Still a Diva: Mumtaz Says She’ll Return to Bollywood, But Only If the Role Matches Her Spark

Veteran Bollywood actress Mumtaz, who was famous for her retro roles during the 1960s and 70s, has finally responded to the much-awaited question of her comeback to the silver screen. In an open interview released today, the 77-year-old actress made it certain that she is willing to do a Bollywood comeback-but on her own terms.

Talking about the kind of roles she would play, Mumtaz said, "Main filmon mein buddhi ka role toh karne vaali nahi hoon. Aur jaisi main lagti hun vaisa role offer hua nahi. Jab hoga tab sochungi. I want a role that suits my looks. Mujhe vaise offer nahi aaye jaise mujhe chahiye. Main kisi ki maa ka role karne waali nahi hun. No." The acting legend clearly indicated that she does not want to do stereotypical old or mother roles, and that any return role must be appropriate to her personality and presence.

The fans have embraced her statement with open arms, appreciating her boldness and candor. Social networking sites buzzed with the likes of, "OMG, I so want to see Mumtaz ma'am on screen again," and "She looks awesome even at this age."

Mumtaz started her acting career at the age of 11 and emerged as one of the leading ladies of Bollywood with super-hit films such as Ram Aur Shyam (1967) and Do Raaste (1969). She retired after the 1976 film Nagin and made a short comeback in 1990 with Aandhiyan before retiring and settling in London.

With her latest statement, Mumtaz has made it clear that she will return to Bollywood only if she is given a role befitting her status and current image-refusing to be stereotyped in "buddhi-wuddhi" roles.

Source: Hindustan Times