Digital News Guru Entertainment Desk:
In a candid and much‑shared interview this week, veteran Bollywood star Mumtaz opened up about a rare television appearance she made with her longtime co‑star Dharmendra, revealing that she charged a substantial amount — around Rs 18 to 20 lakh — for the episode of Indian Idol they did together in 2023. Her remarks have sparked fresh discussion on how iconic film performers value their legacy and command compensation in today’s entertainment landscape.
Mumtaz, one of Hindi cinema’s most celebrated leading ladies of the 1960s and 1970s, rarely appears on television. In her interview with media commentator Vickey Lalwani on his YouTube channel, she explained that her reluctance stems not just from preference but also from a firm stance on remuneration — a principle she has maintained since her film heyday.
Mumtaz Charges Rs 20 Lakh for Rare TV Reunion With Dharmendra After 50 Years
The television appearance in question was for Indian Idol Season 13 in 2023, where Mumtaz and Dharmendra shared the stage in a special episode celebrating their cinematic legacy. It marked the duo’s first televised reunion in nearly five decades, and the episode generated nostalgia among fans across generations.
Mumtaz revealed that the producers offered her terms that were significantly lower than she expected — a situation familiar to many veteran artists who are frequently approached for television appearances without consideration for their stature or legacy in the industry. She said that producers proposed amounts in the range of Rs 3–4 lakh, which she declined because it didn’t match her valuation.
“Even today, they call me on television,” Mumtaz said. “When I went on TV for the first time with Dharam ji and danced with him on the stage, that was the only time I went on television… I have always been like that. They can do it for free also, but this is my price.”
Her signature phrase from the interview — “Paisa pheko, tamasha dekho” (loosely “Throw the money, enjoy the show”) — underscored her belief that high‑value appearances deserve appropriate compensation.
Standing Ground on Value and Legacy
Mumtaz’s comments resonated with many in the industry, especially veteran performers who have often faced pressure to accept low‑pay television stints simply for publicity. Her decision to set a firm fee and walk away from offers that didn’t meet it highlights a career‑long attitude toward self‑worth and professional agency.
She pointed out that even at the height of her film career, she was particular about her fees — not just for television, but for movies as well. In the same interview, Mumtaz shared an anecdote about turning down the now‑iconic film Seeta Aur Geeta early in her career, partly because the remuneration offered did not meet her expectations. She emphasized that this principle was not rooted in ego so much as in self‑respect and clarity about her professional worth.
This candid disclosure sheds light on a broader issue in the Indian entertainment industry — the negotiation dynamics between veteran stars and television producers, particularly when iconic figures from cinema’s golden age are invited to appear on reality and talk shows.
Film Legacy That Commands Respect
Mumtaz’s career trajectory helps explain why she feels justified in charging such a fee. She was one of the highest‑paid actresses of her time, known for blockbuster films such as Do Raaste, Bandhan, Khilona, and Aadmi Aur Insaan. Her on‑screen chemistry with Dharmendra was a highlight of many films in the 1960s and 1970s, including Loafer and Jheel Ke Us Paar — movies that remain cherished by fans decades later.
In her interview, Mumtaz mentioned that she has been contacted more than a hundred times by television producers since that appearance — a testament to her lasting popularity and the interest audiences still have in seeing cinema legends on modern platforms. Yet she stood by her stance: only if the engagement meets her fee expectations will she consider participating.
Industry Reactions and Broader Conversations
Mumtaz’s frankness has sparked conversations on social media and among entertainment commentators about the value of senior actors in contemporary media. Some view her stance as empowering, emphasizing that legacy and stature deserve fair compensation rather than token appearances for publicity. Others note that television producers often operate under tight budgets, especially for daily shows, which may make it difficult to commit to high fees.
Nevertheless, her comments come at a time when nostalgia‑driven content — featuring older stars and classic film properties — is highly prized across Indian television and streaming platforms. Her interview brings into focus the economic realities of this nostalgia market, where veteran stars must balance public demand with personal principles.
Personal Reflections and Regrets
When asked about rejecting Seeta Aur Geeta, a role that eventually went to Hema Malini and became a massive hit, Mumtaz showed no regret. She pointed out that she has delivered numerous hit films herself and didn’t feel that taking on that specific role was crucial for her career. This anecdote further highlights her longstanding confidence in her own choices and career path.
What This Means for Entertainment Today
Mumtaz’s revelations offer a rare behind‑the‑scenes look at how veteran actors negotiate their worth in the evolving entertainment landscape of India — one where television, film, and digital platforms coexist and sometimes compete for star power. Her unapologetic stance may inspire other seasoned artists to articulate their value clearly when approached for appearances, especially for formats that diverge from their primary body of work.
As Indian entertainment continues to blend generations of talent on screen, from the golden era to contemporary digital stars, Mumtaz’s story adds depth to ongoing discussions about respecting artistic legacy, fair compensation, and creative agency — all crucial elements in an industry constantly reinventing itself.
You May Also Read: UP: 2 criminals with bounty killed in encounters
