Did You Know? 53 Years Ago, Actress Mumtaz Saved Rajesh Khanna’s Life – News18
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During the 1971 shoot of Dushmun, a massive crowd of fans became uncontrollable, pushing and pulling Rajesh Khanna, to get closer to the superstar.
Late superstar Rajesh Khanna once found himself in a life-threatening situation, 53 years ago, surrounded by a frenzied crowd of adoring fans. In that moment, it was actress Mumtaz who heroically saved him. The overwhelming admiration for Khanna, who had already become the first superstar of Hindi cinema, had reached such a fever pitch that his safety was at risk. The fans, both men and women, were so enamoured with his charisma that they unknowingly created a dangerous situation.
As the crowd closed in, it was Mumtaz’s quick thinking and presence of mind that averted disaster. She managed to pull him out of harm’s way, ensuring that the superstar of a generation could continue to captivate millions. This untold story from the golden era of Bollywood highlights not just Rajesh Khanna’s stardom, but also the deep bond between him and his co-star, who played a crucial role in preserving his life.
This incident reportedly took place during the filming of the 1971 movie Dushmun, where Rajesh Khanna was paired opposite Mumtaz. The shoot was taking place in a remote village, and there were no security arrangements in place for the crew.
As the shooting progressed, a large crowd of fans began to gather, eager to catch a glimpse of the superstar. What started as a curious gathering soon turned into a chaotic scene. Fans, overcome with excitement, began pushing, pulling, and even tearing at Rajesh Khanna’s shirt in an attempt to get closer to him.
Amid the chaos, Rajesh Khanna, overwhelmed and panicked, began calling for help. For a few minutes, the situation seemed increasingly dangerous. That’s when Mumtaz rushed to his aid. She stepped into the crowd, parted the throngs of fans, and managed to pull Rajesh Khanna to safety. Mumtaz later recalled this moment during a show, revealing that when Rajesh Khanna was finally away from the crowd, his hair was dishevelled and his shirt was slightly torn.
The on-screen pairing of Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz was incredibly popular, and their chemistry helped turn Dushmun into a major success. Produced by Premji and directed by Dulal Guha, Dushmun was based on a novel by Virendra Sharma. Rajesh Khanna earned a Filmfare nomination for Best Actor — the only nomination the film received.
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