Mumtaz reveals she demanded Rs 20 lakh for appearing in reality show with Dharmendra: ‘Paisa pheko, tamasha dekho’

Mumtaz said that even as a leading lady, she was also very particular about getting paid her due. She said, “I have told the televison people a thousand times that this is my price, I can adjust Rs 20-25k, but not more than that. I did only one show, I took Rs 18-20 lakh for that. They said they can’t pay me, and I haven’t done it, I don’t want to do it. Paisa pheko, tamasha dekho!”

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When the host asked Mumtaz about rejecting Seeta Aur Geeta since she was offered a lower salary, she replied, “Not just fees. But yes, that was also one of the reasons. But, Ramesh Sippy sahab was a big producer and director at that time, so he thought I might to it in Rs 2 lakh because he was a big producer. Every big producer has their own ego issues. But thankfully, I was getting so many films already that I didn’t feel this film would do anything special for me. So, things didn’t work out between us. But you see, Hema Malini did it na.”

When Vickey mentioned if she had any regret of turning down the movie, Mumtaz denied and said, “How many other films in her (Hema Malini) career became a hit? She has more or me? Please make the list, I have given more hits. I don’t want to overstate, please forgive me God! But, because you asked this, I had to give an answer. I would have loved to do that subject, but I didn’t want to lower my value or level. Producers start questioning if you do a film at a lesser fee for someone.”

Mumtaz and Dharmendra shared screen space in several movies, including, Loafer (1973) and Jheel Ke Us Paar (1973). The duo was known for their chemistry in films. Recently, she also paid tribute to the late actor in a heartwarming social media post.