A wonderful man has left us today. Manoj Kumar ji and I worked together in Shaadi [1962], Purab Aur Paschim [1970], and Balidaan [1971]. As soon as my first film Junglee [1961] became a big hit, I received many offers, among which was Shaadi. I used to be awkward while doing romantic songs. I had requested my dance director Satya Narayan ji to have one of his dancers as a stand-in for me, for the first song, Aaj ki raat naya chand. Manoj ji was very understanding. When my solo shots were being filmed, he’d quietly move away from the set.  

A few years later, my family and I were attending a première at Metro cinema. After the film ended, I noticed Manoj ji at a distance, signalling something to my brother Sultan, but we could not reach him due to the crowd. The next day, he called my brother and suggested casting me in Upkar [1967]. I was also considered for Neel Kamal [1968]. Unfortunately, my dates were committed to other ventures. So, there went my chance of doing two films with Manoj ji!