Saira Banu says people from the industry received 'Shahi Farmaan' for Dilip Kumar’s 'Mughal-E-Azam' premiere

Indian filmmaker K Asif’s iconic film 'Mughal-E-Azam', featuring Dilip Kumar and Madhubala, stood as the highest-grossing Indian movie for 15 consecutive years following its release. Saira Banu, Kumar's wife, recently took to Instagram to reflect on the tremendous buzz that surrounded the film's debut in 1960.

Check out the post here:


In her evocative writing, Saira reflects on the grandeur of 'Mughal-e-Azam', a cinematic masterpiece by K. Asif that took years to create and dazzled audiences with its romance and spectacle. She recounts the excitement surrounding the film's premiere, highlighting the fervent anticipation that led fans to camp outside the Maratha Mandir theatre for tickets and the royal treatment of the film's prints. she added, "For the Film Industry people a Silver encased “SHAHI FARMAAN” was forwarded which contained the ornate Invitation. The Spectacular Print to be screened in the Theatre was ceremoniously placed on bejewelled Elephants that royally brought the Reels to the Theatre. Wow!"


Amidst this cinematic celebration, Saira shares a personal and touching story. Newly returned from abroad, she was enamored with the aura of her husband, the legendary actor Dilip Kumar, who starred in 'Mughal-e-Azam'. Determined to capture his attention, Saira spent days preparing herself meticulously—oiling her long hair, perfecting her nails, and choosing the ideal nail polish colors to impress him.

she wrote, "All this splendour apart young and smitten by Sahib’s aura, little Ms Saira Banu, daughter of Naseem Banuji was building her own dreamy castles in the sand. I thought this was the opportunity for me to see Sahib and of course he would look at me and like me immediately and my dream of being his Love could fructify Ha Ha Ha!!! I spent 6 Days in oiling and washing my very long tresses standing in the sun to get that glow on my hair and skin. I filed and re-filed my long nails, putting on every nail-polish that he would like Pearl, Pink and Ruby, People from above the flat would gaze down to the Balcony where I stood and share all my capers, amongst which were Apa Sayeeda (Sister of Actress Waheeda Rehman ji) who would meet me in the Lift and admire my long hair, my nails and tell me that she loved the way I was looking."

The story concludes with a promise of more to come, hinting at further revelations about her experiences and the enchanting moments shared with Dilip Kumar.

Saira Banu's heartfelt recollections offer a charming glimpse into the personal and professional worlds intertwined by the magic of 'Mughal-e-Azam.' Her stories not only celebrate the film's monumental success but also reveal the depth of her admiration and love for Dilip Kumar.