When Saira heard a bee in Dilip's bonnet

Chapter 11

I was the editor of film monthly Super. I was flirting with positive film journalism. There was a gossip column like Neeta Netter of Stardust fame but we avoided salacious stuff. One day, I got a call from an unknown source. It whispered that Dilip Kumar's wife and an actor in her own right, Saira Bano wanted to give us a juicy story. I was thrilled.

An unknown gentleman landed in my office and dropped a bomb shell. Dilip Kumar was seeing a lady called Asma. They were meeting incognito. Dilip sahib was also visiting her place. I was handed over her picture as well. It deserved to be a cover story. Next day, I received a call from a senior Times of Journalist and film cricket late M. Shamim who was my neighbor for three decades in Press Enclave in South Delhi. I respected him a lot. He requested me not to use the story. I didn't know how to react. The choice between my role as the editor and on the other was a discretion from a senior whom I kept in high esteem.

After a lot of mulling over, I opted to flash the story on the cover and we flashed it at the prime slot. The issue hit the stands on 27th of that month and the bollywood rumour mill caught fire soon after. The freelance photographers used to double up as source also as they moved around studios and star houses to shoot. Many of them called me for sharing the picture. Obviously, Shamim sahib must have felt offended but he never broached the subject even after my return to Delhi and we maintained civil and cordial relations. He was a chip of the old block.

Saira was quite cut up with her husband. They had married late in life. Didn't have any issues. I got another call from the same source hinting at a story idea on the virility of Dilip Sahab. I felt scandalized. I could sense that Saira didn’t want to let off her celebrity husband so easily. It was rumoured that the marriage was on the rocks from the word go. Though, it has successfully continued till date. Recently, she was flashed on his side at his 90th birthday.

These days, I am hooked to Z Classic channel which is airing Dilip Kumar starers like Devdas and Madhumati. He is a great actor and a heart throb. I was his ardent fan and saw his films like Leader, Mughal-eAzam. I met him only once on the sets of some film at Rajkamal Studio. I was introduced him and we exchanged some small pleasantries. A thorough gentleman and no airs around him. I wish him a long and healthy life and will always remain his admirer.