Mumtaz Begum
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- Born: 7 April, 1923
- Primary Cinema: Hindi
Born on 7 April 1923 in Bombay, Mumtaz Begum was a familiar and memorable face in Indian cinema, appearing frequently on the silver screen from the 1950s to the late 1990s. Known for portraying mothers, grandmothers, aunts, or housekeepers, her characters were appeared often draped in white clothing—a hallmark of her screen persona. Her big, expressive eyes conveyed profound pathos, while her refined diction added assertiveness to her dialogue delivery. She played maternal and familial roles not only to heroes but also to villains and comedians, showcasing her versatility.
She began her career with films such as Punar Milan (1940), Fashion (1943), Vakil Saheb (1943), and Ghulami (1945). In 1950, she starred opposite Prithviraj Kapoor in V Shantaram’s social drama Dahej, which tackled the social evil of dowry. Her talent shone in subsequent films like Deewana (1951) and Rajput (1951), where she shared screen space with Suraiya.
Mumtaz Begum rose to prominence as a sought-after character actor with films like Saki (1952), Nastik (1954), Jagriti (1954), Bara-Dari (1955), Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje (1955), and Aab-e-Hayat (1955). Over the decades, she appeared in numerous celebrated films, including New Delhi (1956), Lajwanti (1958), Kala Pani (1958), Chirag Kahan Roshni Kahan (1959), Kala Bazar (1960), Barsat Ki Raat (1960), Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960), Dil Tera Diwana (1962), Anpadh (1962), Dil Hi To Hai (1963), Mere Mehboob (1963), Ayee Milan Ki Bela (1964), Neela Akash (1965), Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi (1966), Patthar Ke Sanam (1967), Sunghursh (1968), Neel Kamal (1968), Heer Ranjha (1970), Gambler (1971), Dil Diwana (1974), Bhola Bhala (1978), and Aatish (1979).
Her contributions extended to Punjabi cinema, where she starred in films like Chambe Di Kali (1960), Nanak Dukhiya Sab Sansar (1970), Taakra (1976), and Yamla Jatt (1976). Among her many memorable roles, her performance as Dev Anand’s mother in Tere Ghar Ke Samne (1963) remains particularly noteworthy.
After a prolific career spanning over six decades, Mumtaz Begum retired from films in 1998, leaving behind a legacy of diverse performances.
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Filmography (141)
SortRole
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Nishanebazi 1989
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Aulad 1987
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Do Posti 1981
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Sister 1980
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Jwalamukhi 1980
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Deen Aur Imaan 1979
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Santo Banto 1979
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Atmaram 1979
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Aatish 1979
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Chunaoti 1979
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Jat Punjabi 1979
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Chunauti 1979
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