Lata Mangeshkar and Dilip Kumar have a close bond as siblings, according to a poignant statement sent by Saira Banu on Raksha Bandhan.
Lata Mangeshkar and her husband Dilip Kumar shared a sisterly love that lasted for decades in a lengthy and touching statement that veteran actress Saira Banu posted on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
There is no denying the closeness of these two legends, and even after old age set in, they never lost sight of their connection from their early days in Bollywood. They stayed close till their latter years.
The actress shared several images of the two in their senior years on Instagram to show how their friendship endured throughout their lives. She gave a lengthy explanation of their longstanding relationship as siblings in the post’s description.
The post read: “The Kohinoor of Indian Cinema Dilip Sahib and the nightingale of the Music Industry of India Lata Mangeshkar held a connection beyond the dazzle of their stupendous stardom. They shared the bond of a brother and sister.”
She continued, “In those golden quiet bygone days this legendary two-some found it comfortable to travel from their homes to their work spots in local trains which are also known as the life-line of this marvelous city Mumbai.”
Saira Banu continued, “It was during this travelling period that they exchanged their thoughts, experiences, and sought one other’s counsel. Dilip Kumar had helped Lata Mangeshkar become the amazing singer she was. During one of these trips, Sahib instructed Lataji on how much Urdu’s heart is in its immaculate pronunciation and how even a small nukta can bring a lovely touch to sentences.
She continued, “Sahib emphasised that one must own the spoken languages with mastery. Lataji, an obedient sister in every sense, worked upon his advice and sought an Urdu tutor’s assistance. Since then, the world bore witness to her flawless pronunciation in her songs.”
No matter how busy they were with work, travel, or other obligations, the two continued to find a way to get together on Rakshabandhan and Lataji would tie the holy Rakhi on Sahib’s hand. As a result, the two developed an unbreakable bond that they would always celebrate through Rakhi.
To my delight, they both faithfully carried out this tradition year after year. In appreciation for their kind deed, I sent her a brocade sari that she liked each time.
Lata Mangeshkar was, in fact, launched to the world as Dilip Kumar’s little sister: “Dilip Sahib conferred upon her the privilege of being introduced at the historic Royal Albert Hall in London where the echoes of the first Indian concert resounded.
He summoned her to the stage in the most straightforward manner. “Main inhein introduce karne aaya hoon,” said Ye Meri Choti Si Behen Bohat Mukhtasar Si. The audience cheered with approval. Thousands of long-playing records with the same purpose were produced and sold to the general population. He introduced her in a similar way at the London Palladium many years later.
In good health and bad, this sibling bond persisted all the way to the end. She frequently visited Sahib at our house, where they would share lunch or dinner.
“The very last time she visited, she fed him tenderly with her own hands, and the two of them made such a wonderful picture. Such was their affection for one another.monumental!”
Dilip Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar are two legends who don’t require an introduction. They initially met in 1948 while riding Mumbai’s local train, and their relationship has endured for more than seven decades.
The best example of their work together is “Mughal-E-Azam,” one of the most famous Indian films.
