Veteran actress Mumtaz and the charming Dharmendra shared a special bond on screen, and even years later, that connection stayed strong. After the legendary actor passed away on November 24, 2025, several reports claimed that Mumtaz had gone to see him at the hospital but was not allowed to meet him. Now, in a recent interview, she has spoken openly about seeing him from a distance.
While in Mumbai, Mumtaz appeared on the Vickey Lalwani show where she was asked if she had visited her former co-star during his hospitalization. Agreeing that she did go, the actress recalled the moment saying, “Haanji main hospital mein gayi thi aur waha gayi toh mujhe yeh bola gaya… doctoron ne yeh kaha ki ‘vo ventilator pe hai aur aap kya dekengi unko?’ toh main boli ‘koi baat nahi, thoda unka jhalak dekhna chahungi bas’.”
She further shared that she was allowed to go inside briefly and see him from a distance. With a gentle smile, she added, “Toh main andar gayi, dekhi, tabhi bhi bahut ache lag rahe the, lete hue the aur unko dekh ke fir main nikal gayi.”
Before leaving, she made a simple request to those present, “Unke kuch 2-4 bahut ache jaan pehchaan wale log the toh maine unse kaha ki ‘zarur unke family mein bol dena ki main aayi thi, sirf unko dekhna chahti thi.’”
Why Mumtaz Didn’t Attend Last Rites Of Dharmendra?
Mumtaz also explained why she chose not to attend the final rites. She said she cannot bring herself to see people she deeply respects in such a state. Recalling a similar moment during Dev Anand’s passing, she shared that despite being nearby, she did not attend his last rites either, as it is emotionally too difficult for her.
Earlier, in an interview with ETimes, Mumtaz had said, “I went to see him at the hospital, but the staff told me he was on the ventilator and no one was allowed to meet him. I sat there for 30 minutes hoping I might still get to see him… but I couldn’t. I left without meeting him.”
Mumtaz and Dharmendra worked together in memorable films like Loafer, Kaajal, Aadmi Aur Insaan and Jheel Ke Us Paar, creating moments that audiences still cherish.
source https://lehren.com/after-dharmendras-passing-mumtaz-recalls-seeing-him-on-ventilator-hospital-visit/
