New Delhi:
Happy birthday, Saira Banu. The veteran actress celebrates her 80th birthday today (23 August). On this special day, Saira Banu misses her late husband, cinema legend Dilip Kumar. Speaking to news agency IANS, Saira Banu recalled a “precious gift” she received from Dilip Kumar that stayed with her for life. “The most precious gift I have ever received? A heartfelt compliment from Dilip Kumar that changed my life forever,” revealed the Padosan graduate. Saira Banu recalled the magical evening of her 22nd birthday in 1966 and recounted how Dilip Kumar flew in from Madras to surprise her. “Dilip Kumar came in, held my hand and said, ‘My goodness, you have grown up into a beautiful girl.’ Time stood still. Little did I know that this was the beginning of our beautiful love story,” she said.
Saira Banu added, “On August 23, 1966, we celebrated my birthday and the inauguration ceremony of our new house, which we had carefully chosen and built near Dilip Sahib’s house. Among many options, we chose this place to be near him and unknowingly paved the way for our future together.”
Saira Banu said she was “fortunate to get to know the many facets of the incredible” Dilip Kumar.
Saira Banu added that she misses Dilip Kumar a little more on her birthday. “Today, as I celebrate another birthday, I am overwhelmed by the love and gratitude of the kind-hearted people who have showered me with affection. Yet amidst the joy, my heart longs for the one person who made every day a celebration – Dilip Sahib. I wish he was here to hold my hand, smile at me and make this day unforgettable,” she said.
Saira Banu said she was “grateful for our time together and cherish the memories we created. On this birthday, I look forward to reliving them forever by sharing stories of my loved one with you all on my Instagram page.”
Dilip Kumar died on July 7, 2021. He was 98.
