Madhubala and Dilip Kumar’s love story dates back to the 50s when the two legendary actors fell in love while shooting for Tarana (1951). From romance to painful separation, Dilip and Madhubala’s tragic story has all the elements that make it nothing short of a movie screenplay. However, after dating for 9 long years, they parted ways because of a court case.
On the other hand, actress, Saira Banu had a crush on Dilip Kumar since her childhood days. Growing up watching his films, Saira’s love and admiration for Dilip was beyond words. Their destiny had brought the two hearts together, and hence the 44-year-old Dilip Kumar married 22-year-old Saira in 1966 despite the age difference of 22 years. However, once in an interview with a media portal, Saira Banu had lauded her hubby, Dilip’s ex-girlfriend, Madhubala.
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In an interview with Stardust back in 1973, Saira was asked about her critics who claim that she has made it to the Bollywood industry because of her glamour and not talent. Answering this, Saira had lauded her husband, Dilip Kumar’s ex-girlfriend, Madhubala and said that similar claims were made about her despite her being an exceptionally talented actress. She had said:
“Maybe they are right - but what counts is that I am around, whether they like it or not! Remember, the same was said of a great star called Madhubala, of another named Marilyn Monroe, and I am happy to be in such illustrious company!”
Madhubala had signed a film, Naya Daur and even shot for 15 days. However, the director, B.R Chopra had changed the shooting location to Bhopal, and it didn't go well with the actress’ father. As she had denied completing the film, B.R Chopra sued her. While Madhubala was firm with her father’s decision, Dilip Kumar had testified against them, contributing to their already-sour relationship. Earlier, in an interview with ETimes, Madhubala’s sister, Madhur Bhusan revealed that her sister would have married Dilip Kumar if he had apologised to their father. She had said:
“Had the court case not happened, Madhubala would have probably got married to Dilip Kumar. She had urged Dilip saab to apologise to our father. She had tried to convince him to let bygones be bygones, just say one sorry for the sake of their relationship. Dilip saab refused.”
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In the same conversation, Madhur had added that Dilip was a wonderful human being, but his refusal to say “one sorry” had broken many hearts. She also explained how Madhubala would cry and try to persuade him, but he would deny it. She had stated:
“She would cry and tell Dilip saab, ‘Dekho humari zindagi barbaad ho jayegi’ and Dilip saab would ask her, ‘Tum itni zidd kyun kar rahi ho?’.”
For those who don't know, the late actor, Dilip Kumar had mentioned his romance with his ladylove, Madhubala, in his biography titled Dilip Kumar: The Substance and the Shadow.
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