A tribute to Sanjeev Kumar on his 70th birth anniversary : Bollywood News

Bulk dates, slashed rates

The story is about the happily-married Ranjit (Sanjeev Kumar) who cannot resist the other woman,his young and innocent secretary Ranjeeta. His attempts at laying a trap to ensnare her on the one hand and trying to keep it under cover, gives rise to many hilarious moments. Sanjeev Kumar was the obvious choice for the lead role. As a versatile actor he was unarguably the best. Also a close friend, he had a keen desire to work with me but somehow I could not create a role for him in any of my earlier projects. But in this film he suited the role to a T. When I discussed the project with him, he was thrilled to bits and also gave me bulk dates for 30 days, despite his tight schedule.

However a comedy film was not a hot proposition then, so I expressed my helplessness to pay him his usual rate, that was quite exorbitant. He immediately sorted it all out by suggesting that instead of his usual remuneration, he would just settle for 20 per cent of the overflow if the film was a success. I found the deal satisfactory. As I had not worked with Sanjeev before and was aware about his coming late on the sets, I was a little jittery on this score. But he did not let me down even once throughout the making of the film. Sanjeev was one actor who would give his all to a film. There was a certain understated quality in his acting that gave performance of his that special something. For instance, Sanjeev always opens the coat button once he steps outside his house, symbolising relief at his freedom away from his wifes prying eyes. Sanjeev imbued so much life in that scene that it became one of the highlights of the film.

For the Patnis role, I opted for Vidya Sinha who had earlier worked in Chhotisi Baat which I had produced earlier . She had the looks needed for the character of a housewife and to my surprise, she gave a sterling performance in a role which remains one of her memorable roles till today.

Ranjeeta was impressive in her film Laila Majnu and also had the fresh girl-next-door appeal in her that was needed for the character of the other woman. She too gave a brilliant performance and lived up to my expectations.

Screen India