On Tuesday, former actress Saira Banu wept as she accepted the honorable Bharat Ratna Dr. Ambedkar Award on behalf of her late husband, veteran actor Dilip Kumar. The actor is ‘always with her,’ she said.
Upon accepting the award on behalf of her late husband, Saira Banu expressed her gratitude saying, “I feel extremely happy. Such a prestigious award for such a legendary person. I feel that Dilip Saab is here with us today, and is witnessing this event. I would be really happy if he would have been here with us, today.”
Saira Banu dubbed Dilip Kumar the “Kohinoor Of India,” and said he deserved the Bharat Ratna Award.
“I wish this happens. Dilip Saab has been the ‘Kohinoor of India’. So why shouldn’t a ‘Kohinoor’ receive the Bharat Ratna? I strongly believe that he should definitely receive the award,” said the ‘Padosan’ actress.
Speaking on how Saira Banu keeps the memory of Dilip Kumar in her alive, she said, “I believe in the reality that he is here with me at every step. I will never think that he is not here. It will be easy for me to accept that he is here with me and will forever be my pillar of support, my ‘Kohinoor.”
Saira Banu’s unwavering devotion to Dilip Kumar has been evident since the actor passed away last year. She told a news organisation that she was unable to cope with the loss of her beloved husband. Saira admitted that she was deeply attached to her husband and needed him in her life, calling Dilip Kumar an “extraordinary” man.
Yusuf Khan aka Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu had been married for 55 years when the latter died on July 7, 2021, after a long illness. With his death, the veteran actor brought an end to an era in Bollywood.
