Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 4 : Veteran actress Saira Banu remembered legendary actor and director Manoj Kumar, who passed away at the age of 87 on Friday morning.
Saira Banu worked with the late actor in films such as 'Purab Aur Paschim', 'Shaadi' anbd others. She recalled working with Manoj Kumar in the 1962 film directed by Krishnan-Panju. The film stars Dharmendra, Manoj Kumar and Saira Banu.
She recalled working with him on the sets and talked about the close bond between Dilip Kumar and Manoj Kumar.
Taking to her Instagram handle, she posted a long note remembering shooting for the movie with the legendary actor.
"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. 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," she wrote.
Saira Banu recalled how shy she used to be on the set and how gracefully the late star behaved during the shoot. "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," she shared.
The 'Shagird' actor shared that Manoj Kumar has deep "admiration" for iconic star Dilip Kumar. "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."
Manoj Kumar and Dilip Kumar shared screen space in the 1968 film 'Aadmi'. The film stars Dilip Kumar, Waheeda Rehman, Manoj Kumar, Simi Garewal and Pran.
Banu recalled, "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."
Saira starred alongside Manoj Kumar in 'Purab Aur Pachhim'. The movie was produced and directed by Manoj Kumar, and it stars Manoj Kumar, Saira Banu, Ashok Kumar, Pran and Prem Chopra in the lead roles.
She reminisced about working in the movie, saying, "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. 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?," she concluded.
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On the demise of veteran actor Manoj Kumar, actress Bhagyashree said, "This is a loss not only for our film industry but also for the country... he was the pride of India (he was also known as 'Bharat Kumar')..."
Born Harikrishan Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), Kumar became an iconic figure in Indian cinema, especially in the 1960s and 1970s. The actor was affectionately known as "Bharat Kumar" for his iconic roles in patriotic films like Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, and Shaheed.
Apart from acting, Kumar also made significant contributions as a director and producer. His directorial debut Upkar (1967) won the National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film. Other successful films directed by him include Purab Aur Paschim (1970) and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), both of which were major successes critically and commercially.
Leaders from across the political spectrum, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, shared heartfelt tributes, praising his contributions to Indian cinema and his ability to instill national pride through his work.
Prime Minister Modi called him an "icon of Indian cinema," praising his ability to inspire national pride through his films.