Dilip Kumar, the legendary actor of Hindi film, died on Wednesday after a protracted illness at the age of 98. Last Monday, the actor was taken to Hinduja Hospital in Khar. Kumar leaves behind his wife, renowned actress Saira Banu. Read on to know Dilip Kumar Love Story With Saira Banu.
Dilip Kumar Love Story
The pair married on October 11, 1966, and have been together ever since. Their love story was nothing short of filmy since they were one of the very few film couples with an enduring relationship. Dilip Kumar, Bollywood’s first superstar, began his career in 1944 with Jwar Bhata. In 1949, he starred in Andaz, which became his breakout role, establishing his reputation as Bollywood’s tragedy king.
Several of his co-stars were also linked to him over his career. Kumar wrote in his autobiography The Substance and the Shadow that he initially fell in love with his co-star Kamini Kaushal, with whom he worked on films such as Nadiya Ke Paar, Shaheed Arzoo, and Shabnam. Her family, on the other hand, was vehemently opposed to their relationship, leading to their breakup.
Dilip Sahab’s feelings for Madhubala, his long-time co-star, were similarly unrequited because her father was adamantly opposed to their romance. He prevented her daughter from participating in outside shots, putting the progress of their film Naya Daur on hold. The producers took Madhubala and her father to court. They parted up because the ethereal actress refused to go against her father. Kumar has also been associated with Vyjanthimala and Waheeda Rehman, among others.
Saira Banu Fasicnation For Dilip Sahab
Saira Banu, on the other hand, made her debut in the industry with Junglee, alongside Shammi Kapoor. She was associated with actor Rajendra Kumar early in her career, but her mother, Beauty Queen, and famous actress Naseem Banu were against the connection.
Banu had been fascinated with Kumar since she was 12 years old and wished to marry him. When she was 16, she went to Maratha Mandir to see Mughal-e-Azam in the hopes of catching a glimpse of Kumar but was disappointed when he did not show up. Saira Banu had recalled her first meeting with Kumar. She knew that she was going to marry Dilip Sahab from the bottom of her heart.
Dilip Kumar Fairytale Story with Saira Banu
In his memoirs, Dilip Kumar, on the other hand, spoke about the time he fell in love with Banu. “I can still remember my eyes landing on Saira standing in the foyer of her new house looking stunningly gorgeous in a brocade sari as I alighted from my car and entered the magnificent garden that leads to the house. I was caught aback since she wasn’t the little kid I’d avoided working with because I assumed she’d be too young to play my heroine. She had matured into a full lady, and she was far more attractive than I had imagined. I simply took a step forward and shook her hand, and time stopped still for us.”
Dilip Kumar – Saira Banu Marriage
In 1966, six years after meeting for the first time, they married in a little ceremony. Kumar was 44 years old, and Banu was 22 years old. Their 20-year age difference sparked a lot of debate, with many anticipating that their marriage would fail. The pair, however, had to deal with ups and downs in their relationship. Dilip Kumar stated in his book that Saira Banu lost while she was eight months pregnant in 1972. They did not, however, regret not having children.
In an earlier interview, the duo stated: “It would have been fantastic if we had our kids. We, on the other hand, have no regrets. Both of us are obedient to God’s will. In terms of incompleteness, I must say that neither Saira nor I can claim to be unhappy. It is enough for us to have our family with whom we can share our joys and sorrows. My family is vast, with many nieces and nephews and their families of growing children using today’s language, which is as perplexing as it is appropriate for the times they live in. Sultan, Saira’s brother, and his children and grandkids make up her tiny family. We consider ourselves fortunate to be there for them when they need us.”
Their Controversy
There was yet another argument over their marriage. Kumar was rumored to have married a second time in 1982 while still married to Saira. He married Asma, a Hyderabad socialite who was not from the film industry. The marriage was short-lived, and they divorced after only two years. Kumar stated in his book that he and Banu don’t talk about this period of their lives and put it up to a “terrible error.”
Kumar and Banu have had a long and happy marriage since then. Banu referred to him as her ‘Kohinoor’ in 2014, stating, “I am still head over heels in love with my Kohinoor, Yousuf Sahab, as I was when I first felt drawn to him as a 12-year-old. Our marriage has been wonderful and long-lasting as many others have endured the ups and downs of four decades. There is no such thing as an ideal marriage. How can this happen when we are all flawed human beings? A marriage is kept alive by mutual love, respect, and adoration.”
Banu stayed at Dilip Kumar’s side like a rock during his old age and protracted sickness, caring for him till his death in 2021. Saira Banu, who is 76 years old, has received much praise for her lifelong devotion to the actor, particularly during his later years
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