Veteran actress Saira Banu recently took to her social media to share a heartfelt story about her late co-star Kamini Kaushal, who passed away recently.
In a thoughtful carousel post, Saira included a still of herself alongside Kamini from their movie, as well as memories of Kamini with the legendary Dilip Kumar from their films together. She reminisced about Kamini’s kindness and warmth while they shot the iconic film “Purab Aur Paschim.”
A Fond Memory from the Set
Saira said, “We worked together in Purab Aur Paschim, and it was during that film that one of my fondest memories with her took place.” She recounted a particular scene where her character, Preeti, a westernized girl, visits a temple on Nag Panchami and encounters a snake.
“I was supposed to look western and wear pointy high heels, and in this particular scene, I had to run along a muddy path,” she explained. Saira also shared, “Manoj (Kumar) ji, with great concern, asked, ‘Saira, how will you run in these high heels?’ At that moment, Uma Ji quietly slipped her own flats toward me and said with a soft laugh, ‘Yeh pehen lo, zyada aasaan rahega. (Wear these; it will be easy for you.)’ To my surprise, those flats fit me perfectly well.”
She added with warmth, “Later, we had a hearty laugh about it as if it were my own pair of shoes. I also remember how, when my engagement to Dilip Sahib was announced, she kindly called to congratulate me, ensuring she personally conveyed her happiness.”
Memories of Grace
Banu also recalled a more recent memory of the late star. “A few months ago, I came across a video of her dancing. There she was, still so light on her feet, moving with such grace. I remember smiling and thinking to myself, ‘I should call her…’ I tried to reach out, and though I could not speak to her, I did speak with her daughter-in-law, who was more than happy to chat with me.”
A Touching Farewell
Reflecting on Kamini Kaushal’s passing, Saira expressed her emotional state, stating, “Today, as I think of her, I find no grand words but remembrance for a woman who carried dignity around her shoulders. May we remember her not only for the films she graced but also for the dignity, gentleness, and cultured brilliance she gifted to this world.”
For those who might not know, Kamini Kaushal passed away at the age of 98 due to age-related issues. She was celebrated as a superstar actress during her prime in Bollywood.