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Saira Banu and her lifelong devotion to Dilip Kumar

TOI Entertainment Desk
| ETimes.in | Last updated on - Jul 25, 2025, 21:00 IST
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1/5

Her Love Began in Childhood

Saira Banu was just 12 years old when she first saw Dilip Kumar on screen and instantly fell in love. While most girls of her age had schoolgirl crushes, Saira’s admiration for the legendary actor was deep and enduring. She often called him her "dream man", and this admiration only grew stronger with time. Even before entering films, she would attend his movie premieres and collect magazine clippings featuring him.

2/5

She Waited Patiently to Marry Him

Despite a 22-year age gap, Saira was determined to marry Dilip Kumar. Though he initially resisted the idea due to their age difference, her sincerity and persistence eventually won him over. They tied the knot in 1966, when she was 22 and he was 44. It wasn’t just a star-struck fantasy—Saira proved her love was genuine, mature, and lasting.

3/5

She Chose Love Over Career

At the peak of her acting career, Saira Banu gradually stepped away from films to focus on her personal life with Dilip Kumar. Though she was a popular and successful actress, she prioritized her marriage and home, saying she found true fulfillment in being his wife. She once said, “I’ve lived my life for Dilip Saab.”

4/5

She Was His Constant Caregiver

In Dilip Kumar’s later years, when he battled age-related illnesses, Saira became his primary caregiver. She stayed away from the public eye and dedicated herself completely to his well-being. From managing medical treatments to staying by his side during hospitalizations, she displayed unwavering loyalty and love through decades of companionship.

5/5

Her Love Continued Even After His Death

After Dilip Kumar passed away in July 2021, Saira Banu remained devoted to his memory. She frequently shares stories and unseen photos, and keeps his legacy alive through heartfelt social media posts and public appearances. Her love, even in his absence, remains a beautiful tribute to one of the greatest romances Bollywood has ever seen.

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Copyright © Jun 2, 2026, 11.51AM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service