Friends, due to some unforeseen circumstances, I could not write my weekend blogs for the last three weeks.
In this weekend blog, I am continuing with the topic I started four weeks back about the actresses who made their debut in the 1960s and who attained stardom. In this list, the next actress who made her debut in 1961 in a film called Junglee, yes friends, I am referring to SAIRA BANU.
Saira Banu is one of the most celebrated actresses in the history of Indian cinema. Known for her beauty, elegance and lively screen presence, she was among the leading actresses of Hindi films during the 1960s and early 1970s. Her successful film career, coupled with her enduring marriage to legendary actor Dilip Kumar, has made her a beloved figure in Hindi cinema.
She was born on 23rd August 1944. She belonged to a family deeply connected to Hindi film industry. Her mother Naseem Banu, was a renowned actress of 1930s and 1940s, and was often referred to as the ‘Beauty Queen’.
She made a remarkable debut in 1961 with the film Junglee opposite Shammi Kapoor. The film was a huge commercial success. Her performance earned her widespread recognition and established her as a promising newcomer.
Throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, Saira Banu worked with all the biggest stars of that era, including Rajendra Kumar, Dev Anand, Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Shammi Kapoor, Dharmendra, Sunil Dutt, Manoj Kumar and others.
Some of her notable films include:
1 Bluff Master (1963): Co-starring Shammi Kapoor.
2 Ayee Milan Ki Bela (1964): A romantic drama featuring Rajendra Kumar & Dharmendra.
3 Jhuk Gaya Aasman (1968): A fantasy-romance opposite Rajeendra Kumar that further strengthened her popularity among cinegoers.
4 Padosan (1968): One of the most loved comedy films, Padosan starred Sunil Dutt, Kishore Kumar, and Mehmood.
6 Victoria No. 203 (1972): A popular comedy-thriller that performed well at the box office. Starring Ashok Kumar, Navin Nischal and Pran.
7 Gopi (1970) and Sagina(1974): These films paired her with Dilip Kumar and showcased her versatility as an actress.
She gradually reduced her film appearances during late 1970s. She chose to focus more on her personal life and family responsibilities.
Her successful acting career, combined with her enduring devotion toDilip Kumar, has ensured her place among the most respected and cherished personalities in Hindi cinema.
My favourite songs picturised on her, with their YouTube links:
1 Din Sara Gujar Tore Angana… Mere Yaar Shaba e Khair– Junglee (film-F) 1961. Mohd Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar (Singer-S), Hasrat Jaipuri (Lyricist-L), Shankar Jaikishan (Music Director-MD). On screen-with Shammi Kapoor.
https://youtu.be/BnUfsQ8HbcA?si=xR6ebhRKfdjaIIwi
2 Ehsaan Tera Hoga Mujh Par– Junglee (F) 1961. Lata Mangeshkar (S), Hasrat Jaipuri (L), Shankar Jaikishan (MD).
https://youtu.be/2ca43nTQUL0?si=UZt5WEPCvQA07pr2
3 Husn Chala Kuch Aisi Chaal, Deewane Ka Pooch Na Haal– Bluff Master (F) 1963. Mohd Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar (S) Rajender Krishan (L), Kalyanji Anandji (MD). On screen with Shammi Kapoor.
https://youtu.be/869p3UISAgU?si=xixlUpwb4Zz6jELW
4 Tumko Hamari Umar Lag Jaaye– Aayee Milan Ki Bela (F) 1964. Lata Mangeshkar (S), Hasrat jaipuri (L), Shankar Jaikishan (MD).
https://youtu.be/T16Gidgszh4?si=_RVqcqMuV49GXGOW
5 Dil Wil Pyar Wyar, Main Kya Jano Re– Shagird (F) 1967. Lata Mangeshkar(S), Majrooh Sultanpuri (L), Laxmikant Pyarelal (MD)
https://youtu.be/VXDR5L1Ykhc?si=-7VdBQstBT8Pjtyq
6 Main Chali, Main Chali, Dekho Pyar Ki Gali-Padosan (F) 1968. Asha Bhosle & Lata mangeshkar (S), Rajender Krishan (L), RD Burman (MD)
https://youtu.be/szFxM9KBNMA?si=0EFQLd19VaeWSUYR
7 Unse Mili Nazar Ke Mere Hosh Ud Gaye – Jhuk Gaya Aasman (F) 1968. Lata Mangeshkar (S), Hasrat Jaipuri (L), Shankar Jaikishan (MD)
https://youtu.be/5i160jmz6JI?si=UrqLw3MZQNJadXL1
8 Neele Parbaton Ki Dhara, Aayi Dhoondne Kinara– Aadmi Aur Insaan (F) 1970, Asha Bhosle (S), Sahir Ludhianvi (L), Ravi (MD). https://youtu.be/lTurlcBxst0?si=Q7_LF7r53Ow9WNmq
9 Ek Padosan Peeche Pad Gayi, Junglee Jiska Naam– Gopi (F) 1970. Lata Mangeshkar & Mahendra Kapoor (S), Rajender Krishan (L), Kalyanji Anandji (MD). On screen with Dilip Kumar.
https://youtu.be/eo3g4dU3l6o?si=MB-iI5Tex9OurNWL
10 Thoda Sa Thero, Karti Hoon Tumse Wada– Victoria No. 203 (F) 1972. Lata Mangeshkar (S), Indeevar (L), Kalyanji Anandji (MD)
https://youtu.be/ZcQI4K-Zj3k?si=40HPV3wMuoovx4Al
11 Rootha Hai To Mana Lenge, Bigda Hai To Bana Lenge- Jwar Bhata (F) 1973. Lata Mangeshkar (S) Rajender Krishan (L), Laxmikant Pyarelal (MD)
https://youtu.be/_-x7Hy1uKbY?si=Il-ZQN4LHPF-6ltG
12 Nainon Mein Darpan Hai, Darpan Mein Koi, Dekhoon Jise– Aarop (F) 1974. Lata Mangeshkar & Kishore Kumar (S), Maya Govind (L), Bhupen Hazarika (MD)
https://youtu.be/mqrtRcoEtW4?si=FU0FoDEdPg1yzhiC
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
29th May 2026