India's most romantic director, Yash Chopra, was once in love with '70s leading lady Mumtaz: 'I was not very beautiful but ...'

During the golden era of the 1970s, Mumtaz stood tall as one of Bollywood’s most celebrated and well-compensated actresses. Known for her charm, talent, and screen presence, she became a household name through a series of unforgettable roles.

Recently, the veteran actress shared a lesser-known chapter from her early career, revealing a deeply respectful and heartfelt proposal she once received from the now-legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra, long before he became a towering figure in Indian cinema.

At that time, Chopra was merely an assistant working under his brother, B.R. Chopra. Mumtaz recalled that he held genuine admiration for her during those formative days in the film industry.

Though she described herself modestly, it was clear that the young assistant director was drawn to her. With great humility and dignity, he once expressed his desire to marry her. However, Mumtaz, still focused on her aspirations and career path, gently declined the proposal, believing her journey had only just begun and her professional ambitions required undivided attention.

Despite the rejection, a deep mutual respect defined their bond. She always regarded Yash Chopra as a person of rare integrity—someone who maintained class and courtesy, both in personal conduct and professional demeanor.

She never viewed his proposal as anything less than sincere and dignified. Their paths remained intertwined as friends, and she even attended his wedding later on. Over the years, the admiration she held for him only deepened, especially as he rose to become one of Indian cinema's most revered filmmakers. She also acknowledged the legacy being carried forward by his son, Aditya Chopra, who continues to uphold the family’s cinematic excellence.

Mumtaz, who married businessman Mayur Madhvani in 1974, chose to step away from the limelight to focus on her family. She embraced motherhood and life outside the industry, taking a lengthy 13-year hiatus from acting. Her marriage brought stability and joy, and she remained largely away from the arc lights during that period.

Now, with the passage of time, the iconic actress is contemplating a return to the screen. However, she is selective about the roles she might consider. She has made it clear that only characters that align with her personality and stature would be acceptable. She isn’t interested in generic portrayals of elderly women unless the role offers substance and meaning. For Mumtaz, any potential comeback must reflect her legacy—strong, graceful, and unforgettable.