On the occasion of Dilip Kumar’s 102nd birth anniversary, Saira Banu, who never misses an opportunity to celebrate Dilip Kumar’s memories, shared stories from her personal life with him on social media. Though Indian cinema has seen countless actors rise, blossom and fade, it is doubtful if any have been or will ever be as revered as Dilip Kumar.
Considered one of the finest acting talents in the history of Indian cinema, Dilip Kumar was often hailed as Abhinaya Samrat (Emperor of Acting). Even three years after his demise, his extraordinary legacy lives on in the hearts of millions, with his wife, veteran actress Saira Banu being his most devoted fan. On the occasion of Dilip sahab’s 102nd birth anniversary on December 11 (Wednesday), Saira, who never misses a chance to celebrate his memories, shared personal stories from her life on social media.
Speaking about their relationship, she emphasised that they were deeply connected in mind and soul. Saira also said that for those who were lucky enough to know him personally, Dilip sahab was no less than a gift. She also shared a collage video showing some of the adorable moments from his life.
“Some people come into your life to stay forever, becoming a part of you in every possible way. That’s what happened when Dilip sahab came into my life to stay with me forever.
We are one in our thoughts and existence. Days may change, and seasons may pass, but sahab has always been with me, walking hand in hand. Today, on his birthday, I think about what a gift he is not just to me but to everyone who knew him.”
Saira pointed out that Dilip sahab always maintained the image of a gentleman in the public eye, but when he was with her, he would let his guard down and become like a child. “To the world, Dilip sahab was the epitome of manners, poise, manners and a presence that could calm a room.
Yet, whenever he was around me, he became something else entirely. He shed the aura of a legend and allowed his inner child to be playful, carefree and unburdened by worldly chaos. He would laugh effortlessly, tease with the innocence of a boy, and lose himself in the simplest of moments, as if the world beyond us did not exist anymore,” she wrote. Saira Banu further added that one thing she can say for sure about Dilip was that he could never sit still.
Mentioning that he loved travelling, she added that whenever he got a break from shooting, he would ask her and others to accompany him to various beautiful places. She revealed that her brother Sultan’s children and other family members would often join him on these trips, leading to some of her fondest memories.
“His spontaneity still amazes me. I remember one such moment very well. I had gone to the airport to see him off, I waved him goodbye as he was getting ready to leave. He turned to me and asked, ‘Saira, what are you doing?’ I replied spontaneously, ‘My shoot has been cancelled, so nothing.’ What followed next left me amazed was that he took me along with him! In those days, flight tickets were booked directly at the counter.
Sahab immediately sent his secretary to secure the ticket for me and took me along with him. Now imagine: I was wearing a simple cotton salwar kameez, unadorned and without any preparations. Yet, Sahab took me to this grand wedding. I attended the entire ceremony in that simple attire, while Dilip Sahab walked hand-in-hand with me. His simplicity defined him, and it was this trait that allowed him to effortlessly surprise and draw me into his world,” she shared.
Revealing that it was not only Dilip but she had seen this quality in many iconic legends, Saira Banu said that many of them were untouched by material desires, living fully in their existence and their purpose.
She mentioned that Dilip embodied this rare quality, was a man so rich in the intangible and so unaffected by worldly possessions. She added that he lived in a world of his own making, where every action and every word had meaning and purpose.
“For me, I was so blessed to see the man behind the legend. The world may worship him as its Kohinoor, but for me, he was simply someone who made the ordinary extraordinary. Happy birthday, Yusuf Jaan!” she concluded.
