Saira Banu reveals industry people received ‘Shahi Farmaan’ for Dilip Kumar’s Mughal-E-Azam premiere; fans with ‘boriya bistar’ slept outside theaters for first show

Saira Banu reveals industry people received ‘Shahi Farmaan’ for Dilip Kumar’s Mughal-E-Azam premiere; fans with ‘boriya bistar’ slept outside theaters for first show

As a lifestyle expert with a deep appreciation for cinematic history, I must say that Saira Banu’s personal account of the Mughal-E-Azam phenomenon is nothing short of captivating. Her firsthand experience offers a unique glimpse into the vibrant energy and anticipation that surrounded this iconic film’s release in 1960.


K. Asif’s masterpiece, Mughal-E-Azam, wasn’t simply a film; it was an extraordinary event. Featuring Dilip Kumar and Madhubala in pivotal roles, this historical drama held the title of highest-grossing Indian film for a staggering 15 years following its debut in 1960. Saira Banu, who is married to Kumar, recently shared stories on Instagram about the intense excitement generated by the movie’s premiere back then.

As a devoted admirer, I couldn’t help but express my admiration for K Asif in a note. His extraordinary ability to invest years and weave together an “unparalleled epic brimming with romance and grandeur seldom seen on the Indian Screen” left me awestruck. I vividly remember making a journey from overseas to attend the premiere of Mughal-E-Azam, where I was honored with the ‘Shahi Farmaan.’ This esteemed invitation was also extended to other industry peers, making it an unforgettable experience.

“Saira Banu wrote that there was widespread excitement and a chaotic mix of sounds in the Film Industry, as well as eager anticipation among the masses, about the romantic story between Prince Salim, the Emperor’s son, and Anarkali, the most beautiful courtesan. However, their love is forbidden by Akbar, the King, who decides to separate them.”

Saira Banu shared an interesting detail about the premiere of the movie. She said that so many fans were eager to watch the first show, they slept on makeshift beds (boriya bistar) on the sidewalks outside Maratha Mandir theater in Mumbai, just to get their hands on tickets. The actress also mentioned that a special print of Mughal-E-Azam was transported to the theater on adorned elephants, adding an air of royalty to the event.

As a seasoned movie buff with years of watching Bollywood classics under my belt, I can’t help but find Saira Banu’s story captivating. Having grown up admiring Dilip Kumar on the silver screen, her tale of longing and determination resonates deeply with me. Her desire to meet the actor and potentially capture his heart is a dream that many young women in her generation shared. The fact that she saw this film premiere as a chance not only to catch a glimpse of him but also to make herself visible to him speaks volumes about her courage and determination. As someone who has always been passionate about cinema, I can understand the allure of wanting to be with someone who inspired you so deeply. Saira Banu’s story is a testament to the power of dreams and the lengths one will go to make them come true.

For the upcoming week, Banu diligently took care of her long hair by oiling, washing, and exposing it to sunlight for added radiance. She also spent time grooming her nails, filing and re-filing them, as well as experimenting with various nail polish colors that Dilip Kumar preferred. However, she has yet to unveil what happened next; that tale remains enveloped in the mystery of Saira Banu, which she plans to reveal soon.

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2024-08-05 17:23