It’s hard to find the true example of eternal love but many thanks to Bollywood which gave us an adorable couple like Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu. The couple, tbroughout 5 decades of their married life, managed to melt millions of hearts. Despite an age difference of 22 years, the couple survived the test of time and set an example for generations to follow. While playing some charming and romantic roles on-screen, Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu write a memorable story of romance in real life. The two stuck together through the thick and thin of their lives. Even during Dilip Kumar's last moments, Saira Bano didn't leave his side.
1. Love for Dilip Kumar sparked in Saira’s heart when she was just a 12-year-old teen and Dilip Kumar was already a well-established ‘Tragic King’. In 1960, during the premiere of Mughal-e-Azam, a 16-year-old Saira Banu got a chance to meet her crush but due to some reason, he didn’t show up which broke her heart.
2. After losing a chance to meet her crush, Saira Banu eventually got a chance to meet him. In an earlier interview, she recalled the moment when she first met him. She had said, "When he smiled at me and remarked that I was a pretty girl, I could feel my whole being taking wing and flying rapturously. I knew somewhere deep within me that I was going to be his wife."
3. Soon, Saira Banu became a celebrated star and managed a unique niche for herself in the industry. During her prime time, she was linked to many actors, but her heart was only beating for Dilip Kumar. The legendary actor, however, declined many films offers with her because he thought she was too young. But he couldn't escape the charm of Saira Banu.
4. The beauty of Saira Banu was so charismatic that Dilip Kumar couldn’t stop himself from not falling in love with her. Despite the age gap of 22 years, the two lovebirds were soon deeply in love.
5. This was one of those love stories where parents played the cupid. Saira Banu's mother, Naseem Banu, played a pivotal role in the actor's union. She played cupid for the two and brought them closer.
6. Dilip Kumar finally proposed to Saira Banu, and there was no question for Saira to deny the proposal. The two got married in the year 1966. The iconic couple got married in the year 1966 when Saira Banu was 22 and Dilip Kumar was 44.
7. The actress worked in many big films after she got married to the actor. However, in 1976, she decided to hang her boots and become a homemaker. Dilip supported her decision.
8. After doctors declared that Saira Banu couldn't give birth to a child, rumors around Dilip Kumar’s extra marital affair started steaming up. Reportedly, the actor wanted to extend his family. His name was linked with Asma Rehman, whom the actor met at a cricket match in Hyderabad.
