Flashback Friday: When Vinod Khanna disappeared from the sets of 'Aarop' on Dilip Kumar's arrival

Vinod Khanna and Dilip Kumar. Pic/Twitter

Vinod Khanna was one of the highest paid actors of the 70s. A promising actor, he took a break from the industry in the early 80s to pursue a spiritual route. He returned to the industry after five years and continued being part of hit films. The actor passed away in 2017 but lives on through his work. Today, on his birth anniversary, veteran actress Saira Banu took to her Instagram handle to share sweet memories with the actor.

Saira Banu and Vinod Khanna worked together in the 1974 film 'Aarop'. She shared an interesting story from the shooting days of the film. "Vinod loved Sahib incredibly. He was a very thoughtful man. Once, he and I were shooting at "Natraj Studios" for Guru Dutt's film "AAROP" directed by Atmaramji. On the very same day, Sahib was headed to the airport and I had requested him to stop by the Studio before his flight to Delhi," she wrote.

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"As Sahib arrived, Vinod, Johnny Walker Bhai, and I were rehearsing a scene. While Sahib walked in, Vinod disappeared somewhere. Soon after, Atmaramji sent assistants to look for him so that we could go ahead with the shot. Vinod took pretty long to come onto the set and Sahib had already left. As soon as Vinod appeared I asked him "Where were you for so long?" Vinod laughed and said "Oh! Boy! Do you think I can act and perform while Dilipji, "The Master Of Acting" is watching? I would be shaking with nervousness! So I absconded," she further wrote.

Saira Banu also shared a video of Khanna greeting Dilip Kumar which was probably shot in later years. The video also has Sunny Deol in the background.

Saira Banu further spoke about how the industry reacted to Khanna's decision to join Osho. "Vinod, at the peak of his career, had become a disciple of Osho and from 1975 onwards, he had taken a break from films to follow his Guru. At that time, I told him many times, "You are one of the brightest stars of today and everyone knows you will scale tremendous heights in your career. You are too promising. Please don't go. Why are you intending to take this hiatus?" The entire industry was crestfallen at this move," she wrote.

Banu further praised the star for his gentleman behaviour towards women. "Vinod always ensured that we ladies on the sets had comfort levels while going home from the studio. One day, I sent my car back home for some important work, and unexpectedly director Atmaramji finished shooting much earlier than expected. He had a perky tiny Volkswagen and saw that my car had not arrived, he then looked at all the paraphernalia of needy things I carried with me and immediately offered his car to drive me home safely. I said, "Mera Itna Saaman Kahan Aayega, Tumahari Beautiful Choti Si Gaadi Main". So he said I will wait until your car arrives. Such a chivalrous man he was," she said.

"I remember it was a joy to see him and his wife Geetanjali while we shot outdoors at Lonavala, all of us lived together and had fun times. Later on, when he married Kavita, his second wife, they always visited us on occasions, particularly on our "Silver Wedding Anniversary" and mingled so wonderfully as one of our own family," Banu concluded.