Throwback Thursday: 'Tragedy King' Dilip Kumar And Saira Banu’s Timeless Love On His 103rd Birth Anniversary

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It's Dilip Kumar's 103rd birth anniversary today. Born as Muhammad Yusuf Khan on 11 December 1922, he grew from a soft-spoken young man from Peshawar into one of Indian cinema's most respected performers. For many fans, he was an actor who shaped the way emotions were portrayed on screen. From 'Devdas' to 'Madhumati', his performances carried a depth that felt effortless, and his influence still shows in the generation of actors that followed.

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But behind his legendary film journey was another story, one that unfolded slowly, steadily, and stayed steady for more than five decades. His relationship with wife Saira Banu remains one of the most heartfelt chapters of his life, and today is the perfect day to revisit it.

The First Glimpse That Changed Everything

Saira Banu was just 12 years old when she first saw Dilip Kumar on screen. She often said she was completely taken in by him - the charm, the voice, the eyes. Years later, she finally met him during the Mughal-E-Azam era. She remembered being so mesmerised that she barely noticed anyone else at the studio. For years, the admiration stayed distant. She became an actress, he was already a superstar, and life moved on. But the moment that truly turned their story into something real came much later.

Her Birthday That Started It All

On 23 August 1966, Dilip Kumar flew from Madras to Mumbai to attend Saira Banu's birthday and a small house-warming at her new Pali Hill home. That evening, he greeted her with a simple line: "My, you have grown up into a beautiful girl." For Saira, that was the moment things changed.

Over the next few days, he kept flying back and forth between cities, carving out time to meet her. Their conversations grew warmer, and somewhere amidst those visits, he asked her the question that changed her life - "Will you marry me?"

The Engagement Before The World Even Knew

Just weeks later, on 2 October 1966, the couple got engaged in a small ceremony attended only by family. Saira later said that from that day onward, she never once doubted the bond they shared. Their relationship was about certainty, comfort, and the feeling of being chosen.

A Wedding That Was Warm, Crowded, And Purely Them

Their wedding took place on 11 October 1966. She was 22. He was 44. The age gap became a talking point for many, but not for them. The ceremony itself wasn't extravagant - in fact, it was so packed that guests overflowed into the corridors, food ran out, and the whole day had a homely feel. Saira recalled these details fondly, not as chaos but as memories that made the day real.

Life Together Through 55 Years

After marriage, Saira slowly stepped back from films to focus on their life together. Over the years, their bond remained steady, even when they faced public scrutiny or personal challenges. Dilip Kumar often said that Saira brought warmth and balance into his life. She became his biggest supporter, his anchor, and in his later years, his constant caregiver. Their marriage lasted 55 years until Dilip Kumar's passing on 7 July 2021.

A Legacy Beyond Films

Even after his death, Saira Banu continues to keep his memory alive through stories, rare photos, and heartfelt posts. And while fans celebrate Dilip Kumar for his unforgettable roles, the love he shared with Saira remains just as enduring, a relationship that only relied on commitment and consistency.

On his 103rd birth anniversary, remembering Dilip Kumar isn't only about revisiting his iconic films. It's also about looking at the life he built off-screen - steady, tender, and full of companionship. His love story with Saira Banu has the same timeless quality that defined his performances: genuine, warm, and deeply human. A perfect Throwback Thursday reminder of the man behind the legend.