Veteran star signals no TV gigs unless price is right

A legendary Bollywood actress,Mumtaz,who shared the screen with Dharmendra on Indian Idol Season 13 in 2023,says she now avoids television unless the remuneration meets her stated value. In a candid chat with journalist Vickey Lalwani,she recalled that TV invites continue to come,but her stance on pay remains unchanged.

She noted that her first television appearance with Dharmendra on a live stage was a unique moment, and today she treats TV offers with careful consideration, not as automatic opportunities.

“This is my price”: avoiding the Rs 3-4 lakh benchmark

Mumtaz disclosed that despite frequent outreach, she has stood firm on her price. “People say the going rate is around Rs 3-4 lakh, but I have my own fixed fee,” she said. “They can do it for free if they wish, but this is my price.”

She also revealed that her payment for appearing on Indian Idol was between Rs 18-20 lakh. “I’ve told TV people this is my price.I can adjust slightly, but not by much. I did only one show; they couldn’t meet the amount, and I chose not to proceed,” she explained, adding a memorable line that underscored her stance.

Maintaining value: turning down Seeta Aur Geeta and more

Reflecting on her peak years, Mumtaz emphasized that she never valued her work below her worth. She recalled turning down Seeta Aur Geeta, suggesting that the decision stemmed from concerns beyond mere pay, including ego-driven expectations among some producers. “I didn’t want to lower my value or level,” she said, noting that peers like Hema Malini pursued different choices.

Asked whether she ever regretted declining the project, she said that many of her other performances proved successful and she preferred not to compromise on principle. She attributed the hesitation to the broader impact on how producers might perceive future offers when a star accepts a lower fee.

Legacy and on-screen chemistry

Mumtaz and Dharmendra shared memorable collaborations in films such as Loafer and Jheel Ke Us Paar, earning widespread acclaim for their on-screen chemistry. The actress recently paid tribute to Dharmendra on social media, celebrating their shared cinematic legacy.

Evergreen viewpoint: pay equity for veteran talent

Beyond this episode, the conversation underscores a broader industry debate about fair compensation for veteran performers in today’s media landscape. Years of experience, audience trust, and enduring star power contribute to value that should be recognized across platforms, even as production budgets and revenue models evolve with streaming and broadcast changes.

Reader engagement

What’s your view on fair compensation for veteran actors in TV and digital formats? Should legacy stars be prioritized for audience appeal, or should opportunities focus more on emerging talents?

Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts in the comments and letting us know how you think veteran talent should be valued in today’s entertainment landscape.