Earlier this afternoon, Saira Banu took to her IG handle to share pics with her
mentors
on the occasion of
Guru Purnima
. A mix of old and recent pics, the album served as
nostalgia
for the actress as she spoke about those who made a huge difference to her life. She wrote, “Guru Purnima is a cherished occasion to honor and express deep gratitude to those who have guided us with wisdom and love, reminding us of the profound impact a mentor can have on our lives.
Personally, I see it as a moment to be thankful and appreciative every single day. I consider myself fortunate to have been blessed with many revered gurus throughout my life, whose teachings and guidance have profoundly shaped me, especially in my journey through Indian cinema and after my marriage to Dilip Sahib.”
She added, “Among these cherished mentors, one who stands out is Roshan Kumari Ji (sitting on my left in the first picture), honored with the
Padma Shri
and has also worked with the legendary Bengali filmmaker Satyajit Ray. She imparted to me the art of
classical dance
– Kathak of the Jaipur Gharana. Her grace and discipline were nothing short of a masterclass and a blessing to the Indian art form. Everything I achieved in classical dancing is attributed to her; she dedicated herself fully to nurturing and shaping me as a classical dancer.”
She carried on, “Another significant guru is P.L. Raj Ji, with whom I had the privilege of working during ‘Junglee’, where he beautifully choreographed ‘Kashmir Ki Kali,’ my very first song, and continued to collaborate with me on subsequent films. As also my rehearsal composer Shalini Deshpande who left no stone unturned and painstakingly rehearsed with me what movements had been set for me in the respective dances.
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Today, I remember them with immense love and respect, I feel compelled to share their stories and the indelible mark they have left on my life. Their influence remains a guiding light, and their contributions to my journey are invaluable. More happy stories of us all together a bit later on.”
#HappyGuruPurnima
