Mumtaz Askari

Mumtaz Askari Madhvani (née Askari), known mononymously as Mumtaz is an Indian actress who worked in Hindi films. Regarded as one of the finest actresses of Hindi cinema, Mumtaz is the recipient of two Filmfare Awards. Mumtaz made her acting debut at age 11 with Lajwanti (1958), Sone Ki Chidiya (1958), and did smaller roles in films like Stree (1961) and Sehra (1963). Mumtaz was typecasted as a "stunt film heroine", with Faulad (1963) and Daku Mangal Singh (1966), which stalled her career. After being praised for her work in Ram Aur Shyam (1967), Mere Hamdam Mere Dost (1968) and Brahmachari (1968), Mumtaz had her career breakthrough Do Raaste (1969). She went on to establish herself as one of the leading actress with films such as - Bandhan (1969), Aadmi Aur Insaan (1969), Sachaa Jhutha (1970), Khilona (1970), which won her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress, Tere Mere Sapne (1971), Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971), Apna Desh (1972), Loafer (1973), Jheel Ke Us Paar (1973), Chor Machaye Shor (1974), Aap Ki Kasam (1974), Roti (1974), Prem Kahani (1975) and Nagin (1976). After the 1977 film Aaina and a sabbatical of 13 years, the 1990 film Aandhiyan, marked her final film before retirement. Since she retired from acting, Mumtaz has settled in London with her husband, Ugandan businessman Mayur Madhvani with whom she has two daughters. She has been an advocate for Breast Cancer survivors and has appeared in the 2010 documentary 1 a Minute.