Mumtaz Opens Up On BFF Anju's Relationship With Rajesh Khanna: She Was Like Bagair Shadi Ke Wife Hoti Hai

Mumtaz, a celebrated actress, shared her views on the dynamics of relationships within the film industry, particularly about Anju Mahendru and Rajesh Khanna's relationship. Khanna, a prominent figure in Indian cinema, was known for his on-screen pairing with Mumtaz. However, off-screen, his relationship with Mahendru and subsequent marriage to Dimple Kapadia garnered attention. When Mumtaz was questioned about Mahendru's feelings towards Khanna's decision to marry Kapadia, she disclosed in an exclusive interview to Filmibeat's Aditya Rana popularly known as A se Aadii, "I don't think she really cared. She said, 'Theek hai. If he really thinks someone is better or he loves her. I wish him all the best, he's a nice person. Ek cheez aap kabhi bhi forcefully nahi le sakte. Ya toh hota hai, nahi hota hai ya dhokha hota hai. Ya toh saccha pyaar samajhke insaan dhoka khaa leta hai par kuch log seriously pyar karte the but muqaddar mein rehta nahi tha."

Mumtaz highlighted Mahendru's significant role in Khanna's life, akin to a spouse, despite not being married. "She was like a wife to him. Wahin rehte the, sambhalte the. She used to entertain me, my husband. She used to offer my husband drink, khana peena, unka ghar sambhalna. Bagair shadi ke wife hoti hai, she was like that," she explained. Furthermore, Mumtaz spoke on the societal perspective regarding the status of girlfriends versus wives. She argued that love should be the paramount criterion in a relationship, which should not diminish the girlfriend's position compared to a wife. "Jab insaan ek doosre se pyaar karta hai, woh shadi se zyada important hai. Kitne log shadi karke chhod dete hai but why is girlfriend less than a wife? Until and unless she is doing something really wrong but I feel, joh biwi ke saath taaluk hota hai wahi girlfriend ke saath hota hai. Sirf usko 10 bacche paida karne ka haq hota hai, gf ko nahi hota hai. That's it, what else?" she reflected.

The relationship between Khanna and Mahendru, as well as his eventual marriage to Kapadia, reflects the complexities of personal lives amidst the glare of the public eye. Khanna, who passed away in 2012, shared a significant part of his life with Mahendru, showcasing the intricate nature of love and companionship beyond conventional societal norms. Mumtaz's reflections offer a glimpse into the nuanced understanding of love, highlighting that the essence of a relationship transcends the labels society attaches to it.