Mumtaj (real name: Nagma Khan) is an Indian actress, dancer, and model born on 5 July 1980 in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, and raised in Mumbai, Maharashtra. She studied at St. Mary's Convent, Mumbai. She is of Muslim faith. She made her screen debut in the Tamil film Monisha En Monalisa (1991) under the stage name Monisha, and later adopted the screen name Mumtaj. She is known for appearing in item numbers and character roles across Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films, notably in Veerasamy (2004), Kushi (2001, Telugu), Thamizh (2002), and Muthu Kalai (2014). She has also appeared in the Bollywood film Teri Meri Kahaani (2012). She was a judge on Boys vs Girls Season 1 (Star Vijay) and Maanada Mayilada Season 6 (Kalaignar TV). She took a break from the industry due to weight gain and health issues before making a comeback. In 2018, she participated in Bigg Boss Tamil Season 2, becoming the most-nominated contestant in the show's history (8 times). She was evicted in Week 13, finishing 7th. After the show, she became widely popular with Tamil audiences who appreciated her personality.
Tamil film debut Monisha En Monalisa (1991) under the screen name Monisha; popular item numbers and supporting roles in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films; Tamil film Veerasamy (2004, as a character role); Kushi (2001, Telugu); judge on Boys vs Girls Season 1 (Star Vijay) and Maanada Mayilada Season 6 (Kalaignar TV); holds Bigg Boss Tamil record for most nominations in a single season (8 times) from Season 2.
