Mumtaz recalled how Dilip Kumar paid close attention to every detail while shooting Ram Aur Shyam.
Before Ram Aur Shyam (1967), Mumtaz was often cast in smaller roles or action films, sometimes carrying the ‘B‑grade’ tag. But her career took a dramatic turn when comedian Mehmood recommended her to Dilip Kumar.
Impressed by her talent, the legendary actor agreed to cast her in Ram Aur Shyam. This was the huge break she needed. Working with a superstar like him helped her drop the ‘B-grade’ label and finally become one of Bollywood’s most popular leading ladies.
Recently, in an interaction with journalist Vicky Lalwani for his YouTube channel, Mumtaz recalled how Dilip Kumar, whom everyone fondly called Yusuf Sahab, was very particular about his work by narrating a lighthearted anecdote from the sets of Ram Aur Shyam.
The Apna Desh actress shared, “Yusuf Sahab was a little orthodox in nature and kept his distance; he wasn’t the kind of hero who mingled casually with everyone. He carried his own stature and dignity.”
“During the shoot, he was very particular. In the first shot, I had to hit him, and when I did, he immediately said, “Cut, cut, Mumtaz, what are you doing?” I asked why, and he explained that I hadn’t hit him hard enough. In that scene, he was sitting by the water, reading something, and I had to walk up and say, “Besharam, tu yahan baitha hai, teri maa tujhe dhoondh rahi hai.” When I delivered the line and hit him lightly, he stopped the shot and insisted, “No, not like that. Hit me properly, with force,” Mumtaz recounted.
She added, “After that, we became friends, and Saira used to sit and watch us while we worked. At that time, she was already married to him and would often come to the sets. This particular shoot was outdoors, and all these scenes were filmed there.”
Ram Aur Shyam tells the story of identical twins separated at birth—Ram, a timid man bullied by his ruthless brother‑in‑law, and Shyam, a bold rogue (both played by Dilip Kumar). Their accidental swap leads to a hilarious, action‑packed showdown. The film features Mumtaz and Waheeda Rehman as Dilip Kumar’s leading ladies.
