Veteran actress Mumtaz recently disclosed she received between Rs 18-20 lakh for her appearance with Dharmendra on Indian Idol Season 13 in 2023. She also revealed that she turned down the iconic 1972 film "Seeta Aur Geeta" partly because of an insufficient fee. Mumtaz emphasized her long-standing professional stance on remuneration, stating, "Paisa pheko, tamasha dekho!" (Throw money, enjoy the show!).^{[1][2][3][4][5]} ### Television Comeback and Fees Mumtaz's appearance on Indian Idol Season 13 marked her first television outing in over five decades. She joined her frequent co-star Dharmendra as a guest on the popular reality show in 2023. During a recent interview with Vickey Lalwani on his YouTube channel, Mumtaz explained her reluctance to appear on television.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]} She stated that television producers frequently contact her, but she maintains a firm price for her appearances. Mumtaz noted that while other celebrities might accept Rs 3-4 lakh for similar roles, she has consistently quoted her own higher fee. She clarified that she is willing to adjust her price only by a small margin, around Rs 20-25 thousand.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]} "I have told the television people a thousand times that this is my price," Mumtaz said. "They said that people do it in Rs 3-4 lakh, so I told them that I can't say anything for those people. That's their wish. They can do it for free also, but this is my price. I have always been like that."^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]} Her statement, "Paisa pheko, tamasha dekho!" reflects her belief in fair compensation for her work. This phrase itself has a historical connection to her career, featuring as a popular song from her 1971 film "Dushman," starring Rajesh Khanna.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]} ### Turning Down a Blockbuster Role Mumtaz also recounted her decision to reject the lead role in Ramesh Sippy's highly successful film "Seeta Aur Geeta." The film, which eventually starred Hema Malini, released in 1972 and became a significant hit. Mumtaz explained that while fees were a factor, they were not the only reason for her refusal.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][9]} She mentioned that Sippy, a prominent producer and director at the time, expected her to accept the role for approximately Rs 2 lakh. Mumtaz emphasized that she did not want to lower her value. She felt that accepting a lower fee could lead other producers to question her market worth.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][9]} "I would have loved to do that subject, but I didn't want to lower my value or level," Mumtaz explained. "Producers start questioning if you do a film at a lesser fee for someone."^[1][2][3][5] She added that she was already receiving numerous film offers at the time and did not feel "Seeta Aur Geeta" would offer anything uniquely special to her career trajectory.^{[1][3][4][5][6]} Mumtaz confirmed she holds no regrets about turning down the film. She highlighted her extensive list of successful movies, indirectly suggesting her career flourished regardless of that particular role.^[1][2][3][5] ### A Consistent Professional Stance Throughout her career, Mumtaz has maintained a consistent approach to her professional fees. She has always believed in being firm about her remuneration, even during her peak years as a leading lady in Hindi cinema. This unwavering stance underscores her dedication to valuing her work and maintaining her industry stature.^{[1][2][3][5][6]} Her collaboration with Dharmendra on Indian Idol was a nostalgic moment for many fans. The duo shared significant on-screen chemistry in several popular films from the 1970s, including "Loafer" and "Jheel Ke Us Paar."^[1][2][5] Mumtaz recently paid an emotional tribute to Dharmendra on social media, further highlighting their enduring bond and shared cinematic legacy.^[1][2][5] Mumtaz's recent revelations offer insight into the financial aspects of a veteran actor's career and her steadfast commitment to her professional worth in the entertainment industry.

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