When Dilip Kumar refused to be cast as Nargis' son in Mother India
Mother India marked beginning of a long lasting bond between the two
By Rajesh Ahuja
Legendary actor Sunil Dutt's portrayal as Nargis Dutt's son in the iconic film Mother India is still etched in the memory of cinelovers as one of the path-breaking performances in the history of Indian cinema.
However, not many know that the iconic event of Indian cinema also marked the beginning of a long lasting friendship between two legendary actors of Indian cinema, Dilip Kumar and Sunil Dutt.
After Dilip Kumar's refusal to do the role, Sunil Dutt was cast for it.
The fact was revealed by Bollywood actress and Dilip Kumar's wife Saira Banu as she recounted the deep bond of friendship between Dilip Kumar and Sunil Dutt, both of whom are considered the legends of Indian cinema.
In a social media post, Saira Banu said that the friendship between the two actors dates back to a radio interview that Dutt Sahib did with Dilip Sahib and Mehboob Khan's Mother India wherein ''Dilip Sahib refused to be cast as Smt Nargis Ji's son in the same film'.
'After that Sunil Dutt Ji was cast in the same role, 'she says.
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Saira Banu talks about the bond of friendship between Dilip Kumar and Sunil Dutt |
Talking about the friendship between Dilip Kumar and Sunil Dutt, Saira Banu said, 'Dilip Sahib and Sunil Dutt Sahab were not only neighbors but also dearest of friends. '
The common thread that drew Dilip Kumar and Sunil Dutt closer was the fact that they always came forward to aid the film fraternity.
'They were both great icons who did not isolate themselves in their luxurious lives but always came to aid the film fraternity, whether it was a matter of the industry at large or some crisis.
When there was big trouble and heartache, Dilip Sahib and Dutt Sahab would burn the midnight lamp together and pow pow into finding solutions, be it 3 in the morning or 4,whether it meant traveling to and fro to Delhi or helping victims of the Civil riots in Mumbai, 'Saira Banu said.
Infact, it was Sunil Dutt who encouraged him to travel to neighbouring Pakistan when he was chosen for an award.
In 1998, the Government of Pakistan conferred Dilip Kumar with Nishan-e-Imtiaz,their highest civilian award. Dilip Kumar became the only Indian to have received the award.
At that time, many parties in India demanded that Dilip Kumar decline the award.
'When Dilip Sahib needed to travel abroad to accept an award, Dutt Sahab was the first to second him and give him the impetus to receive this honor. He(Sunil Dutt)said that while doing this, he would like to see his birthplace after so many years, 'Saira Banu recalled.
Describing the relationship between Dilip Kumar and Sunil Dutt as being marked by a great sense of camaraderie, Saira Banu said, 'on the occasions of mirth and joy, it was a treat to see Sunil Ji walking down the slope into Dilip Sahib's house to share his favorite Katori of cooked dal that was must for him with every meal.
Once, after a function at Shirpur, Maharashtra, Dutt Sahab met with an unfortunate air crash on his flight back. He did survive it but landed at the Breach Candy hospital. After his discharge from the hospital, even his injury did not stop him from hobbling across with a walking stick to his friend Dilip Sahib's house to wish him Eid Mubarak. Such was the greatest and camaraderie between Dilip Sahib and Dutt Sahab. ''
Among the legends of Indian cinema, Dilip Kumar and Sunil Dutt shared screen space in the 1968 film Sadhu Aur Shaitan.
'When Dilip Sahib needed to travel abroad to accept an award, Dutt Sahab was the first to second him and give him the impetus to receive this honor. He(Sunil Dutt)said that while doing this, he would like to see his birthplace after so many years, 'Saira Banu recalled.
Describing the relationship between Dilip Kumar and Sunil Dutt as being marked by a great sense of camaraderie, Saira Banu said, 'on the occasions of mirth and joy, it was a treat to see Sunil Ji walking down the slope into Dilip Sahib's house to share his favorite Katori of cooked dal that was must for him with every meal.
Once, after a function at Shirpur, Maharashtra, Dutt Sahab met with an unfortunate air crash on his flight back. He did survive it but landed at the Breach Candy hospital. After his discharge from the hospital, even his injury did not stop him from hobbling across with a walking stick to his friend Dilip Sahib's house to wish him Eid Mubarak. Such was the greatest and camaraderie between Dilip Sahib and Dutt Sahab. ''
Among the legends of Indian cinema, Dilip Kumar and Sunil Dutt shared screen space in the 1968 film Sadhu Aur Shaitan.
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