Saira Banu reveals why she couldn’t do Hum Hindustani despite offer from S. Mukherjee; recalls how she landed role in Shammi Kapoor’s Junglee

Veteran actress Saira Banu recently shared some behind-the-scenes trivia about her debut film, Junglee, which was released in 1961. She revealed how she was warmly welcomed to the industry for being the daughter of yesteryear’s actress Naseem Banu, and how she landed the role in Junglee.

In a long note on social media, Banu wrote that she received movie offers from renowned South Indian studios after she returned from London. She was also approached by distinguished filmmakers like Kamal Amrohi, Ramanand Sagar, B.R. Chopra, and S. Mukherjee of Filmalaya.

Mukherjee, who was known for delivering hits like Love in Simla and Dil Deke Dekho, was keen on casting Banu in his grand colour project Hum Hindustani, directed by Ram Mukerji. However, the story required a mature actor to complement the hero’s subdued, scholarly role.

Mukherjee then advised Banu to consider his brother Subodh Mukherjee’s impending venture Junglee, where the heroine is a capricious prankster. Banu felt that the role suited her nature to the ‘Tee’.

To prepare for the role, Banu was familiarised with lights and the camera by Mukherjee. She also recited an English line that had left a deep impression on her: “It is a breach of good manners to inflict upon another the irritating necessity of deciphering an ill-written scrawl!”

Banu’s journey in Junglee began with this simple recitation, and the film went on to become a cult classic. The actress credits her success in Junglee to her unique personality, which she describes as a combination of a recluse and an outgoing LEO.

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