Marking 64 years since the release of her debut film, "Junglee," veteran Bollywood actress Saira Banu recently shared a heartfelt reflection on her journey into cinema. In a social media post, Banu reminisced about the day she first faced the camera, describing herself as "a young, wide-eyed girl" filled with uncertainty, nervousness, and a mix of excitement and fear.
Banu, born on August 23, 1944, in Mussoorie, India, to actress Naseem Banu and producer Mian Ehsan-ul-Haq, was offered several film roles upon her return from London. Despite receiving offers from prestigious studios and filmmakers like Kamal Amrohi, Ramanand Sagar, and B.R. Chopra, destiny led her to Subodh Mukherjee's "Junglee". Mukherjee, according to Banu, needed a "mischievous, spirited girl" for the role, a description she felt resonated with her blend of being a "tomboy and recluse".
"Junglee," released in 1961, starred Shammi Kapoor as Shekhar and Saira Banu as Rajkumari, alongside veteran actors like Lalita Pawar and Shashikala. The film became a major box office hit and earned Banu a Filmfare Award nomination for Best Actress. The film's music, composed by Shankar-Jaikishan, also became a sensation, with songs like "Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahe" solidifying Shammi Kapoor's "Yahoo!" loverboy image.
Banu recounted an incident during the shooting of the iconic song "Kashmir Ki Kali Hoon Main" in the breathtaking valleys of Kashmir. Overwhelmed by the large crowds of tourists, she froze and burst into tears. Her mother, Naseem Banu, offered to take her home, but it was Shammi Kapoor's playful teasing that sparked a newfound determination in the young actress. Kapoor quipped that if she wanted to be shy, she should have stayed home in a burkha.
Banu revealed that Kapoor's remark motivated her to overcome her fears. She wiped her tears, pulled her dupatta around her waist, and declared, "Main Karke Dikhaugi!" (I will do it!). The camera rolled again, the music played, and Banu delivered the shot, transforming her fear into determination.
Banu also shared another unforgettable memory from the shoot: a daring water-skiing scene in Nigeen Lake. When the duplicate artist didn't show up, Banu, who had never surfed before, plunged into the icy waters with encouragement from Shammi Kapoor.
Looking back, Banu expressed her gratitude to Subodh Mukherjee, Shammi Kapoor, and her mother for their support. She described "Junglee" as more than just her debut; it was her "baptism into cinema," a film that gave her wings, taught her courage, and introduced her to the joy of performance.
Saira Banu is regarded as one of the most beautiful actresses in Hindi cinema. In 2022, she was included in Outlook India's "75 Best Bollywood Actresses" list. Rediff.com placed her ninth on their "Best Bollywood Debut Ever" list for "Junglee".
