How Does Saira Banu Honor Her Late Mother Naseem Banu's Legacy?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Naseem Banu's legacy as the first female superstar of Indian cinema continues to influence the industry.
- Saira Banu highlights the importance of family bonds in shaping one's career.
- Beauty in cinema is depicted through both physical appearance and inner strength.
- The role of tradition and modernity is essential in personal and professional growth.
- Significant milestones in Indian cinema have been shaped by visionary women.
Mumbai, June 18 (NationPress) Renowned actress Saira Banu commemorated her late mother Naseem Banu on the anniversary of her passing. Naseem Banu, celebrated as the first female superstar of Indian cinema, was not just a talented actress but also a graceful and lovable individual.
The 'Padosan' star shared on her official Instagram account, "My cherished mother, Pari Chehra, was a luminous star, truly a constellation in her own right. As the first female superstar in Indian cinema, she illuminated the screen with a charm that mesmerized countless fans. Yet, beneath that iconic beauty and fame lay a soul deeply rooted in resilience, grace, and limitless love."
Saira Banu reminisced about her mother’s role as a guardian for her grandmother, herself, and her brother when she was merely sixteen.
"Our family consisted of my grandmother Shamshad Abdul Waheed Khan, her sister Khurshid Begum, my elder brother Sultan Ahmed, and me. We faced challenges early in life. At just sixteen, Appaji took on the role of our protector and mentor. With a strength that belied her age, she nurtured us with love, enabling us to soar," she reflected.
Regarding her mother’s cinematic journey, she mentioned, "Her cinematic career commenced with Sohrab Modi’s Pukar, where she played Empress Noorjahan. The impact was so profound that audiences would remove their shoes before entering the cinema, as if stepping into a real Mughal court. Legends like Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan have referred to her as the most stunning woman they had ever encountered."
Saira Banu also shared how her mother's influence shaped her career, stating, "Her beauty was not merely superficial; it emanated from her spirit as she skillfully blended tradition with modernity. Although we received education in London, she ensured we remained firmly connected to our Indian roots. Every summer was spent in Bombay or Delhi, reconnecting with our heritage. When I opted for cinema over further education, it was her creative foresight that charted my course. She was instrumental in styling Junglee, transforming cinematic fashion, and revolutionizing makeup in Indian cinema—innovations that marked significant milestones in my career."
"And then came June 18, 2002, the day my radiant queen departed, plunging us into the profound darkness of a life devoid of her light," she concluded, reflecting on the tragic day of her mother’s passing.