There isn’t single soul in the film industry who doesn’t speak fondly of Vinod Mehra. Even his ex-wives don’t have anything negative to say about him.
His favourite co-stars were Moushumi Chatterjee with whom he did eight films films, and Shabana Azmi with whom he did Sweekar Kiya Maine, Yeh Kaisa Insaaf, Ek Hi Raasta , Swarag Narak and Amar Deep.
Shabana says some of these films were not pleasant experiences otherwise. “But Vinod’s presence always took away from whatever the discomfort. He was a kind and thoughtful co-star.He was a dear dear friend . I remember he got three suitcases for me all the way from the US…Three!!!! Who does that ?!! And a set of Christian Dior makeup brushes from London which I still have .”
Shabana remembers Vinod calming her down during rehearsals for their intense shots. “He was very protective of me because I used to drain myself emotionally during the rehearsals . He would keep reminding me to do it mechanically and keep the emotion for the shot .We did some interesting films together.In Sweekar Kiya Maine I played a woman who comes to accept her husband’s child from another marriage. In Amar Deep which was a big hit, Rajesh Khanna had the central role. I was paired with Vinod.We had a romantic song together which went Halki si kasak masak. It was shot as a typical sensuous rain song. Vinod and I had fun shooting it.I would always return from my shootings with Vinod with a smile.”
Shabana has only affectionate memories of Vinod Mehra. “He was a generous costar and a warm person . He would happily do films where the heroine had the central role . Which hero does that?I remember him with great fondness.”