The legendary Shammi Kapoor and Mumtaz were in a relationship and while there was an age difference between them, the duo shared great onscreen chemistry. While Mumtaz has often spoken about him, admitted to their relationship and also revealed why they broke-up; in a rare interview, even Shammi had spoken about it. When he was asked about his film ‘Brahmachari’ and about working with Mumtaz, he said during a chat with Lehren Retro, “At that time, I was a widower and Mumtaz was a very beautiful thing in that movie. For a short while, we both had dreams but then it turned into a nightmare. So, it’s fine. I am happy as I am today.” Their romance was short lived but they had a deep impact on each other’s lives. For those in the know, Shammi was married to Geeta Bali but she passed away in 1965. After that, Shammi was dating Mumtaz. In an interview with Rediff, Mumtaz admitted that Shammi Kapoor had proposed to her when she was just 17. But she turned down his proposal as women in the Kapoor family were expected to not act. She said, “He wanted me to give up my career when I was just 17. I don’t think anyone can give me the same amount of love that he showered on me. I never forgot him. Even today when his name is mentioned, tears well up in my eyes. It was not a love affair, it was much more. We loved each other deeply.” She added further, “Unfortunately, womenfolk in the Kapoor family did not work during those days. He had to respect his family’s wishes, I had to respect my career. I had a family to support. I was being paid Rs 8 lakh even as a struggler. I was the highest paid actress of my time. As a child, when my mother asked whom I wanted to marry when I grow up, I’d say I wanted to marry the son of the Shahenshah of Iran. I wanted only the best in life.” Shammi went on to marry Neila Dev after that, while Mumtaz tied the knot with businessman Mayur Madhvani.
