New Delhi [India], December 11: On the 102nd birth anniversary of Bollywood’s legendary “Tragedy King,” Dilip Kumar, his beloved wife, veteran actress Saira Banu, paid a heartfelt tribute to the actor, remembering their special moments together.
While the world knew Dilip Kumar for his iconic persona and unmatched acting prowess, Saira fondly recalled the simpler, carefree side of him that he reserved for their personal moments. She shared a touching video montage on social media, reflecting on the unforgettable times spent with her late husband.
Dilip Kumar, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 98, left a lasting mark on Indian cinema, but for Saira, he was more than just a legend. In her Instagram post, Saira expressed how Dilip Kumar’s presence transformed her life. “A few people walk into your life to stay, becoming a part of you in every possible way. That’s what happened when Dilip Sahib entered my life to stay with me forever. We are one in our thoughts and being,” she wrote.
Saira continued, reminiscing how, despite his legendary status, Dilip Kumar would shed his iconic persona when they were together. “To the world, he was the epitome of mannerisms, poise, chivalry, and a presence that could silence a room,” she wrote. “Yet, whenever he was around me, he became something else entirely. He shed the aura of a legend and let the child within him emerge playful, carefree, unburdened by the weight of worldly chaos.”
Saira fondly shared an anecdote about Dilip Kumar’s spontaneous nature. “One thing I can say for certain about Sahib is that he could never sit still. He loved to travel. Whenever he had days off from shooting, he would ask us to accompany him to beautiful destinations,” she recalled. “My brother Sultan’s children, others in the family, and I would often join him on these trips, creating some of our fondest memories together.”
Saira also shared a memorable story: “I had gone to the airport just to see him off. When I mentioned my shoot had been cancelled, Dilip Sahib took me by surprise. He sent his secretary to secure a ticket for me, and before I knew it, I was travelling with him to a grand wedding. I was dressed in a simple cotton salwar kameez, with no preparation, yet Dilip Sahib’s simplicity allowed him to bring me into his world effortlessly.”
She expressed her amusement at Dilip Kumar’s generosity, revealing, “As meticulous as I am, I would spare no effort in making his birthdays special. Yet, he would give away the gifts—fine sweaters, cufflinks, watches—without hesitation to anyone who admired them. I soon realized that he was so fulfilled within himself, that material possessions held no real value for him. His art, his family, and the love he gave and received were all that mattered to him.”
Saira concluded her tribute by reflecting on Dilip Kumar’s rare ability to remain unaffected by material desires, a trait she admired in many greats of Indian cinema. “Dilip Sahib embodied this rare quality, a man so enriched by the intangible, so unaffected by worldly possessions,” she shared.
In her closing words, Saira expressed deep love and reverence for her husband. “The world may revere him as its Kohinoor, but to me, he was simply the man who made the ordinary extraordinary. Happy Birthday, Yousuf Jaan!”
Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu’s on-screen and off-screen chemistry remains legendary, with films like Gopi, Bairaag, Sagina Mahato, and Duniya continuing to be cherished by fans. Though Dilip Kumar may no longer be with us, his legacy in Indian cinema and the hearts of his admirers lives on forever.