Mumtaz claims romantic ties with Shammi Kapoor cost her Mera Naam Joker role

Yesteryear actress Mumtaz recently opened up about missing the chance to star in the iconic film, Mera Naam Joker. During an interview with Dawn, Mumtaz revealed that Raj Kapoor who was the lead actor and director of the movie initially considered Mumtaz for the role of the trapeze artist, Marina. They later decided against casting her due to concerns about the attire she would wear in the film.

Mumtaz reveals why exactly she was removed from Mera Naam Joker

In her revelation, Mumtaz shared, "Raj ji had me audition for Mera Naam Joker, but he later cut me, saying, 'You will come to our house, and we don't want you to wear such small clothes in the film.' So he decided not to cast me in the film." The role eventually went to Russian actor Kseniya Ryabinkina.

Mumtaz-Shammi Kapoor's dating

Mumtaz's connection with the Kapoor family extended beyond professional matters. She and Shammi Kapoor, who is Raj Kapoor's brother, shared a brief romance. However, their relationship ended amicably when Mumtaz declined Shammi Kapoor's proposal for marriage. Reflecting on their time together, Mumtaz expressed her deep feelings for Shammi Kapoor but said that it was too early for her to marry at the age of 17.

"I was only around 17. He was 18 years older than me. It was too early for me to get married. Mujhe kucch banna tha," she said in an interview with Pinkvilla.

Mumtaz revealed that their breakup was understandable and added that if they had married, it wouldn't have worked due to conflicting aspirations. Mumtaz stated, "I wanted to act. I wanted to achieve something. The Kapoor family was strict about their bahus not working in films."

Mumtaz eventually married Mayur Madhvani in 1974 and Shammi Kapoor went on to tie the knot with Geeta Bali until 1965 and was later married to Neila Devi until his last days.