Saira Banu's Emotional Tribute to Dharmendra
Veteran actress Saira Banu, known for sharing captivating stories from Bollywood's golden era on her Instagram, has penned an emotional tribute remembering the late actor Dharmendra, who passed away on Monday. On Tuesday, the actress took to social media to share a series of throwback photographs featuring the departed actor, herself, and her late husband, the legendary Dilip Kumar.
The Unbreakable Bond Between Icons
The relationship between Dharmendra and Dilip Kumar was one of mutual respect and deep affection, with Dharmendra often crediting his long-lasting career in the film industry to Dilip Kumar's influence and guidance. Saira Banu expressed that Dharmendra's demise feels like "the closing of a significant chapter in our shared cinematic and personal history."
In her lengthy Instagram caption, the actress revealed that for her, the loss extends beyond that of a colleague. Dharmendra was her beloved Yousuf Sahib's 'Dharam' - a special connection that transcended professional boundaries and grew into a genuine friendship that spanned decades.
A Young Boy's Dream Meeting
Saira Banu recounted one of Dharmendra's favorite stories that he would narrate with "the innocence and wonder of a man who never lost his humility." In 1952, a young Dharmendra from Ludhiana, deeply moved after watching the film Shaheed, traveled to Bombay with a single dream: to meet the actor who had made such a powerful impact on him.
With his heart filled with reverence, the young man made his way to Pali Hill in Bandra, where Dilip Kumar resided. Displaying the boldness only youth can muster, Dharmendra entered the home without being stopped by anyone. There, he discovered Yousuf Sahib fast asleep on a sofa, with the afternoon sun gently illuminating his face.
Dharmendra stood frozen in awe until Dilip Kumar began to stir awake. Frightened by his own audacity, the young man ran out of the house with the speed of a startled deer. This memorable encounter became one of Dharmendra's most cherished memories, which he would always recall with a shy smile.
Destiny Reunites Them Six Years Later
Fate brought the two actors together again six years later through the Filmfare Talent Hunt. The meeting was facilitated by Farida, Dilip Kumar's younger sister who worked with Femina magazine. This time, young Dharmendra met his idol not as a distant star, but as an elder brother whose eyes reflected warmth, wisdom, and uncommon gentleness.
Dilip Kumar spoke to him in that "affectionate blend of English, Punjabi, and Urdu that only he could make sound like poetry." As the chilly evening set in, before they parted ways, Dilip Kumar performed a simple yet profound gesture that would define their relationship - he took off his own sweater and draped it around the young aspirant's shoulders.
This act of pure affection became the first thread of a lifelong bond between the two legends of Indian cinema, a connection that Saira Banu now remembers with both sadness and gratitude as she bids farewell to another chapter of Bollywood history.
