Those who know about
Dharmendra
know about his love for Bollywood’s megastar Dilip Kumar. Every now and then, Dharmendra has been seen sharing old pictures of himself with the late
Dilip Kumar
and recalls all the beautiful times. Many a time Dilip Kumar’s beloved wife
Saira Banu
has also spoken about the brotherly bond shared between the two actors.
Last year, Saira shared some throwback pictures of Dharmendra and Dilip that stand as a testament to their relationship.
Along with the post, Saira Banu shared about Dharmendra’s journey to the world of cinema, which began with a profound admiration for Dilip Kumar’s acting prowess. Enchanted by Dilip Kumar’s performance in the film ‘Shaheed,’ Dharmendra embarked on a pilgrimage from Ludhiana to Bombay in 1952, with the sole purpose of meeting his idol. Undeterred by obstacles, Dharmendra ventured to Kumar’s residence in Bandra, where fate granted him an unexpected encounter with the legendary actor peacefully asleep on a sofa.
Six years later, destiny reunited the two actors, this time fostering a bond akin to brothers. Saira fondly recalled a poignant moment when Dilip Kumar, recognizing Dharmendra’s discomfort from the cold, generously offered his sweater, epitomizing their camaraderie.
In a touching revelation, Saira Banu disclosed another cherished memory, wherein Dharmendra, on the eve of his son
Sunny Deol
‘s film launch, visited Dilip Kumar’s home at midnight to share the poster of ‘Betaab.’
“I remember one night before the mahurat launch of Sunny’s film ‘Betaab’, Dharam Ji reached Sahib’s house at midnight and went upstairs, spreading Sunny’s huge photographs on display for him to see, and then sheepishly disclosed that the heroine was Nasir Bhai’s and Begum Para’s relative Amrita Singh. He encouraged Dharam JI and made him feel at home in the wee hours of that morning!”
As enthusiasts reflect on Bollywood’s golden era, Saira Banu’s heartfelt memories provide a window into the enduring friendship shared between Dharmendra and Dilip Kumar, ensuring that their bond remains immortalized for generations to come.