DYK Manoj Kumar Once Said He Would Shelve A Film If Saira Banu Backed Out? – News18

Since joining social media, Saira Banu’s Instagram has become a treasure trove of memories from her illustrious career in Hindi cinema. The veteran actress frequently shares posts about her late husband, the legendary Dilip Kumar, and intriguing anecdotes about her co-stars. Recently, she praised Manoj Kumar, with whom she starred in films like Shaadi, Balidaan and Purab Aur Paschim. On his 87th birthday, Saira Banu posted vintage stills from their films and wrote a heartfelt nostalgic note.

She began by recalling how the actor would help her deal with her shyness and awkwardness by giving her space on the sets. “Soon after my first film, I received so many offers, amongst which was “SHAADI.” Here, for the first time, I played opposite Manoj Ji. I was a very shy youngster, and I had this peculiar habit of really being awkward on the sets while doing romantic numbers. Manoj Ji is very understanding; he would quietly just move away from the set while my solo shots were being filmed. We were both people of very few words, but we worked comfortably together,” she wrote.

Further, Saira Banu also noted that Kumar used to idolise Dilip Kumar and added, “They were close and would always venture to make different types of Omeletes, flying kites, and indulging in “Sher-O-Shayari.” There is a big joke, when the duo starred in “AADMI,” Manoj Ji started to assume the gestures associated with Sahib. After which Sahib laughingly said to Manoj ji, “Yaar Tu Meri Tarah Shots Kar Le, Main Kuch Aur Tarika Nikaltaa Hoon!!” Ha Ha!!”

When Manoj Kumar Wanted To Shelve Purab Aur Paschim

In her note, the veteran actress recalled that Manoj Kumar once declared to shelve their film Purab Aur Paschim, if she had backed out of it. “Manoj ji declared that he would shelve his project if Sahib did not allow me to work on it. Later on in the film, I was unwell and Sahib told Manoj ji that we will never misunderstand if he replaced me, but Manoj ji committed that he would rather shelve the film than replace me. I will always respect him for this magnanimous gesture,” she wrote.

Further, she also spoke highly of Manoj Kumar’s wife and shared an extremely funny incident from their Balidaan shoot days. “In later years, Manoj Ji remained close to our family,” the post concluded.

A well-known figure in the Hindi film industry, Manoj Kumar ruled the big screen in the 1960s and 1970s. He had always been a great admirer of Dilip Kumar and had even named himself after the late actor’s character in Shabnam.