See, Baby, I Still Have Options”: Mumtaz Remembers Dev Anand’s Evergreen Charm and Bollywood’s Unreal Beauty Expectations

Bollywood icon Mumtaz recently shared a heartwarming and hilarious anecdote that proves legends never age—especially when they’re Dev Anand.

In a candid interview with Radio Nasha, the evergreen beauty opened up about the pressure actors face to maintain their appearance, the love she still receives from fans, and a memory with Dev Anand that still makes her smile decades later.

While talking about aging in the limelight, Mumtaz didn’t shy away from admitting how challenging it is to remain “presentable” over the years. “You have to look good and presentable,” she said. “Even today, more men love me than women.” Her words carry the mix of honesty and grace that made her a fan favorite during her golden years in Bollywood.

The 77-year-old actress, best known for classics like Prem Kahani (1975), Chor Machaye Shor (1974), and Sacha Jhutha (1970), said that despite stepping back from the limelight years ago, the audience hasn’t forgotten her. “People come up to me to take pictures, and I feel so proud. Even though so many years have passed, people still love me the same, and it doesn’t take them more than a second to recognize who I am,” she said.

But the moment that stole the interview was a playful story about her co-star, the legendary Dev Anand.

Mumtaz fondly recalled visiting Dev Anand’s home when he was around 85 years old. As he opened a closet, to her surprise—and amusement—three women literally stepped out. Mumtaz was stunned, but Dev, ever the charmer, simply smiled and quipped, “See, baby, I still have options.”

That one-liner sums up the aura of Dev Anand—the man who defined romance for a generation and lived his life with unwavering flair and charisma.

Mumtaz and Dev Anand worked together in two 1971 films—Tere Mere Sapne and the cult classic Hare Rama Hare Krishna, where their on-screen chemistry was widely celebrated. Off-screen, it seems, the magic continued with delightful memories and warm friendships.

Through it all, Mumtaz continues to radiate grace and pride, knowing that her contribution to Indian cinema is cherished. “I think I have given around 50 years of my life to this industry. And the love I still receive today? It feels like I never left.”

In an era of fleeting fame, Mumtaz stands tall—a testament to talent, timeless beauty, and stories that never grow old.