After marriage, her in-laws (especially her mother-in-law) were strongly against her continuing to work in films. ADVERTISEMENT9 / 10 Despite being the highest-paid and most in-demand heroine, Mumtaz quit acting almost overnight.

Last Updated: June 19, 2026, 20:08 IST

1 / 10 Born on 31 July 1947, Mumtaz began her career as a child artist and gradually rose to become one of the most sought-after leading ladies in Hindi cinema through sheer talent and hard work.

2 / 10 With her striking beauty, expressive eyes, and powerful screen presence, Mumtaz quickly became a favourite of filmmakers and audiences alike during the golden era of Bollywood.

3 / 10 At the height of her career, Mumtaz commanded the highest fees among heroines. She was at the top of her game — glamorous, talented, and unstoppable.

4 / 10 Films like Brahmachari, Do Raaste, Aadmi Aur Insaan, and especially Khilona (for which she won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress) established her as a superstar who could do both glamorous and performance-oriented roles with equal ease.

5 / 10 Mumtaz became the face of 1970s glamour — bold, beautiful, and unforgettable in every frame. Her dance numbers and on-screen chemistry with top heroes made her a phenomenon.

6 / 10 In the early 1970s, Mumtaz met businessman Mayur Madhvani. Their relationship blossomed, and she decided to marry him, choosing love over the spotlight.

7 / 10 Mumtaz married Mayur Madhvani in 1974 at the absolute peak of her career. What followed was a decision that shocked the film industry.

8 / 10 After marriage, her in-laws (especially her mother-in-law) were strongly against her continuing to work in films. They wanted her to lead a traditional life as a wife and homemaker, far away from the camera and public gaze.

9 / 10 Despite being the highest-paid and most in-demand heroine, Mumtaz quit acting almost overnight. She walked away from fame, money, and adulation to honour her family’s wishes — a sacrifice that remains one of the most talked-about in Bollywood history.