Legendary actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar passed away on April 4 at the age of 87. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from numerous Bollywood celebrities. Now, actress Saira Banu, the wife of the late legendary actor Dilip Kumar, has shared a touching tribute on Instagram, featuring a slideshow of previously unseen photos of Manoj Kumar. In her post, she recalled working on the 1970 film 'Purab Aur Paschim' and cherished the strong connection she had with the late actor.
In her caption, Banu fondly recalled her early days in cinema, noting, “Soon after my very first film, I began receiving numerous offers. Among them was Shaadi, a film that holds a special place in my heart. It was here that I was paired opposite Manoj ji for the very first time.”
Early Days in Cinema
The actress shared that she was a shy and reserved young actress who often felt awkward on set, particularly during romantic scenes. However, she fondly remembered that Manoj Kumar, with his thoughtful and gracious nature, would discreetly leave the set during her solo shots to help her feel more at ease.
She wrote, “I was such a shy and reserved young girl back then, and I had this peculiar habit of being extremely awkward on set, especially during romantic scenes. But Manoj ji, with his quiet understanding and immense grace, would simply walk away from the set whenever my solo shots were being filmed just so I could feel at ease. We were both people of few words, but there was a quiet comfort in our working relationship that required no explanation.”
A Beautiful Bond
She further continued, “Manoj ji had the deepest admiration for our Sahib. The bond they shared was beautiful cooking together, trying out new versions of omelettes, flying kites, and engaging in sher-o-shayari for hours.”
“There is a most endearing memory I often recall with great affection during the making of Aadmi, Manoj ji, quite unknowingly, began imitating Sahib’s mannerisms. Sahib, with a twinkle in his eye, gently said to him, “Yaar tu meri tarah shots kar le, main kuch aur tareeka nikaalta hoon!” Oh, how we all laughed it was a moment filled with such warmth and camaraderie", she added.
A Heartfelt Gesture
Banu reminisced about the time she and her husband, Dilip Kumar, mutually decided that she would step away from her film career after their marriage. However, she had already committed to 'Purab Aur Paschim' before tying the knot. She revealed that Manoj Kumar was prepared to shelve the project if she chose not to continue with the film.
She recalled, “Sahib and I had mutually decided that I would not continue my film career after our marriage. But prior to our wedding, I had already signed Purab Aur Paschim, in which I was to play a Westernised girl opposite Manoj ji. When the subject came up, Manoj ji was clear and resolute he said he would shelve the project altogether if Sahib didn’t permit me to work in it. And later, during the course of filming, when I fell seriously unwell, Sahib himself told Manoj ji that we would completely understand if he had to replace me.”
The actress further noted, “But Manoj ji, in a gesture I shall never forget, said softly yet firmly “I would rather shelve the film than cast someone else in Saira’s place.” That rare kind of loyalty, respect, and affection how does one even begin to thank someone for that?”
A Cinematic Success
'Purab Aur Paschim' achieved significant success at the domestic box office, ranking as the fourth highest-grossing film of 1970. The movie features Manoj Kumar, Saira Banu, Pran, Vinod Khanna, Ashok Kumar, and Prem Chopra.
In her caption, Banu fondly recalled her early days in cinema, noting, “Soon after my very first film, I began receiving numerous offers. Among them was Shaadi, a film that holds a special place in my heart. It was here that I was paired opposite Manoj ji for the very first time.”
Early Days in Cinema
The actress shared that she was a shy and reserved young actress who often felt awkward on set, particularly during romantic scenes. However, she fondly remembered that Manoj Kumar, with his thoughtful and gracious nature, would discreetly leave the set during her solo shots to help her feel more at ease.
She wrote, “I was such a shy and reserved young girl back then, and I had this peculiar habit of being extremely awkward on set, especially during romantic scenes. But Manoj ji, with his quiet understanding and immense grace, would simply walk away from the set whenever my solo shots were being filmed just so I could feel at ease. We were both people of few words, but there was a quiet comfort in our working relationship that required no explanation.”
A Beautiful Bond
She further continued, “Manoj ji had the deepest admiration for our Sahib. The bond they shared was beautiful cooking together, trying out new versions of omelettes, flying kites, and engaging in sher-o-shayari for hours.”
“There is a most endearing memory I often recall with great affection during the making of Aadmi, Manoj ji, quite unknowingly, began imitating Sahib’s mannerisms. Sahib, with a twinkle in his eye, gently said to him, “Yaar tu meri tarah shots kar le, main kuch aur tareeka nikaalta hoon!” Oh, how we all laughed it was a moment filled with such warmth and camaraderie", she added.
A Heartfelt Gesture
Banu reminisced about the time she and her husband, Dilip Kumar, mutually decided that she would step away from her film career after their marriage. However, she had already committed to 'Purab Aur Paschim' before tying the knot. She revealed that Manoj Kumar was prepared to shelve the project if she chose not to continue with the film.
She recalled, “Sahib and I had mutually decided that I would not continue my film career after our marriage. But prior to our wedding, I had already signed Purab Aur Paschim, in which I was to play a Westernised girl opposite Manoj ji. When the subject came up, Manoj ji was clear and resolute he said he would shelve the project altogether if Sahib didn’t permit me to work in it. And later, during the course of filming, when I fell seriously unwell, Sahib himself told Manoj ji that we would completely understand if he had to replace me.”
The actress further noted, “But Manoj ji, in a gesture I shall never forget, said softly yet firmly “I would rather shelve the film than cast someone else in Saira’s place.” That rare kind of loyalty, respect, and affection how does one even begin to thank someone for that?”
A Cinematic Success
'Purab Aur Paschim' achieved significant success at the domestic box office, ranking as the fourth highest-grossing film of 1970. The movie features Manoj Kumar, Saira Banu, Pran, Vinod Khanna, Ashok Kumar, and Prem Chopra.
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