Mumbai, Dec 11 (NationPress) Veteran actress Saira Banu has taken to social media to reflect on her cherished memories of her beloved husband, Dilip Kumar, on what would have been his 103rd birthday. The actress expressed how, even in death, he continues to inspire the youth. She stated, “For generations, artists have walked in your light. They still seek in you not just craft but purity of purpose.” She further added, “For the audience, your films were like returning to festivals that never lose their warmth. People have loved you with a devotion I have rarely seen in this world. And yet, despite the reverence, you remained untouched by the noise of fame.”

Saira Banu emphasized that Dilip Kumar was not just a great actor but an extraordinary human being who prioritized emotions over material possessions. “I often smile when I remember how easily you parted with things others would treasure for a lifetime – a watch, a shawl, a pen – given away with the innocence of a child who values hearts more than possessions. Or that evening when you held my hand and led me to a wedding without a moment’s announcement, as though grace itself needed no preparation.”

As she reminisced about Dilip Kumar, she wrote, “Your inner world, Yousuf Saab, was always carved from something rarer than time – simple yet profound, free of material wants, rich with meaning, and devoted to the quiet discipline of truth. To have lived beside you, to have witnessed the man behind the legend, remains the greatest honour of my life.”

In a heartfelt message, she expressed, “Sometimes, in a whisper only the heart understands, I find myself saying, ‘Khuda se poochun… Kya humein Yousuf hamesha ke liye nahin mil sakte?’ Happy Birthday, Yousuf Jaan.” Along with her message, Saira Banu shared three videos remembering her husband, featuring both herself and Dilip Kumar.

The first video showcases an old interview of the couple, where Saira elaborates on Dilip Kumar’s temperament, describing him as having a typical ‘Pathan temper’ and likening him to a “volcano,” to which Dilip Kumar agrees. The second clip from the same interview features Dilip Kumar admitting that he is one of the “henpecked husbands.”

Saira Banu expressed her gratitude for marrying someone from the same profession, explaining that if she had married a doctor or someone outside the film industry, it would have been a disaster. Shared interests allow them to connect deeply.

The third video is from a different interview, where Saira lovingly tells the interviewer of her immense love for her husband, stating she doesn't worry about how much he loves her in return. She believes her love is sufficient for both, strengthening their bond forever.

For those unaware, the legendary actor passed away on July 7, 2021, at the age of 98, after battling a prolonged illness.

His cinematic legacy spans over six decades, and he is still celebrated for his iconic performances in films such as Devdas, Mughal-e-Azam, Ganga Jamuna, Naya Daur, Ram Aur Shyam, and Kranti.