When Dilip Kumar Rejected Actress for Lacking ‘Seductive Appeal’ & Being ‘Too Delicate’

When Dilip Kumar Rejected Actress for Lacking 'Seductive Appeal' & Being 'Too Delicate'

By Ritu Sharma

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While Waheeda Rehman was cast in one of the female lead roles, the search for the other actress opposite Dilip Kumar continued. See more When Salman Khan Refused to Work with Raveena Tandon Again: ‘We Had Constant Fights During the Film’

Dilip Kumar, one of the most iconic actors in Indian cinema, had an illustrious career spanning over five decades. He worked with some of the finest actresses in the industry, such as Nargis, Madhubala, Vyjayanthimala, and Saira Banu. However, there was one instance when he turned down the opportunity to work with a well-known actress because he felt she wasn’t right for the part. Here’s the full story.

Dilip Kumar, known for pioneering method acting in Bollywood, ruled the Hindi film industry during the 1950s and 1960s. His contributions to cinema were legendary, and he became known as “Abhinay Samrat” (the Emperor of Acting). He also holds the record for the most Filmfare Awards for Best Actor, a feat later matched by Shah Rukh Khan, and broke multiple box office records.

As reported by The Indian Express, Dilip Kumar, in his memoir The Substance and The Shadow, revealed that he once declined to work with actress Saira Banu for the film Ram Aur Shyam. The film required two female leads for the dual roles played by Kumar, and while Waheeda Rehman was already on board, the producers were still searching for the other lead. That’s when producer Nagi Reddy suggested Saira Banu.

Dilip Kumar expressed his concerns in his memoir: “Nagi Reddy was full of praise for Saira and her recent performances. He was sure that her pairing with me would be a hit, particularly in the comedic scenes, as she had a natural flair for comedy. But since I took a hands-on approach to my films, I voiced my disagreement. I felt she was too delicate and innocent in appearance to play a character that required a seductive and bold presence.”

The role eventually went to Mumtaz, who was recommended by comedian Mehmood. Kumar recalled how Mehmood was so passionate about Mumtaz’s talent that he even brought along tins of film reels to showcase her abilities. Thanks to Mehmood’s persistence, Mumtaz secured the role.

Dilip Kumar’s rejection, however, hurt Saira Banu deeply. He wrote in his memoir, “My refusal to work with her in Ram Aur Shyam was the final straw. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned! I certainly got more than my share of criticism from Saira in various ways.”

Interestingly, after the release of Ram Aur Shyam in 1967, Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu crossed paths at her birthday party, where the actor fell in love with her. The two soon got engaged before the filming was even complete. The couple’s bond grew stronger over time, and they later married. Dilip Kumar passed away in 2021 at the age of 98, leaving behind a legacy that will always be remembered.