Saira Banu Reminisces Magic Behind Padosan; Says ‘The Film Gifted Cinema With Timeless Melodies’

Saira Banu reminisced the magic behind 'PADOSAN' - where Mehmood Bhai's dedication, Sunil Dutt's rib-tickling humor, and Kishoreji's spontaneous creativity turned every scene into a timeless laughter symphony. From the quirky head-shaving ceremony to the stroll in 'Brindavan Gardens,' the film's behind-the-scenes tales are as delightful as its iconic melodies.

In her continued post she wrote "Continuing with the PADOSAN series, I want to talk about Mehmood Bhai's dedication to his roles. At the "Vrindavan Gardens" Palace, Mehmood Bhai joined our unit to start shooting scenes with me. Soon after his arrival, he sat in the palace verandah with his barber and then we witnessed the funny ceremony of him shaving off his head, giving off his beautiful hair to portray the bald dance teacher Master Pillai with romantic intentions towards 'Bindu'. As the barber shaved, "Tup Tup", tears rolled down his cheeks. We were both sad and amazed, momentarily forgetting our laughter.

The funniest scenes were where Master Pillai alias Mehmood was constantly trying to win over the affection of Bindu. In one scene I am trying to make Bhola jealous when he is standing in the window opposite. In this, I had to hold hands with Mehmood Bhai and rest my head on his big shoulders! It was a scream for both of us because all our lives he had been like a lofty big brother and now doing this scene to enrage Bhola, Sunil Dutt was rib-ticklingly funny. Another favourite scene is where I am strolling in "Brindavan Gardens" with Master Pillai amidst the beautiful greenery and fountains all around, Dutt Saab, Kishoreji and other comedians are walking right behind us eavesdropping trying to hear what we two are talking about (hidden with mobile branches of leaves and trees).

We had an able director Jyoti Swaroop who tried to control us in our fun and frolics while shooting but the major contribution to the making of scenes was inspired on the spot by Kishoreji, Mehmood, and Dutt Saab. For instance, the song "Meri Pyaari Bindu" was choreographed from start to finish by Kishoreji.

"PADOSAN" gifted the world of cinema with timeless melodies and the music of the film was directed by none other than R.D Burman Saab, among them was "Bhai Battur," a melody delivered by the Nightingale of the Indian Music Industry, Lataji. In one of her interviews, Lataji expressed that singing "Bhai Bhattur" was a remarkable experience for her, given the song's unique and distinct nature compared to other tunes of the 60s. Similarly, I found shooting for this particular song to be an extraordinary experience".