![\"Mumtaz](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-130402780,imgsize-53974,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/image.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nVeteran actor Mumtaz<\/a> has expressed deep emotion over the fate of Rajesh Khanna<\/a>\u2019s iconic bungalow, Aashirwad, calling it a \u201cmonument\u201d and admitting that its loss still affects her.In a recent chat with Vickey Lalwani, Mumtaz spoke about her close bond with Khanna, her frequent visits to the bungalow, and the memories attached to it.<\/p>\n Recalling Aashirwad, Mumtaz said the place still holds immense emotional value for her.\u201cIt did hurt me. Even today, when I see that building, I say, \u2018This was my hero\u2019s house.\u2019\u201dShe added, \u201cIt was such a big landmark\u2014it was like a monument.\u201dMumtaz revealed that her own residence, which she bought from Meena Kumari, was located very close to Aashirwad.\u201cThe house we stay in on Carter Road\u2014that was Meena Kumari\u2019s. It was very close to Rajesh Khanna\u2019s bungalow. I used to go there very often.\u201dShe fondly remembered the warmth she received from Khanna and his then partner Anju Mahendru<\/a>.\u201cWhen 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.\u201d\u201cKaka and Anju would take such good care of us\u2014\u2018Have this, eat that.\u2019 People in the film industry are very large-hearted.\u201d<\/p>\n Speaking about what happened to the bungalow, Mumtaz said she had heard about plans to preserve it.\u201cThat was the dream\u2014that it would become a museum after his passing. But after he passed away, I don\u2019t know why it was sold.\u201dShe refrained from speculating further.\u201cI heard there were some internal issues, but I don\u2019t know the details. When you don\u2019t know the truth, you shouldn\u2019t comment.\u201dCalling herself deeply emotional, Mumtaz said her bonds in the industry have always been lasting.\u201cI\u2019m a very emotional person. When I love someone or become friends, it\u2019s forever. I was very close to Anju and Kaka.\u201d <\/p>\n Watch<\/span><\/p>\n Mumtaz’s Comeback Promise: ‘No Roles of the Elderly’<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n Alongside personal memories, Mumtaz also opened up about working with Rajesh Khanna on set, including his well-known habit of arriving late.\u201cNo, 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.\u201d She added that she adapted her schedule accordingly.\u201cYes, we had arguments sometimes. But I adjusted a lot. The director would take my solo shots first. I would even ask, \u2018Should I perform this at a high pitch or low?\u2019 and do it accordingly.\u201d\u201cThen when he came, we would do the combined shots. After that, my pack-up was done. I used to tell him, \u2018My close-ups are done, you do your part now. You came late\u2014I\u2019m leaving.\u2019\u201d<\/div>\n‘This was my hero\u2019s house’<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
‘That was the dream\u2014to turn it into a museum’<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
‘I knew he would come late, but finish his work’<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n