“Dilip Kumar is the first superstar of Indian cinema”: Saira Banu

Legendary actor Dilip Kumar recently celebrated his 93rd birthday and wife Saira Banu who is also a former actress, conveyed her heartfelt wishes and prayers for his long healthy life. When caught over a conversation, she said she considers ‘Yusuf Sahab’ (Dilip Kumar) the first superstar of Indian cinema.

“Yusuf sahab is the first superstar of Indian cinema. Today everyone is good and smart. We were not that intelligent. They know their work very well, they manage things nicely, they handle their career very well. But the times are different today. It is a different ball game today”- she said.

“I have never seen him praising himself or talk ill about anyone. I try to do mischief with him by talking ill about someone, but he would rather say good things about the person“- she added.

If she would not reveal, we wouldn’t come to know that Dilip Kumar wanted t say adios to his career in acting after ‘Ram Aur Shyam’. I pleaded with him. I literally told him please don’t do it. I asked him to continue. There was a lull in between due to personal problems then he took pivotal roles like Kranti. Then he sat back and roamed different places and enjoyed life’- she said.

Hmm..good that he listened to his lady love; we would be missing out on so many gems from him otherwise!

Ranjini Maitra

Journalist. Writer. Reader. Enthu cutlet. Mood-swing machine. Day dreamer. Sandwiched between ‘live life fully’ and ‘lose some weight’. Mantra of life: Love and love more.