One of the iconic films starring Dilip Kumar has been Ram Aur Shyam in which the legendary actor was seen in a double role. As the actor bid adieu today at the age of 98, Bombay Times reached out to his co-star Mumtaz. The actress shared fond memories about the only project she got to work with him.
Mumtaz has disclosed that Mehmood played a pivotal role in introducing her to Dilip Kumar and persuading him to collaborate on their initial film, Ram Aur Shyam. Following their successful collaboration in Ram Aur Shyam, Mumtaz, and Dilip Kumar went on to work together in subsequent films like Ram Tere Kitna Naam and Sadhu Aur Shaitaan.
I had grown up among elders – grandparents, parents and their cousins – virtually a whole generation that was in awe of actor Dilip Kumar. My sisters, who had once taken a fancy to Mughal-e-Azam would often practice its dialogues, leaving me most amused. So when in 2004, as a young reporter I was asked to go an interview him and Saira Banu, I was most thrilled and naturally nervous.
Mumtaz met Mehmood’s brother and recalled how the late comic actor helped her in her career. In the video that she shared on her Instagram page, Mumtaz said, “I just want to say that Mehmood ji had a big hand in my success. Had he not recommended my name to Yusuf saab…Dilip Kumar …He took my reels to the star and showed them to him. He said, ‘there is this new girl and you must work with her..you have a double role in the film..’. So, Dilip Kumar was like ‘She is a beautiful, nice and tall girl.