Mumtaz gets emotional over Rajesh Khanna’s Aashirwad bungalow demolition: 'Kaka and Anju Mahendru would take such good care of us'

Veteran actor Mumtaz has expressed deep emotion over the fate of Rajesh Khanna’s iconic bungalow, Aashirwad, calling it a “monument” and admitting that its loss still affects her.

In a recent conversation with Vickey Lalwani, Mumtaz spoke about her close bond with Rajesh Khanna, her frequent visits to the bungalow, and the memories attached to it.

Mumtaz says it was her hero's house

Talking about the Aashirwad bungalow, Mumtaz said the place still holds immense emotional value for her. She said, "It did hurt me. Even today, when I see that building, I say, ‘This was my hero’s house.’" The veteran actress added, “It was such a big landmark—it was like a monument.”

Mumtaz revealed that her own residence, which she bought from Meena Kumari, was located very close to Aashirwad.

See More: 'I wasn't told to give up non-veg food,' says Mumtaz on marrying a Hindu: 'We never differentiated between religions'

She went on to add, "The house we stay in on Carter Road—that was Meena Kumari’s. It was very close to Rajesh Khanna’s bungalow. I used to go there very often."

The Hindi cinema icon fondly remembered the warmth she received from Khanna and his then partner Anju Mahendru.

“When Anju was with him, she would call me over and make me sit. Even when I got engaged to Mayur, I would take him along.”

“Kaka and Anju would take such good care of us—'Have this, eat that.’ People in the film industry are very large-hearted.”

Also See: Mumtaz gets emotional over Rajesh Khanna’s Aashirwad bungalow demolition: 'Kaka and Anju Mahendru would take such good care of us'

'That was the dream—to turn it into a museum'

Speaking about what happened to the bungalow, Mumtaz said she had heard about plans to preserve it. She said, "That was the dream—that it would become a museum after his passing. But after he passed away, I don’t know why it was sold."

She refrained from speculating further.

“I heard there were some internal issues, but I don’t know the details. When you don’t know the truth, you shouldn’t comment.”

Calling herself deeply emotional, Mumtaz said her bonds in the industry have always been lasting.

“I’m a very emotional person. When I love someone or become friends, it’s forever. I was very close to Anju and Kaka.”

'I knew he would come late, but finish his work'

Alongside personal memories, Mumtaz also opened up about working with Rajesh Khanna on set, including his well-known habit of arriving late.

“No, because he would come and complete his work. With Rajesh Khanna, we had an understanding. I knew he would come late, but he would finish his work.”

She added that she adapted her schedule accordingly.

“Yes, we had arguments sometimes. But I adjusted a lot. The director would take my solo shots first. I would even ask, ‘Should I perform this at a high pitch or low?’ and do it accordingly.”

“Then when he came, we would do the combined shots. After that, my pack-up was done. I used to tell him, ‘My close-ups are done, you do your part now. You came late—I’m leaving.’”

See More: Mumtaz recalls last memory of Asha Bhosle: ‘I rushed to the hospital, couldn’t speak to her...she passed away minutes later’Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”