Mumtaz Reveals Spiritual Journey and Views on Interfaith Marriage
Veteran Bollywood star Mumtaz, originally named Mumtaz Askari, emerged as one of the most celebrated actresses during the vibrant 1970s era of Indian cinema. She captivated audiences with memorable performances in iconic films such as 'Khilona', 'Do Raaste', 'Aap Ki Kasam', 'Tere Mere Sapne', and 'Roti', among numerous others. Her onscreen chemistry with legendary actor Rajesh Khanna remains legendary, with their collaborative songs continuing to resonate as timeless classics in Bollywood history.
Retirement and Personal Life
At the zenith of her illustrious film career, Mumtaz made a significant personal decision by marrying businessman Mayur Madhvani in 1974. This union marked her departure from the silver screen, as she chose to step away from acting to focus on her family life. In a recent candid interview, the esteemed actress opened up about various aspects of her personal journey, particularly highlighting her interfaith marriage and its profound impact on her spiritual beliefs.
Spiritual Beliefs and Daily Practices
Despite being born into a Muslim family, Mumtaz expressed a deep and unwavering faith in Hindu deities, which she incorporates into her daily routine. During her conversation with Sitaron Ka Safar, she revealed, "My favourites are Lord Shankar and Lord Krishna. I believe in them deeply, even though I am a Muslim." She elaborated on how devotion seamlessly integrates into her everyday life, stating, "Whenever I walk down the stairs in my house, there is an idol of Lord Ganesha, who is my favourite, and I bow at his feet. I also believe in Lord Shankar. Since childhood, I have always loved good-looking people, and I feel he is the most handsome god. So I love him. These are the two deities I especially believe in."
Perspectives on Interfaith Marriage
The conversation further delved into her interfaith marriage, with Mumtaz noting that both she and her sister married Hindu men and have found enduring happiness in their relationships. She emphasized, "I believe in both religions. I married a Hindu, and my sister also married a Hindu. We are both happy. My husband takes great care of me. I don't understand why people keep talking about Hindu and Muslim divisions, I don't believe in that." This statement underscores her rejection of religious divisions and her embrace of harmony between faiths.
Criticism of Polygamy
Mumtaz also shared her strong personal views on polygamy, expressing clear disagreement with the practice followed by some Muslim men. She articulated, "I always say that I married a Hindu, and so did my sister, and we are very happy. Among Muslims, many men have married three or four times and then left their wives. How does that make Muslims better than Hindus? A man should not marry three or four times in the first place. I myself am Muslim, and I say this is wrong, to keep one wife and then marry another, and then a third."
She elaborated on the emotional impact, adding, "Have you ever thought about how possessive women are in relationships? This is one relationship where every woman is possessive. Leaving one and marrying another, how is that right? Isn't that a sin?" Mumtaz concluded by drawing a comparison, noting, "In that sense, Hindus seem better, they usually marry once. Sometimes they may marry twice, but it's not about easily leaving one person and moving on to another. That is wrong."
This insightful interview provides a rare glimpse into the personal beliefs and values of a Bollywood icon, highlighting themes of spiritual devotion, interfaith harmony, and social critique that resonate deeply in contemporary discussions.
