7 July 2023, Mumbai: It has been two years since the demise of the legendary Indian actor, Dilip Kumar, who passed away on July 7, 2021, after a prolonged illness. On the occasion of his second death anniversary, his wife, Saira Banu, made her Instagram debut, sharing a heartfelt note and expressing her gratitude to fans and well-wishers from around the world.
Saira Banu, who was married to Dilip Kumar for 55 years, posted a black-and-white picture of herself with the late actor, along with a recent throwback photo of the couple. In her emotional caption, she reminisced about their cherished moments together and the everlasting love and respect they received from their admirers. Saira wrote, “This is the day, 7th of July at 7 am when time stood still and my loved one slid into a deep slumber…”
The veteran actor’s wife also expressed her belief that Dilip Kumar’s presence is still felt by her, and she vowed to continue walking the path of life with him, hand in hand, in their thoughts and being until the end of time.
Saira Banu shared her intentions for her newly created Instagram account, stating that she wishes to use it to share Dilip Kumar’s life, thoughts, vision, and his contributions not only to the film industry, where he was hailed as the Ultimate Actor, but also his commitment towards various societal and humanitarian causes.
Saira Banu reflected on the profound impact Dilip Kumar’s absence has had on her life. She mentioned how the past two years have been difficult without him, as they had spent 56 years together, growing up as husband and wife. Saira fondly recalled caring for him, sharing meals, and listening to beautiful melodies with him. She stated, “I remember him every second of my life. This day comes as a thunderstorm in my life.”
To honour Dilip Kumar’s memory, Saira Banu and her loved ones have planned a day filled with prayers and special Quran Khani ceremonies, which are prayers in Urdu offered for the peace of the departed souls. Relatives and friends will join her in supporting and comforting her during this period of grief. Saira also intends to visit Dilip Kumar’s grave to offer prayers and plans to distribute food among the needy, as they do every day. On this special day, they will prepare some of his favourite delicacies, including biryani, kebabs, and sheer korma. Additionally, a few orphan children will be invited to their house to share a meal, pray together, and create a peaceful environment. Saira Banu also expressed her intention to make donations to charitable causes in Dilip Kumar’s name.
Born Yousuf Khan, Dilip Kumar embarked on his acting journey with the film “Jwar Bhata” in 1944, and his illustrious career spanned five decades. He mesmerised audiences with his remarkable performances in timeless classics such as “Mughal-e-Azam,” “Devdas,” “Naya Daur,” and “Ram Aur Shyam,” among many others. Dilip Kumar’s legacy as one of Indian cinema’s greatest actors continues to inspire and captivate generations.
As Saira Banu makes her presence felt on social media, fans and admirers of Dilip Kumar eagerly anticipate glimpses into the life and work of the iconic actor, keeping his memory alive for years to come.
By: Tanya Chantola