The veteran actress Mumtaz, known for her memorable performances and on-screen chemistry with actors like Shammi Kapoor and Rajesh Khanna, has recently found herself in a delicate situation. In a recent interview, she revealed that her candid remarks about her past have unintentionally caused hurt to some people, including Shammi Kapoor's wife, Neila Devi.

Mumtaz expressed her concern and discomfort over the situation, explaining that her comments have led to some "tangled situations". She said that she has been repeatedly asked about the same old topics, and her responses have caused displeasure among some industry individuals. According to Mumtaz, people have complained to her sister, suggesting that she should refrain from answering certain questions. However, she feels caught in a difficult position, as she doesn't want to keep declining to answer questions.

Mumtaz acknowledged that those she has spoken about, along with their families, are now grown up and "don't like it when I speak the truth". Specifically, she mentioned that Shammi Kapoor's wife, Neila Devi, "feels bad" when she talks about her late husband. Understanding Neila Devi's perspective, Mumtaz expressed her desire to avoid hurting anyone.

Mumtaz and Shammi Kapoor shared a close bond, having starred together in films like "Vallah Kya Baat Hai" (1962) and "Brahmachari" (1968). Their on-screen chemistry led to a personal connection, and Mumtaz has revealed that Shammi Kapoor wanted to marry her, but she declined the proposal. She was only around 17 years old at the time and wanted to focus on her career. Furthermore, there was a tradition in the Kapoor family that daughters-in-law did not work in films, a rule set by Prithviraj Kapoor, which Mumtaz respected.

Shammi Kapoor married actress Geeta Bali in 1955, but she passed away in 1965. In 1969, Shammi Kapoor married Neila Devi, who remained his wife until his passing in 2011.

Despite turning down Shammi Kapoor's proposal, Mumtaz has always spoken fondly of him. She has mentioned that he was "sweet and caring" towards her. In a past interview, Mumtaz shared that Neila Devi had invited her to Shammi Kapoor's 74th birthday party, conveying that Shammi himself had specifically requested her presence. Mumtaz expressed her respect for Neila Devi's gesture and acknowledged that Shammi Kapoor was fortunate to have her as his wife.

Shammi Kapoor himself had admitted to being in a relationship with Mumtaz, describing her as "a very beautiful thing" during his widowerhood. He acknowledged that they "had dreams," but the relationship eventually turned into a "nightmare".

Mumtaz's recent expression of concern for Neila Devi's feelings highlights the sensitivities involved when public figures discuss their past relationships. While Mumtaz has always been candid and open in her interviews, she is now mindful of the potential impact of her words on others, especially those who were close to the individuals she discusses. She has stated that she doesn't want to cause any hurt and recognizes that it might be time to avoid certain topics altogether.