The relationship between Bollywood legends Raaj Kumar and Dilip Kumar was complex, marked by both admiration and a simmering rivalry. While both were celebrated actors, an incident early in their careers reportedly led to a decades-long estrangement. Despite this, an intriguing anecdote reveals a peculiar gesture by Raaj Kumar involving Dilip Kumar's picture and an alcohol bottle, offering a glimpse into the layers of their dynamic.

The incident seemingly stems from the long-standing tension between the two actors that began during the filming of "Paigham" in 1959. During a scene, Raaj Kumar supposedly slapped Dilip Kumar with excessive force, leading to displeasure and a resolution from Dilip Kumar to avoid working with Raaj Kumar in the future. This incident created a serious rift, and Dilip chose to avoid working with his peers after that.

Years later, despite their strained relationship, the two were cast in Subhash Ghai's "Saudagar" (1991), a casting coup that required considerable effort from the director. Ghai managed to bring them together by ensuring both actors had equally important roles. However, tensions remained palpable on set.

Adding to the existing tension, during the shoot of the Holi song in "Saudagar", Raaj Kumar was repeatedly reminded not to throw gulaal (colored powder) directly at Dilip Kumar's face, as the latter was wearing contact lenses. Eyewitnesses recall Raaj Kumar pausing the shoot, lighting a cigarette, and seemingly unfazed by the warnings. Despite the warnings, Raaj Kumar threw gulaal at Dilip Kumar's face. Visibly hurt and shocked, Dilip Kumar walked off the set.

Against this backdrop of reported rivalry, the anecdote about Raaj Kumar wrapping Dilip Kumar’s picture around an alcohol bottle emerges. While the exact details surrounding this incident remain unclear, it suggests a complex interplay of emotions. Perhaps it was a way for Raaj Kumar to keep Dilip Kumar "close" in his own unique way, or maybe it was a silent acknowledgement of Dilip Kumar's stature. It could also be interpreted as a sign of respect, albeit expressed unconventionally. Without explicit confirmation, the gesture remains open to interpretation.

Raaj Kumar's personality was known to be eccentric. Some reports suggest that Raaj Kumar considered Dilip Kumar to be the best actor in India, after himself. This acknowledgment, coupled with the reported incident, paints a picture of a relationship filled with contradictions.

Regardless of the motivation, the story highlights the intricate and often enigmatic relationships that exist between individuals, especially within the competitive world of Bollywood. The gesture serves as a reminder that beneath the surface of public perception, there often lie layers of untold stories and unspoken emotions.