- On director Raj Khosla who directed her in the maximum number of films: "He had become a sort of family friend, and he knew my strengths and weaknesses as an actress. I felt comfortable working with him. We vibed well together."
- [When asked whether she keeps in touch with her niece Babita Kapoor in 2013] No, there's a family problem there and if and when we cross each other's path, we don't even acknowledge each other.
- [on her marriage to director R.K. Nayyar]My marriage was a hurricane, there were good and bad moments, but we didn't part ways. If he felt that I was too dominating and I felt that he brought too many friends home, we decided to give each other space.
- There were three of us, Saira Banu, Asha Parekh and me. If the producers wanted someone pretty and decorative they took Saira. If they wanted a dancer they'd take Asha, if they wanted histrionics they'd sign me. So there was no rivalry. Asha and I kept in touch. We'd wish each other on our birthdays. But today Waheeda Rehman, Asha, Nanda Karnataki, Helen and I meet regularly over lunches. When five ladies meet we always have something to talk about. Nanda and I are two of a kind, we don't step out at public events at all.
- [Denying affairs with her leading men] The problem was they were all married - Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, Shammi Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor, Sunil Dutt, Manoj Kumar, Rajendra Kumar. We worked from 9.30 am to 6 pm. By the time I returned home, removed the spray from my hair and washed off the make-up, I was too tired. There was no time for a social life. It was strictly work and home. My heroes also knew I was a no nonsense girl. They were scared to make a pass at me. I enjoyed working with all my heroes though Sunil Dutt, Shammi Kapoor and Rajendra Kumar were my favorites.
- [on whether she missed not having children in 2012] Yes, I do fear that if something happens to me, no one would be around. But even those who have children can't depend on them. I know so many mothers who're distressed about their children and daughters-in-law, that I think God has been kind to me. I've adopted (though not officially) a baby when she was five minutes old. She and her parents live with me. Her name is Rhea and she's 10 now. She's added a zing to my life. I don't expect anything from her yet she gives me so much love. She calls me Nani. I've planned for her education and marriage.
- Nayyarsaab (her husband) told me, 'You have three voices. One is your natural every day voice, another voice that you use to scream at me, and the third is the voice you have cultivated for screen'.
- After the India-Pakistan Partition in 1947, my family came to India. I was only six years old. We moved from Delhi to Benaras to Calcutta before settling down in Mumbai in 1950. Now, I can't imagine living without the Mumbai sea. In Mumbai, people give you space and yet rally around in your hour of need. Besides, it's the only place where, even in the '60s I could announce that I wanted a whiskey with coke without raising eyebrows.
- [on cultivating her image as the 'Mystery Girl'] I have always believed that an artiste should maintain a certain mystique. He or she shouldn't become too familiar, the public shouldn't see them too often. The charisma grows in that way, and that's what's called star-power.
- After I signed Sunghursh (1968), my thyroid problem cropped up. So I called Mr. Rawail and told him to sign another heroine. Mr. Rawail dismissed it with, "If I could wait so long for you for Mere Mehboob (1963), I can wait for Sunghursh too." However, five days later, I read a huge ad in Screen newspaper declaring Vyjayanthimala as the heroine of the film. It hurt. I didn't talk to Mr. Rawail thereafter.
- Rajendra Kumar , Devanad and Rajesh Khanna were my favorite co-stars. Rajendra Kumar and my pair always gave hits - Mere Mehboob, Arzoo, Aap Aaye Bahar Aayee. Raj Khosla remains my favourite director. . Ek Phool Do Mali, Anita, Mera Saaya, Woh Kaun Thi...each of them blockbusters. Dev was always special - Asli Naqli and Hum Dono were blockbusters. In 1970s at peak of his career superstar Rajesh Khanna accepted comedy picture Dil Daulat Duniya which was a sleeper hit. That was very gracious of him. Lucky to have 28 blockbusters of 33 films as heroine. I thank God for giving me a good spouse R.K Nayyar.
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