Veteran Bollywood actor Mumtaz, one of the most celebrated stars of the 1970s, recently shared candid thoughts about her personal life, interfaith marriage, and views on polygamy. In a recent interview on the YouTube channel Sitaron Ka Safar, the legendary actress reflected on her long-lasting marriage, her spiritual beliefs, and her perspective on relationships and religious harmony.
Born as Mumtaz Askari, the actor was among the most successful and admired actresses of her era. Known for her performances in numerous hit films during the golden period of Hindi cinema, Mumtaz continues to be remembered fondly by fans even decades after stepping away from the spotlight.
Mumtaz on Interfaith Marriage
Speaking about her marriage, Mumtaz emphasized that mutual respect and love matter more than religious identity. She revealed that she strongly believes in harmony between religions and has never viewed faith as a barrier in relationships.
Mumtaz is married to businessman Mayur Madhvani, and the couple has been together for several decades. Reflecting on her marriage, the veteran actor shared that she feels fortunate to have a supportive partner who has always taken great care of her.
She said that despite being born into a Muslim family, she respects both Islam and Hinduism. According to her, religion should never divide people who genuinely care about each other.
The actress also mentioned that her sister entered into a similar interfaith marriage and is equally happy in her life. For Mumtaz, such experiences reinforce her belief that relationships should be built on understanding and affection rather than religious differences.
She noted that discussions around Hindu–Muslim divisions often create unnecessary barriers between communities, something she personally does not believe in.
Faith Beyond Religious Boundaries
Mumtaz also spoke about her spiritual outlook and shared that she has faith in Hindu deities as well, even though she was born Muslim.
Her comments reflected a broader belief in spiritual inclusivity. She explained that for her, devotion and faith are personal matters that transcend strict religious boundaries.
According to the veteran actor, harmony between communities is possible when individuals respect each other’s beliefs and traditions.
Strong Views on Polygamy
During the interview, Mumtaz also addressed the topic of polygamy and expressed strong views against the practice. She said that she personally disagrees with the idea of men marrying multiple times while remaining married to their first spouse.
According to her, commitment is a fundamental aspect of marriage, and repeatedly marrying multiple partners is unfair to women involved in such relationships.
She remarked that some men within the Muslim community marry three or four times and then abandon their earlier wives. In her opinion, this practice is unjust and emotionally damaging.
Mumtaz questioned how such behaviour could be justified and emphasized that relationships require loyalty and responsibility. She also pointed out that women are naturally possessive when it comes to romantic relationships, making it particularly painful when a partner moves on to another marriage.
Her comments reflected a broader concern about the emotional consequences of such arrangements, especially for women who may feel neglected or abandoned.
Commitment and Responsibility in Marriage
The actress stressed that marriage should be built on trust, commitment, and mutual respect. According to her, leaving one partner to marry another repeatedly goes against the core values of a committed relationship.
Mumtaz also compared relationship patterns across communities, saying that many Hindu men typically marry once, and while second marriages do happen, it is generally not about repeatedly leaving one partner for another.
She added that true partnership involves standing by one person rather than continuously moving from one relationship to the next.
Life After Films
After a highly successful film career in Bollywood, Mumtaz eventually stepped away from the industry to focus on her personal life. Over the years, she has largely stayed away from films while dedicating time to her family.
She and Mayur Madhvani share two daughters, Natasha Madhwani and Tanya Madhwani. Both daughters have grown up away from the intense spotlight of the film industry.
Despite maintaining a relatively private life, Mumtaz continues to remain a beloved personality among Bollywood fans. Her films, charm, and memorable performances from the 1960s and 1970s still hold a special place in the hearts of audiences.
Her recent interview has once again brought her thoughtful perspectives into public conversation, highlighting her views on relationships, faith, and the importance of respect in marriage.
