As a lifestyle expert and someone who appreciates the rich tapestry of Bollywood history, I can’t help but be moved by the heartwarming reminiscences shared by Saira Banu on her co-star and friend Manoj Kumar’s 87th birthday. Manoj Kumar’s life experience is a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship and respect that exist in the film industry.
On his 87th birthday, esteemed actor Manoj Kumar is being honored, with Saira Banu pensively sharing heartfelt anecdotes about their shared film history. Their collaborative journey commenced on the set of “Shaadi” (1962), a project that marked Saira’s second foray into Bollywood. She humbly reminisced about being a “very shy youngster,” who would blush profusely during romantic scenes.
“Manoj Ji was highly considerate and would silently step back during my individual filming scenes. Despite our few spoken words, we gelled well as team players,” Saira Banu expressed.
A peek into the bond that Dilip Kumar and Manoj Kumar shared
In a note preceding it, the 79-year-old Saira Banu shared that Manoj Kumar and Dilip Kumar had a deep connection – Dilip Kumar was Manoj Kumar’s role model, and they were quite close. The duo enjoyed various activities together, such as making diverse omelets, flying kites, and engaging in Sher-O-Shayari (Urdu poetry). During the filming of “Aadmi,” Manoj Kumar started adopting Dilip Kumar’s mannerisms.
Manoj ji was amusingly replied to by him with, “Why don’t you try it my way? I have another trick up my sleeve.”
When Manoj Kumar declared he’d shelve a movie if Saira Banu didn’t star in it
Saira Banu, in sharing some anecdotes, mentioned that after getting married to Dilip Kumar, she and her husband had planned for her to retire from acting. However, prior to their wedding, she had already committed to the film “Purab Aur Pachhim,” where she was set to portray a modern young woman alongside Manoj Kumar.
Manoj Kumar stated to Banu that he would abandon his project if Dilip Kumar didn’t let her work on it. However, when Saira Banu became ill during filming, Dilip Kumar gave his approval for her replacement to keep production moving. Nevertheless, it was Manoj Kumar himself who, according to Saira Banu, was resolute and chose to scrap the film instead of replacing her. “I will forever admire him for this selfless act,” Saira Banu expressed.
Saira Banu reveals how Manoj Kumar was scared of a few things
In their conversation, the Bollywood storyteller shared an amusing anecdote about Kumar’s wife Shashi Goswami. Saira Banu reminisced how Shashi ji had described her as a “vibrant and gifted woman” who was particularly close to her. The tale continued with an image of Manoj Kumar, at the mention of a bumblebee in the bedroom, promptly seeking refuge under the bed and requesting his wife to shoo it away.
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During the filming of Balidaan outside, Saira Banu recounted a related experience. This took place at China-Creek, where Manoj Kumar and she were shooting a scene. In this sequence, they had to run through the water barefoot while handcuffed to each other as the villain, on horseback, pursued them.
Manjit, or Manoj ji as Banu referred to him, was supposed to wield the whip and shield me with his body as we appeared on camera, just like a brave He-Man character would do. But when the scene began, he surprisingly dashed behind me instead of defending me, leaving us both amused by the unexpected turn of events.
In the later stages of his life, Manoj Kumar stayed connected with Saira Banu’s family. He made his final film appearance on the cinema screen back in 1995.
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2024-07-24 20:24