There are some couples in the glamour world, who have reinstated our faith in love. And one among them is the iconic couple, Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu, who have redefined the meaning of love and marriage. With 53 years of marital bliss, Saira ji and Dilip saab are an inspiration to millions. From being his true friend to his honest companion, Saira ji has always stood like a pillar of strength for Dilip saab and even after so many years, the two make our hearts skip a beat. (Also Read: Shraddha Kapoor's 'Most Prized Possession' Has A Special Connection With Her Mom And 'Maasi')
Dilip Kumar had ruled Bollywood in the 60s and was the dream man of every woman. But Dilip saab had broken everyone’s heart when he had gotten married to the love of his life, Saira Banu on October 11, 1966. Smitten by Dilip saab’s charming personality, Saira Banu was head-over-heels in love with him right from the age of 12. With an age gap of 22 years, the two had broken all the conventions to be with each other. It was a fairytale romance for the ‘King of Tragedy’, Dilip Kumar (aka Yusuf Khan) and the bubbly and charming diva, Saira Banu.
In an interview with The Times Of India, Saira Banu recalled how she fell in love with Dilip Kumar when she was just 12. Revealing that it was an ‘instant’ feeling, Saira ji stated, “He was wearing a plain white shirt, white trousers and white chappals. And my God! He had such lovely free-flowing hair, just in sync with his song 'Ude Zulfen Jab Jab Teri' from ‘Naya Daur’. He looked so polished and sophisticated and so different from everyone around. It was a party by Mehboob Khan (director of 'Mother India') and I met him. I fell in love with him almost instantly; I was just 12 then.”
She also shared how Dilip saab proposed her and said, “We went to Cuffe Parade. We got down from the car and started talking. Soon, he popped up the question: 'Will you marry me?' (laughs). Just imagine! I replied rather sarcastically, 'How many girls have you told this to?' (laughs). He started laughing and said, 'I understand. I haven't worked with you and you are angry with me. Main kya karoon, mujhe hamesha lagta tha that you are too young'. I told him that things like marriage should be spoken to elders. He said that we should go right back and talk to them.” (Also Read: Anushka Sharma Is Proud Of Virat Kohli, Congratulates Him And Team India On Victory Over Australia)
When Dilip Kumar’s super hit romantic tragedy film, Mughal-E-Azam had premiered at Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir in 1960, Saira ji, who was just 16 then had gone for the show to get a glimpse of her favourite star. But she was disappointed and heartbroken when Dilip sahab didn’t come to the premiere. But when she had gotten the opportunity to meet him in person, she was besotted by his presence and was on cloud nine when the handsome actor had praised her beauty.
Do you know Dilip saab had refused to work with Saira ji in her initial days and had considered her just to be a kid? In his memoir titled, Dilip Kumar: The Substance and the Shadow, Dilip saab had recalled meeting Saira Banu at her birthday party and being smitten by her beauty. Reminiscing the same, he had penned, “When I alighted from my car and entered the beautiful garden that leads to the house, I can still recall my eyes falling on Saira standing in the foyer of her new house looking breathtakingly beautiful in a brocade sari. I was taken aback, because she was no longer the young girl I consciously avoided working with because I thought she would look too young to be my heroine.” (Also Read: Rahul Mahajan Reveals Russian Wife, Natalya Converted To Hinduism And Whom They Idolize In Marriage)
Aren’t Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu an inspiration to everyone? Let us know.
