"He made the ordinary extraordinary": Saira Banu remembers Dilip Kumar on his 102nd birth anniversary

While the world recognized Dilip Kumar for his larger-than-life persona and unmatched acting skills, Saira fondly remembered the simpler, carefree side of him that he reserved for their personal moments.

Taking to social media, Saira shared a touching video montage of the unforgettable times she spent with her late husband.

Dilip Kumar, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 98, had left an indelible mark on Indian cinema, but for Saira, he was much more than a legend.

In her Instagram post, Saira reflected on 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, capturing the depth of their bond.

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Saira continued, expressing how, despite his legendary status, Dilip Kumar would shed his iconic aura whenever 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," she added.

Saira shared a special anecdote about the actor'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. 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," she recalled.

She went on to narrate an unforgettable story from their life. "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."

Saira also shared 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."

In her tribute, Saira reflected on Dilip Kumar's ability to remain unaffected by material desires, a trait she noticed not just in him but in many of the greats of Indian cinema.

"Dilip Sahib embodied this rare quality, a man so enriched by the intangible, so unaffected by worldly possessions," she shared.

Concluding her tribute, Saira expressed her deep love and reverence for the man behind the legend. "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 is legendary. Films such as 'Gopi', 'Bairaag', 'Sagina Mahato', and 'Duniya' continue to be cherished by fans.

While Dilip Kumar may no longer be with us, his legacy in Indian cinema and the hearts of his admirers remains eternal. (ANI)