Dilip Kumar

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 11 : On the auspicious occasion of Eid, veteran star Saira Banu recalled how legendary actor Dilip Kumar celebrated the festival with Bollywood celebs including Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Lata Mangeshkar, Dharmendra, Sunil Dutt and others. Taking to her Instagram handle she dropped a video recalling the Eidcelebration and she also throwback pictures from her wedding with the 'Deedar' actor.Along with the video, she wrote a long note mentioning, "From our childhood, which we spent partly in India and partly in London, my brother Sultan Bhai and I had the freedom to celebrate all festivals and participate in the celebration of all joyful occasions in the neighborhood, irrespective of the nationality and faith of the revellers."She continued, "When we returned to India after completing high school in London, we surprised all our family members. We were so strongly rooted in our Indian culture and customs that we didn't need to be told what the festivals were about. We slipped easily into the cosmopolitan social milieu of Mumbai. We ushered in the month of Ramadan, observed the fasts, and prayed as we should. We looked forward to Eid with eagerness to invite our friends to join in our celebration of the day."Saira recalled how Eid became a grand event following her marriage to Dilip Kumar, stating that their home became the focal point of celebration for all of their industry friends as well as their huge social network of acquaintances from many walks of life."However, it was after my marriage to Dilip Saheb that Eid became an event for me. Our house became the center of celebration for all our friends in the film industry as well as the large social circle of friends from different walks of life and states of India.""The house wore the look of a garden from a fairy tale, with floral decorations and bouquets sent lovingly to Saheb by his fans and well-wishers. A voluntary music band would arrive early in the morning to play songs from films, and we would wake up to the sound of drums and bugles," added the 'Junglee' actor.She also described how visitors poured in without restrictions because it was an open house for their devoted followers, friends, and extended family members. Dilip Kumar used to believe in sharing and giving love, and nothing brings him greater delight than being in the company of individuals who are simple and kind, like himself."The visitors streamed in without restrictions, as it was an open house for the people who were our loyal admirers, friends, and extended family members. Saheb believes in sharing and giving, and nothing gives him more joy than being in the company of people who are simple and loving, like himself," she shared.Describing the celebration at their home, she said, "The air would be filled with the aroma of biryani and kheer getting ready in the kitchen, and the visitors would overflow from the lobby and drawing room into the garden. Our celebrations were never complete without music and singing by a classical maestro.""I have a wealth of memories that will never fade away. Suffice it to say, thank you, dear friends, for the good times we enjoyed and continue to stay in our hearts. May we be blessed with peaceful times and a life full of good health and harmony. Happy Eid," she concluded.Saira Banu and Dilip Kumar got married on October 11, 1966, and they stayed together till the demise of the legendary actor on July 7, 2021. They have been the most iconic couple of all time with terrific on-screen and off-screen chemistryFilms featuring the duo such as 'Gopi and Bairaag', 'Sagina Mahato' and 'Duniya', have always been a treat for the audience.

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 7: As legendary actor Dilip Kumar's 'Ram Aur Shyam' completed 57 years, veteran star Saira Banu said that the film holds a "special" place in her heart and recalled Dilip Kumar's timeless performance in it. Taking to her Instagram handle, she wrote, "Today, I'm here to talk about a film that holds a truly special place in my heart, one that I find difficult to adequately express. Surprisingly, it's not one of my films; I'm referring to 'Ram Aur Shyam,' a film that left a mark on the industry by introducing the concept of double roles."Recalling Dilip Kumar's performance in it, she added, "In 'Ram Aur Shyam,' Sahib delivered a legendary portrayal of two characters. As Ram, he embodied innocence and fear towards his brother-in-law Gajendra, portrayed by the legendary Pran Sahab. Conversely, as Shyam, he was fearless and triumphed over Thakur Ganjendra. It was a remarkable feat for one actor to inhabit opposing roles in a single movie, complemented by the stellar performances of Waheeda Aapa and Mumtaz."The 'Padosan' actor shared that during the shooting of the film she asked veteran actor Nazir Hussain to convey to him that she is "dying to work with him, and if not this, then ask him to marry me!""Now, there's an off-screen anecdote that adds to Ram Aur Shyam. During the filming of 'SHAGIRD,' I was shooting the Janmashtami sequence with Nazir Hussain Sahab at Filmistan Studios, a famous character actor and a father figure to me who was also shooting at the same time in Madras with Sahib in 'RAM AUR SHYAM'. Due to date problems, Nazir Sahab would shoot with me late at night and fly in the morning to shoot with Sahib.""So, while shooting this sequence, I went to Nazir Sahab and with a mischievous smile on my face asked him, "You are working with Dilip Sahib, Oh! You are so lucky enough to be working with him, please tell him that Saira is dying to work with him, and if not this, then ask him to marry me!" Nazir Sahab was dumb-struck and rolled from side to side with the resounding laughter that he was famous for. Nazir Sahab travelled to Madras the next morning and conveyed my message to the Shahenshah. Sahib, I am told, gracefully smiled and acknowledged my cheeky message, to probably cover his embarrassment, although I think you could have knocked him down with a feather," she added.Saira Banu shared that the movie was released after their marriage and it emerged as a blockbuster movie at the box office."And as luck would have it, Sahib and I got married soon after in 1966. Both 'Ram Aur Shyam' and 'Shagird' were the first movies to be released after our marriage and both films were massive hits. 'Ram Aur Shyam,' on the other hand, became one of the iconic films made in Indian Cinema, and the journey has come to 58 years," she concluded.View this post on InstagramA post shared by Saira Banu Khan (@sairabanu)Directed by Tapi Chanakya, 'Ram Aur Shyam' is a 1967 film, which is a remake of Chanakya's 1964 Telugu film 'Ramudu Bheemudu'. It stars Dilip Kumar in a double role as twin brothers, alongside Waheeda Rehman, Mumtaz, Nirupa Roy, and Pran. The music was composed by Naushad, with lyrics written by Shakeel Badayuni.

Dharmendra, on Monday shared an old picture with late actor Dilip Kumar. The 'Sholay' actor dropped a collage picture on Instagram and wrote, "Gumaan hota hai aapka......" As soon as Dharmendra shared the picture, fans bombarded the comment section.One wrote, "Legends."Another commented, "Super star.""Wow very nice sir ji lovely pic superb love you sir ji," wrote another fan.Dharmendra is known for working in different genres including romance, action, and comedy. He has given several hits including 'Ayee Milan Ki Bela', 'Phool Aur Patthar', 'Aaye Din Bahar Ke', 'Aankhen', 'Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke', 'Anupama', among others.Recently, he also made headlines for his role in 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani'.He was recently seen in 'Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya' starring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon in lead roles. It also stars Dimple Kapadia.Written and directed by first-time filmmakers Amit Joshi and Aradhana Sah, 'Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya' features Shahid as a man who falls in love and decides to marry a robot, named Sifra (Kriti). The film opened to mixed reviews.

Dilip Kumar has been an inspiration for many in the entertainment industry. Veteran star Prem Chopra, who is a distinguished name in Indian cinema, also expressed his admiration for him.In a conversation with ANI, he spoke about how Dilip Kumar was a guiding force for him since his college days.He said, "I have been a huge fan of Dilip Kumar Sahib since my college days. I saw his films and was struck by how natural he is as an actor and how he performs in front of the camera. I used to go back a second time to watch his films. Only to study. He was not from any institution, he was an institution himself."Chopra added that he was an inspiration for others and if anyone was asked to act like him, it used to be a compliment for that person."There are some scenes where the writer is narrating the script. This scene has to be enacted like Dilip Kumar. Such a big compliment to him," he added.Chopra worked with the legendary actor in several films including Dastaan (1972), Bairaag (1976), and Duniya (1984). Recalling his working experience with him, he shared, "I worked with Dilip sahib in seven films like 'Bairaag', 'Dastaan', 'Kranti', 'Duniya' and there was one more film which I was going to do but then he fell sick."Apart from Dilip Kumar, he also admired the late actress and epitome of beauty Madhubala.He added, "I never did a film with Madhubala, but I was her fan. She was a pretty woman."Earlier, he recalled the challenges he faced while establishing himself in the industry. Chopra shared how while working in the circulation department in the Times of India, he got a role in a Punjabi film. "I was spotted there by somebody and he said, can you come with me to the Ranjit Studios? He said, it's the role of the leading man but in a Punjabi film. Beggars are no choosers. So I said, let's see how it works out. And that was 'Chaudhary Karnail Singh'. It was the biggest hit of that time. We got a National Award and the biggest hit in Punjabi films. "In his career spanning six decades, he has worked in films such as 'Upkar', ' Dastaan', 'Gora Aur Kala', and Kati Patang'.He was recently seen in the action thriller film 'Animal' which also starred Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead roles.

She recalled what legendary actor Dilip Kumar used to say about him, "Dilip Sahib always spoke very highly of Pran Sahab and to which he stated that "RAM AUR SHYAM WAS COMPLETED AHEAD OF SCHEDULE. Its work was a jolly experience for all of us. I was working with my friend Pran in Ram Aur Shyam and Aadmi at the same time. Pran and I were friends in the real sense of the term. We met at the work place and we met informally as often as we could either at his house or mine since we lived in the same locality: Bandra," she added.Saira continued, "At work, we were invariably pitted against each other - our characters were always caught in a conflict over something or the other. It used to be very amusing for onlookers to watch the change that would come over him when he faced the camera with me in the frame after all the friendliness and affection they had seen a while ago between us. Once again he and I (in Ram Aur Shyam) were pitted against each other.Recalling a few scenes between Dilip Kumar and Pran in 'Ram Aur Shyam', she added, "The highlight and most appreciated scenes in RAM AUR SHYAM were the merciless whipping of helpless RAM by his villainous brother In law in Gajendra in the early part of the film and later when SHYAM assumes the persona of RAM and returns the ordeal of the whipping multifold, the audience just loved it and lapped it up.."She shared, "We had enjoyed being together during the shooting of Bimal Roy's Madhumati in the forest location where almost everybody else spoke in Bengali while we conversed heartily in Punjabi. He loved the evenings we spent sitting around a bonfire reciting exquisite poetry. We had some wonderful times in Madras when we were shooting for Ram Aur Shyam and Aadmi. We had just completed Dil Diya Dard Liya and the joke on the sets in Madras was "Pran aap ka peecha hi nahin chodta". It was fine with me and fine with him because we liked each other's company and respected each other as artists.""Sahib's friendship with Pran Sahab goes way back in time, Tomorrow, I'll add some interesting anecdotes about the twosome," she concluded.View this post on InstagramA post shared by Saira Banu Khan (@sairabanu)Talking about the legendary actor Pran, he portrayed a wide range of characters, from romantic protagonists to supporting characters. The actor also exalted the character of the villain in the films, eventually becoming one of the era's prominent antagonists. Pran was born on February 12, 1920, in Lahore to a rich Punjabi Hindu family. He passed away on July 12, 2013.

Amitabh Bachchan on Sunday shared some throwback pictures with late legendary actor Dilip Kumar and called him his "idol and inspiration." Amitabh and Dilip Kumar have worked together in the movie 'Shakti'. Duo shared a close bond. Big B took to Instagram and treated fans with a letter written by Dilip Kumar along with throwback photos.The letter read, "On Amitabh and my admiration My Dear Amitabh: With tears of pride in her eyes Saira handed over the print out of your eloquent tribute to my work in your blog. I read it once, then again and again. As you yourself would be keenly aware, we actors are completely oblivious of ourselves and our surroundings while we perform and, even when we watch our work in the rushes shown to us, our senses and vision are trained to detect shortcomings more than accomplishments."Dilip Kumar also praised the actor in the letter, which read "If any Indian actor, in my personal opinion, deserves the world's most coveted award, it is you. I have heard so much about Paa which we didn't catch up with. You know how Saira is- she never could see me die in my films and she could not muster the courage to see your death scene in Paa.""Thank you, Amitabh, for your warm love and good wishes. May God keep you, Jaya, and your family happy always," the letter concluded.Sharing the post, Amitabh wrote, "What can one say when you receive the blessings from THE Ultimate actor, DILIP KUMAR, my idol and inspiration .."Meanwhile, on the work front, Big B will be next seen in the sci-fi action thriller film 'Kalki 2898 AD' alongside Deepika Padukone and Prabhas.He also has a courtroom drama film 'Section 84' in his kitty.

Dilip Kumar and Raaj Kumar in the 1991 film 'Saudagar'.In an exclusive interview with ANI, Ghai recalled how he approached the duo who were then in their 60s and couldn't stand each other at that time to play lead roles and how he ended up working with the legends who gradually lost their animosity.Ghai said he first wrote the story before deciding on the actors. "When first wrote the story I thought that it should be made wither with Amrish Puri and Anupam Kher or it with Dilip Kumar or Raaj Kumar... my choice was that it should be with Dilip Kumar and Raaj Kumar only because I wanted a film to be a high quality one. So I met them and narrated them the story," the filmmaker told ANI."I told them (Dilip Kumar and Raaj Kumar) that as a director I can only guarantee that the roles of both the actors will be equal. It won't be 59-40 but 50-50...You trust and we will make it... but I hear that you are not talking to each other... I hear that you don't like each other... I hear that picture will not be made... many people ask me not to make this film with these people...so I have still come to you... they liked me honestly. They never troubled me," Ghai recalled.Ghai pointed out that he used his trademark technique of handling "star actors like children," and to "become a mother" to them and it always was effective in smoothing ruffled egos. The 'Showman' filmmaker revealed that he nicknamed Dilip Kumar and Raaj Kumar "Chunnu and Munnu" and even the spot boys took to callingg them by those names."You have to be like mothers to the actors. When you become mother to stars then they like it, don't be bossy. Then ultimately on the film's sets we named both of them 'Chunnu' (Dilip Kumar) and 'Munnu' (Raaj Kumar). Even our spot boys used to say 'Chunnu sahab aa gye...Munnu sahab aane waale hain'. Because you create a family atmosphere over there with the utmost honesty," Ghai said."Later on they got to know that we call them Chunnu-Munnu and eventually they also became friends," Ghai told ANI.The filmmaker approached Dilip Kumar first and told him about the film and his co-star and then went to Raaj Kumar with the news.Ghai recalled that when Raaj Kumar was told about acting with Dilip Kumar he paused for four few seconds and said "Bhai, aisa hai ki mein apne baad kissi ko actor maante hain to vo Dilip Kumar saab ko maaanta hoon (Brother, if I consider someone an actor after myself, it is Dilip Kumar)." "That is how Raaj Kumar was, his attitude, style and thinking. But he was a very good man inside, he used to respect honest people," recalls the veteran fillmaker.'Saudagar' also starred Vivek Mushran, Manisha Koirala, Jackie Shroff and Amirsh Puri in pivotal roles.Ghai's notable works include 'Kalicharan', 'Vishwanath', 'Karz', 'Hero', 'Vidhaata', 'Karma', 'Ram Lakhan', 'Khalnayak', 'Pardes', and 'Taal'.

Raaj Kumar was among the best actors the Indian cinema ever witnessed and was known for his unique dialogue delivery. He appeared in several hit films like 'Tiranga', 'Pakeeza', 'Hamraaz', 'Kaajal', and 'Heer Ranjha' among others.He had year-long differences with another yesteryear superstar Dilip Kumar. Both the legends came together for Subhash Ghai's blockbuster film 'Saudagar' after almost 30 years of drift.However, getting the two legends for a film hadn't been an easy task for Ghai.In an exclusive chat with ANI, Ghai recalled working with the legends in 'Saudagar' and what was their (Dilip Kumar and Raaj Kumar) first reaction when they got to know about sharing screen space after such a long time."Dilip Kumar agreed to the film first, because I had worked with him in 'Karma' and 'Vidhata'. So he knew my capacity (as a filmmaker). But he asked me who would play the second lead in the film. I told him I was considering casting Raaj Kumar for the role. Then I closed his car door and let him leave because he used to love me so much, he had faith in me. We had great mutual respect for each other," Ghai said."Then I went to Raaj Kumar and narrated the story. He also asked me who would play the second role? I told him Dilip Kumar will be essaying the role. He took a pause for 4 seconds and said, 'Main apne baad kisi ko actor manta hun to Dilip Kumar ko hi manta hun' (If there's anyone I consider an actor apart from myself, it is Dilip Kumar). That is how Raaj Kumar was," Ghai told ANI.Dilip Kumar and Raaj Kumar also starred in the 1959 film 'Paigham'.'Saudagar' also featured debutants Vivek Mushran, Manisha Koirala, apart from Jackie Shroff and Amirsh Puri in pivotal roles.Ghai's notable works include 'Kalicharan', 'Vishwanath', 'Karz', 'Hero', 'Vidhaata', 'Karma', 'Ram Lakhan', 'Khalnayak', 'Pardes', and 'Taal'.

Saira Banu on Friday, extended heartfelt greetings to her fans on the occasion of the 75th Republic Day.She took to Instagram and shared some views of her late husband and 'tragedy king' of Bollywood, Dilip Kumar. Along with pictures and videos, Saira penned a long post expressing her gratitude towards Humanity and Peace.She wrote, "Republic Day has always been the first occasion every year for me to celebrate and feel proud of my Indian nativity and the unique multicultural identity of my country. I had moved to England as a kid and I was fortunate that I spent those years as a high school student in London. I say so because the distance truly made my heart grow fonder of my country, a nation that was a source of inspiration for the rest of the developing countries." She added, "You see, as humans, we come and go, but what we leave behind prevails forever. Peace and humanity, though two different nouns, share a connection where the essence of humanity thrives within peace. Throughout the entirety of our civilization, there has been a collective endeavour to live peacefully because, fundamentally, this very potential lies within humans themselves." Saira further added, "In the embrace of our nation, where each landscape tells a story, there exists the truth, a rather expressive one...the truth of humanity. Dilip Sahib always believed in the power of humanity, he observed that even in the smallest corners of our land, the prevailing religion is the sacred creed of humanity. In the disguise of our diversity, we may find ourselves on different paths, guided by unique stories, traditions, and values, and yet we discover the threads that bind us together. These threads are woven with the belief of uplifting one another. For a moment, let's talk about the gaze exchanged between strangers, the touch of a helping hand in times of need, and shared laughter that transcends barriers. These are the moments that enlighten the essence of our shared humanity. Dilip Sahib, with understanding, recognized that the core of our being is connected to the well-being of others. He believed that we, as a nation, can achieve the unachievable through compassion and empathy.""As we commemorate the 75th Republic Day, I extend my gratitude to all those who have nurtured the spirit of humanity, tirelessly working towards strengthening and enhancing the Republic of India. Your collective efforts contribute to the stability and progression of our great nation. So, I thank you for letting HUMANITY prevail," she concluded. On the work front, Saira Banu made her acting debut in 1961 with 'Junglee' opposite Shammi Kapoor for which she received Filmfare Award for Best Actress nomination. She received three more Best Actress nominations for 'Shagird' (1967), 'Diwana' (1967) and 'Sagina' (1974). Banu went on to work in a number of movies including 'Bluff Master' (1963), 'Ayee Milan Ki Bela' (1964), 'Jhuk Gaya Aasman' (1968), 'Padosan' (1968), 'Victoria No. 203' (1972), 'Hera Pheri' (1976) and 'Bairaag' (1976).

Opening up about the enduring bond between Aamir and her late husband, legendary actor Dilip Kumar, Saira Banu wrote, "With each turn of the calendar, life continues to unfold, expand, and evolve. As years morph and time advances, a fresh perspective breathes new life into our existence. Amidst this perpetual change, there remains a constant: the presence of those who have shared our life's journey with us.View this post on InstagramA post shared by Saira Banu Khan (@sairabanu)"For Sahib and me, Aamir has been this unchangeable presence. To this day, Aamir still holds a deep admiration for Dilip Sahib and everything he brought to Indian Cinema. It's mutual, really. Sahib has always had a genuine appreciation for Aamir's acting brilliance and how he flawlessly brings characters to life on screen. Personally, I've always been moved by Aamir's artistry - not just in his films, but also in the way he's embraced the role of a family member in Sahib's and my life," she added.She recalled how Aamir stepped up in every way imaginable, offering support and lending a helping hand to her."Aamir has been with me during some really tough times. I remember when I was putting together Dilip Sahib's autobiography, "The Substance And The Shadow", Aamir stepped up in every way imaginable, offering support and lending a helping hand. It's moments like these that make you truly appreciate the kind of person he is, going beyond just the glitz and glamour of the film industry," she shared.The note concluded with Saira mentioning the joy of hosting Aamir and his mother, Zeenat Hussain, at her home.She wrote, "Yesterday, I had the pleasure of welcoming Aamir, Kiran, and Zeenat Aapa, who is Aamir's mother, an absolutely graceful and exceptional lady, into our home. It was wonderful to start the new year with warm company, heartfelt conversations, and a delightful stroll down memory lane with Dilip Sahib. It was a truly wonderful time filled with shared laughter and cherished moments. May this year unfold with the promise of continued relations, shared laughter, and the comfort of knowing that some bonds are destined to remain unchanging, no matter how much the calendar turns. #NewYear #AamirKhan."She also shared pictures from her warm meeting with Aamir.The post is flooded with heartfelt comments.