Veteran actress Saira Banu took a nostalgic trip down memory lane, sharing a lighthearted anecdote about her late co-star Manoj Kumar from the sets of their 1971 film Balidaan. In a heartfelt tribute following Kumar’s passing on April 4 at the age of 87, Banu recounted a memorable moment that left the crew in stitches.
Saira Banu remembers Manoj Kumar with cherished “Balidaan” memory: “Someone like him never truly leaves”
The incident occurred during a dramatic scene filmed at China Creek, where Banu and Kumar, handcuffed to each other, were tasked with escaping a bandit on horseback. As per the script, Kumar’s character was meant to heroically seize the whip from the charging dacoit and shield Banu. However, when the cameras started rolling, the scene took an unexpected turn. “The bandit came charging with the whip in the air, and Manoj ji quickly ducked behind me instead!” Banu recalled in her Instagram post. The unexpected move sent the duo into a fit of laughter, with Banu noting, “We laughed until our sides ached.”
Banu’s tribute, accompanied by a video collage of black-and-white photos featuring herself, Kumar, and her late husband Dilip Kumar, painted a picture of a warm and respectful professional relationship. She reflected on her first collaboration with Kumar in the 1962 film Shaadi, where she was a shy newcomer. “I was such a reserved young girl back then, and I felt so awkward during romantic scenes,” she wrote. Kumar, understanding her discomfort, would often step away during her solo shots to help her feel at ease—a gesture Banu has never forgotten.
The actress also touched on the deep bond Kumar shared with Dilip Kumar, noting their friendship extended beyond the screen. The two would spend hours cooking omelettes, flying kites, and reciting poetry together. Banu shared a humorous memory from the sets of Aadmi, where Kumar began mimicking Dilip Kumar’s mannerisms. With a playful glint, Dilip Kumar had quipped, “Yaar, tu meri tarah shots kar le, main kuch aur tareeka nikaalta hoon (You take the shots like me, I’ll find another way)!” The moment, Banu said, was filled with warmth and laughter.
Banu and Kumar worked together in several films, including Purab Aur Paschim and Krishnan-Panju, with Kumar earning the nickname ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his patriotic roles in classics like Upkar and Kranti. Despite his on-screen heroism, Banu’s anecdote revealed a more playful side to the legendary actor. She concluded her note with a touching farewell: “Today, Manoj ji is no longer with us, but someone like him never truly leaves. Rest in peace, Manoj ji. You were not just an exceptional actor, but an exceptional human being.”
Kumar’s funeral was held on April 5 with full state honors, marking the end of an era for Bollywood.
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