Mumtaz reveals she said no to playing Dev Anand's sister in 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna'

Mumtaz delivered a significant number of hits back in the day and several of these projects were with yesteryear superstar Dev Anand. Their professional collaboration includes the 1971 release, Tere Mere Sapne.

But, did you know that Mumtaz was also approached for Dev Anand’s musical drama, Hare Rama Hare Krishna. Mumtaz recently revealed during an interaction with The Times of India, the veteran actress that she was offered the role of Dev Anand’s sister in the movie. Here is what she had to say.

Mumtaz on turning down Hare Rama Hare Krishna

Mumtaz further remembered that following the success of their movie Tere Mere Sapne, Dev Anand offered her the part of Janice (Dev Anand’s sister) in Hare Rama Hare Krishna. However, she felt that after essaying the role of husband and wife in their previous film, it would look weird to play brother and sister in Hare Rama Hare Krishna. She said that Dev Anand tried his best to convince her and added, “He insisted that the sister had a bigger role and that I can’t miss it.” However, Mumtaz decided to stick to her stand. The role was ultimately performed by another veteran diva, Zeenat Aman. Nevertheless, Mumtaz played the role of Shanti in the drama.

All About Hare Rama Hare Krishna

Made under the direction of Dev Anand himself, Hare Rama Hare Krishna revolves around a brother’s journey to find her long-lost sister and bring back to the family. The story of the movie is believed to be inspired by the 1968 American psychedelic film Psych-Out.

Mumtaz recalls Dev Anand’s demise in London

During the same interview, Mumtaz also remembered the passing away of Dev Anand. She recalled that when he left for his heavenly abode in London in December 2011, she was in the city too. She added that her accommodation was also not very far from the hotel where Dev Anand breathed his last. However, she was unable to find the courage to see him for the last time. “I loved him too much to see him that way,” she shared. She added that she wanted to preserve the memory of the evergreen Dev saab in her mind and heart forever.