Mumtaz recalls her ‘handsomest’ hero, Feroz Khan; Says, “he always presented his heroines so beautifully and with such dignity” – Exclusive |

When an artist leaves the mortal world, he leaves behind a legacy of not just his work but memories. Thus, recalling them makes the heart sentimental, and that’s exactly what happened when Mumtaz spoke about the late actor Feroz Khan. “My handsomest hero. Feroz was much more than my co-star — he was family,” she said warmly, in an exclusive conversation with us.
“I am still very close to his wife, Sundari. No visit of mine to Mumbai is complete without spending time with her. We meet up, gossip, just like old times,” added the actress, remembering the late actor on his death anniversary.
She continued, “Not only Feroz, but also his brothers Abbas (Sanjay Khan) and Sameer were close to me. Feroz and Abbas were already big stars. When Sameer was launched as a hero (in Gomti Ke Kinare), they asked me to play his romantic lead. I agreed without a second thought.”

Feroz Khan showed his heroines with dignity

When Feroz decided to turn director with ‘Apradh,’ Mumtaz showed her same unconditional support. “He said to me, ‘Mumu, you will be my heroine in my first film (as director).’ I didn’t discuss my role or my fee. Maine seedhe bina soche haan keh diya (I said yes without thinking twice). Feroz presented me so well in ‘Apradh.’ I looked so beautiful,” she recalled.
For a scene, the actress was asked to don a two-piece swim wear, to which she said, “I couldn’t carry it off. He told me to trust him — and I did. I never regretted it. Feroz always presented his heroines so beautifully and with such dignity, whether it was me in ‘Apradh,’ Hemaji in ‘Dharmatma,’ or ‘Srideviji’ in Janbaaz.”

A bond beyond films and friendship

“I did a lot of films with Sanjay and Feroz, and we even worked together in two films — ‘Mela’ and ‘Upaasna.’ We were very close. Later, our friendship turned into family ties,” the actresses added, highlighting how her daughter eventually married Feroz Khan’s son.