The bond between Dilip Kumar, the "Kohinoor of Indian cinema," and Lata Mangeshkar, the "Nightingale of India," transcended mere professional respect; it was a sibling-like connection filled with mutual admiration and affection. This heartwarming relationship was recently brought to light by Saira Banu, Dilip Kumar's wife, who shared unseen moments and anecdotes illustrating the depth of their bond.
Raksha Bandhan held a special significance for Dilip Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar. Despite their demanding schedules and geographical distances, they never missed the ritual of Lataji tying the sacred thread on Sahib's wrist, symbolizing her prayers and affection for him. In return, Dilip Kumar would send her a brocade sari, a token of his gratitude for their cherished bond.
Beyond the Raksha Bandhan celebrations, their connection was woven with shared experiences, from Mumbai local train rides to exchanging life lessons. Saira Banu recounted an incident where Dilip Kumar gently guided Lata Mangeshkar on the nuances of Urdu, emphasizing how even a small "nukta" (dot) could transform the elegance of a word. This guidance led Lata Mangeshkar to hire an Urdu tutor, ultimately enriching her pronunciation and adding to the beauty of her timeless songs.
One of the most memorable instances showcasing their bond was when Dilip Kumar introduced Lata Mangeshkar at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London. With quiet pride, he presented her as "Ye meri chhoti si behen bohot mukhtasar si, main inhein introduce karne aaya hoon". This translates to "She is my younger sister, very brief, I have come to introduce her". The audience erupted in applause, touched by the love and respect in his voice. Dilip Kumar, in his introduction, also lauded Lataji's voice as a "miracle of nature's creation". He compared her voice to the scent of a flower without color, the flow of a spring, the cool breeze without a home, and the rays of the rising sun or the smile of an innocent child, devoid of any discrimination. He acknowledged his gratitude and considered it an honor to introduce his "choti bahen".
Lata Mangeshkar also fondly remembered the Royal Albert Hall introduction, acknowledging how beautifully Dilip Saab spoke about her during her first live performance in London. Their relationship, however, was once falsely rumored to be strained after Lataji supposedly outshone Dilip Kumar in the duet "Lagi nahi chhute rama" from the movie "Musafir" (1957). However, this was clarified as a fabrication, with the truth being that Dilip Kumar had requested Lataji to consider his non-professional singing background during the recording. There was no ill will between them, and their affection remained untouched.
Even in his later years, the bond between Dilip Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar remained strong. Lataji recounted a visit to him a few years before his passing, where she sang the opening words of their song "Lagi nahi chhute rama" to jog his memory. Dilip Kumar immediately recognized her and completed the line, showcasing the enduring connection they shared.
The story of Dilip Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar is a testament to a pure and enduring relationship, untouched by the superficiality of fame. It exemplifies how a brother-sister bond, built on mutual respect, admiration, and shared experiences, can withstand the test of time and continue to inspire generations.
