Mumbai, Nov 14 (NationPress) Renowned actress Saira Banu recently took to her social media to unveil a lesser-known anecdote about her and the late Kamini Kaushal, who sadly passed away not long ago.

In her post, she shared a carousel of images, including a snapshot of herself with Kamini Kaushal from one of their films, alongside pictures of Kaushal with Dilip Kumar, making for a heartfelt tribute.

Saira reflected, “While the entire internet mourned the loss of Uma Ji, I found myself contemplating how one could articulate the essence of such a remarkable woman, so ahead of her time. In an age where few women ventured into cinema with the elegance of a well-cultured upbringing, Kamini Kaushal, our cherished Uma Ji, truly distinguished herself.

Not only did she possess stunning beauty, but she also brought a literary intellect and a unique refinement that was unmistakable. She belonged to a world rich in books, poetry, and deep thought, and she infused that essence into her performances, enhancing her presence. Recalling her connection with the late superstar Dilip Kumar, Banu stated, “I remember how Dilip Sahib always spoke of her with utmost reverence. He valued her literary background and the depth of her conversations, which transcended the realm of cinema.”

She continued, “My journey with her began unexpectedly during my water ballet training for April Fool. I had to leap from a considerable height, and upon landing, there she was. She remarked, ‘You know, Saira, I couldn’t have accomplished what you just did… How did you manage it?’ From that moment, I held her in high esteem, treating her with respect not out of obligation, but out of genuine admiration.” Saira also mentioned how Kamini would often reach out to Dilip Kumar for counsel.

“I recall the warm phone calls she made, inviting Sahib to meet individuals keen to see him. I made sure to care for those guests from various parts of the country and beyond. She would call Sahib for advice on different matters or just to chat, and I would always hand the phone to him.”

For those unaware, Kamini Kaushal, originally named Uma Kaushal, had previously shared her experiences regarding her relationship with the iconic actor Dilip Kumar in her memoirs. She candidly discussed the personal events that shaped her life and reflected on their parting ways. Both she and Dilip Kumar had a profound bond and shared happiness, but circumstances led them to separate. She explained that ending things abruptly was never an option for her, especially with familial ties at stake, and acknowledged her husband’s understanding of the situation.

“We were both heartbroken. We had a joyful relationship and a strong rapport. But that’s how life unfolds. I couldn’t just leave people behind and say, ‘I’m done!’ I had responsibilities. I wouldn’t want to face my sister. My husband, a wonderful person, understood why things happened the way they did. Love is universal.” Interestingly, Dilip Kumar also expressed his feelings for Kamini Kaushal in his biography, referring to her as his first love.

Years later, Dilip reminisced about his initial heartbreak in Bunny Reuben’s biography, “Dilip Kumar – Star Legend of Indian Cinema,” stating, “She (Kamini) was the one with whom I felt complete identification. I believe everyone experiences true love once. If love happens again, it’s merely a shadow of that brilliant flame, a light so blinding that the joy of those days seems unbelievable.”

It has been reported that Kamini Kaushal was Dilip Kumar’s first love. The two legendary actors shared the screen in three films: “Shaheed”, “Shabnam”, and “Nadiya Ke Paar.” While Dilip Kumar seldom openly discussed his emotions, acclaimed novelist Ismat Chughtai revealed that he was deeply in love with Kamini.

For those who may not know, Kamini Kaushal passed away on November 14 at the age of 98.