/> Filmi folklore has it that when during the first schedule of Naya Daur the mighty Dilip Kumar fell out with the beauteous Madhubala, the equally-vivacious Vyjanthimala was brought in as the eleventh hour replacement.

The legendary dancing-star admits she was the replacement queen. "I know Madhubala was doing Naya Daur first. Then I don't know what transpired among them. That was none of my business. Suddenly she wasn't in the picture at all.

I was just asked to take the lead. I heard my role and I was on. Beyond that I know nothing. I just loved my role, that's all that mattered.I've wonderful memories. I've done good work in Naya Daur, I think," she laughs.

Vyjanthimala's pairing with Dilip Kumar was always super-special. They also did a series of unforgettable films after Naya Daur including Ganga Jumna, Sangharsh and Madhumati.

"Yes," she sighs and laughs. "He was such a dedicated professional. The way he practiced riding the tonga in Bhopal, it had to be seen to be believed. He worked really hard on his roles. He believed in very natural acting. And it worked beautifully in Naya Daur."

The dancing legend has just undergone an eye operation and is resting at home. "I had to cancel one of my dance performances. But I'll be back to my first love very soon."

She has been able to watch a bit of Naya Daur in colour. "Mr B.R Chopra had made a such a timeless masterpiece. And the black-and-white photography had its own charm. Even today I prefer b & w to colour.

I guess the colours have their own flamboyant charm. I'm sure Naya Daur will be liked in colour. The colouring is very authentic. B.R. Chopra's son Ravi has gone to great pains. It's not like Mughal-e-Azam where a lot of opulence had to be captured.

Naya Daur has a rural backdrop.We had shot near Bhopal. Outdoors are very tough to shoot. Those who've seen the colour version have been out of their seat when I do my last dance."

Vyjanthimala later did Sadhana with B.R.Chopra. "That too was a very bold subject. Naya Daur was very progressive. B.R Chopra was known for his progressive subjects. Even today the songs by O.P. Nayyar are very popular."