Saira Banu pens a heartfelt note on the eve of Dilip Kumar’s first death anniversary

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Saira Banu and Dilip Kumar were one of the most powerful couples in Bollywood. A love that lasted for more than five decades, the duo set an example of what a timeless love looks like. After the unfortunate passing away of veteran legend Dilip Kumar, the entire Bollywood mourned his death. But the most affected amongst everyone was obviously, Saira Banu, who is still recovering from the aftermath.

July 7 2022 marks the actor’s first death anniversary and on this sorrowful occasion, Saira Banu penned a heartfelt note expressing her grief and loss for the first time since his death. ETimes reported the actress’ exclusive note where she remembered the 56 years she spent with him and gave a tribute to his memories.

She wrote, “I wonder how many of you who are reading this have experienced the supreme bliss of spending unforgettable moments, days and years with the only man (or woman) you have dreamed of as your life partner. If you have, you will easily feel and understand the sense of desolation I feel today and every day from the time I wake up, seeing the empty space beside me in the bed we shared for over five-and-a-half decades.”

She further reminisced her memories with him and recalled how she fell in love with Dilip Kumar at the age of 12. “I must admit that I consider myself very fortunate that I had my Yousuf with me for 56 years and more. The whole world now knows I fell in love with him at the age of 12 and I grew up with the dream tucked away in my mind that he alone is the perfect man for me. When the dream came true, I knew I was not his only admirer and that I had jumped the long queue of women who were hoping to be Mrs Dilip Kumar. I was extremely happy but at the same time I didn’t take long to understand that he was not going to give me undivided attention. He was committed and passionate about his work. Plus, he was not just a brother to his siblings but a father figure and a pillar of strength and support to them.”

Talking about Dilip Kumar, Banu wrote, “He was different from other actors in his personal life. He had utmost respect for the position he had attained as the country’s first Superstar and he considered it his responsibility to support social causes and be a decent role model to his fans. I may sound crazy when I say that he is very much alive for me and for millions of his admirers in the unparalleled body of work he has left behind as a precious legacy for us. For me, as the lucky one to have been his wife, mother, friend, fan - all rolled into one - he lives in the memories I have stored in my heart.”

She added, “I feel his warmth, his love, the lively twinkle in his eyes when I recall how he spoke to my grandmother with whom he frequently discussed classical Hindustani music and Urdu poetry, his savouring of the special tea served in the special crockery my mother kept aside only for him, his deep concern for his own family and his playful interaction with his nephews and nieces, his lavish hospitality when close friends visited us...in short, in every thing I see, touch and hear. For instance, the garden he loved to relax in, especially in the evening when the crows create a cacophony as they fly homeward to their nests in the trees.He had a special whistle that the crows recognised and brought them to the part of the garden where he sat.”

Signing off Banu shared a heart-breaking thought, “The paradox is that I know that he is in my heart and in the essence of my very being like he has always been and yet I open my eyes every morning with the incredible thought that one morning I will find him asleep next to me.”