Saira Banu remembers legendary actor Manoj Kumar on his birth anniversary, says, "I was unwell while shooting, but he committed that he would rather shelve the film than replace me"

The actress offered fans a glimpse into the making of their timeless film, "Shaadi," through a heartfelt Instagram post.

As today marks the birthday of National-award winner Manoj Kumar, the actor turned 87. Manoj Kumar, the iconic 'Bharat Kumar,' remains an enduring symbol of Indian cinema's golden age. Saira Banu, a cinematic icon and good friend to the actor, took a trip down memory lane as she shared nostalgic recollections of her collaboration with the legendary Manoj Kumar. The actress offered fans a glimpse into the making of their timeless film, "Shaadi," through a heartfelt Instagram post.

She took to Instagram and penned down a heartwarming note, reminiscing the time that they worked together. She wrote in the caption, "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 worked comfortably together."

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A post shared by Saira Banu Khan (@sairabanu)

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Saira Banu revealed a touching detail about the deep admiration Manoj Kumar held for her late husband, Dilip Kumar. She shared that Manoj Kumar considered Dilip Kumar his idol and the two shared a close bond. "Manoj ji’s idol has been Sahib. 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!!" she continued.

Saira Banu also shared a heartwarming anecdote about Manoj Kumar's unwavering loyalty during the making of Purab Aur Paschim. When she fell ill on set, he expressed his unwavering support by stating that he would rather shelve the entire film than replace her.

She further wrote, "Sahib and I had decided that I would not be continuing with my film career after our Shaadi but Behold! I had signed “PURAB AUR PASCHIM” before marriage, wherein I play a Westernised young girl against Manoj ji. Manoj ji declared that he would shelve his project if Sahib did not allow me to work in it. Later on in the film I was unwell and Sahib told Manoj ji that we will never misunderstand if he replaces me, but Manoj ji committed that he would rather shelve the film than replace me. I will always respect him for this magnanimous gesture."

Also Read: Saira Banu reveals Dilip Kumar suffered from severe insomnia, says, "he would tell me you are my sleeping pill, my pillow"

Saira Banu further emphasized on sharing a close relationship with Manoj Kumar's wife Shashi Goswami. "You know Manoj ji’s wife Shashi was very close to us and such a lively talented woman. She would tell me Saira, if a bumble-bee came into the bedroom, Manoj ji would go under the bed-sheet and ask her to drive out the insect! One day in “BALIDAAN” outdoors Manoj ji and I were shooting in China-Creek. Both of us were running away from the Daaku who was approaching us on horse back and we were running away bare feet in the flowing water handcuffed to each other. As the camera came on, the Bandit was whipping away in the air in pursuit of us and Manoj ji was supposed to grab the whip and stand in front of me to protect me like a He-Man, instead of this when the shot started Manoj ji quickly ran behind me instead of protecting me. What a laugh! In later years Manoj ji remained close to our family," she concluded the post.

Renowned for his powerful portrayals of patriotism and social issues in films like Purab Aur Paschim and Roti Kapde Aur Makaan, Manoj Kumar's legacy as a cinematic titan is undeniable.