Saira Banu recalls how Manoj Kumar refused to make Purab Aur Paschim if Saira was not there, he said "I would rather shelve the film…"

Saira Banu and Manoj Kumar co-starred in Purab Aur Paschim

The Indian film industry is mourning the death of iconic actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar. He died on April 4, Friday, at the age of 87. Several Bollywood celebrities paid tribute to the late actor.

However, actress Saira Banu has recently taken to her Instagram and shared a slideshow featuring several unseen photos of Manoj Kumar. The actress recalled the filming of the 1970 film Purab Aur Paschim and reflected on the deep bond she shared with the late actor.

She started her caption by saying, “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.”

The actress further revealed that she was a very shy and reserved young girl back then and had a peculiar habit of being extremely awkward on set, especially during romantic scenes.

However, she mentioned that Manoj Kumar, with his quiet understanding and immense grace, would simply walk away from the set whenever her solo shots were being filmed so that she could feel 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.”

She 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.”

Saira Banu added, “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.”

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A post shared by Saira Banu Khan (@sairabanu)

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Saira Banu 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.”

She explained, “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.”

Also View: Remembering late Manoj Kumar's works and legacy

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?”

The film was a huge hit at the domestic box office and became the fourth highest-grossing film of 1970. Purab Aur Paschim features Manoj Kumar, Saira Banu, Pran, Vinod Khanna, Ashok Kumar, and Prem Chopra in pivotal roles.