When Dilip Kumar refused to cast Saira Banu in ‘Ram Aur Shyam’ because she lacked seductive appeal; eventually Mumtaz was cast: ‘She was too delicate and innocent’

Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu serve couple goals onscreen and offscreen. They’ve been paired opposite each other in many movies, however, despite their personal relationship, Dilip Kumar always made sure that the casting was as per the demand of the movie and character. For instance, in his memoir, the legendary actor wrote about the time when he refused Saira to be cast in ‘Ram Aur Shyam’.
The actor wrote in his memoir, The Substance And The Shadow that his film ‘Ram Aur Shyam’ had him in a double role. Waheeda Rehman was already cast and the makers were looking for another actress. That is when producer Nagi Reddy suggested Saira Banu’s name.
Dilip Kumar said, “Nagi Reddy was all admiration for Saira and her recent performances and was certain that her pairing with me in the comedy situations would be a huge draw since she possessed a wonderful flair for spirited comedy. Since it was my practice to take an active interest in the making of my film, I voiced my opinion that I did not agree with Nagi Reddy on this issue because I felt she was too delicate and innocent in appearance for a character that had to have loads of seductive appeal and a bold, buxom appearance.”
Eventually, Mumtaz bagged the role on Mehmood’s recommendation. “He (Mehmood) was so sincere in his recommendation of her that he even carried tins of film reels depicting Mumtaz to exhibit how talented she was. Mumtaz eventually bagged that role.”
However, his decision to go against the casting of Saira, did not go down well with her. He said, “My refusal to work in Ram Aur Shyam with her was the proverbial last straw on the camel’s back! Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned! Sure enough, I received more than my fair share of brickbats from Saira in various ways.”