The Love Story of Legends—Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu

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If the topic of eternal love crossing the barriers of age, health and social stigma , then the first couple which comes to mind is that of the legendary actors-Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu.
They are the oldest and most evergreen couples of their time and can definitely give their counterparts a run for their money when it comes to compatibility, devotion and dedication.
Read on to find out how they became the most sought-after couples of their time and left a mark in the marriage principles book!

The Beginning

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He was the “King of Tragedy” of the Bollywood industry and she was a stunning and glamorous twelve year old girl who had all eyes for him. She was his biggest fan since such a small age and would do anything to catch a glimpse of her hero at any premiere or movie screening.
When she first saw him at a premiere of one of his successful movies, she recalled his smile and how magical a moment that was for a young girl like her. She 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.”

Such was their connection from the starting and she felt like God wanted them to be together from the beginning of her life.

The Marriage

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She was the stunning new actress in town and had melted the hearts of many actors of her time. Stepping into the film industry had always come at the price of lack of personal life and privacy and she was no exception. She would often get linked up with her co-actors, including the renowned and then married actor,Rajendra Kumar.
She had lost her heart to him at one point of time and their affair had evoked much opposition from everyone, including her mother, Naseem Banu.
Later on , her mother became the one responsible for introducing Saira to Dilip Kumar and he proposed to her for marriage soon.
In the year 1966, they got married with the approval of their families, with the marked age difference of twenty years between them becoming the talk of the town.

Life Post Marriage

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They were the much in love couple and surprised everyone with their chemistry and undying appreciation for each other .They had successful careers even after marriage and were quite the content couple even after much doubt and speculation.Ten years post marriage, in 1976,Saira chose to quit acting in films and become a home maker.

The Affair

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With reported failed affairs with some leading actresses of his time like Madhubaala and Kamini Kaushal before getting introduced to Saira, Dilip Kumar was always doubted regarding his honesty towards Saira.
In the 1980’s , he allegedly had an affair with a Pakistani woman,Asma and divorced Saira to marry Asma.
Apparently,Asma had been found cheating on him and he then realized about the huge mistake he had committed by divorcing Saira.
He then returned to Saira and tried to woo her back.Destiny had written them to b together forever and they remarried again , with their love and trust even more stronger than before.

Their Secret Formula

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No marriage is ever perfect always.IT has to go through a lot of tests,temptations and trials ,especially in the film industry where there is so much media attention and controversy.

But, Dilip and Saira chose to stand by each other like solid rocks and never commit any mistake or hurt each other ever.Dilip, especially started respecting and loving Saira for her big heart and dedication , as is expressed by Saira through these words.
“I am still head over heels in love with my Kohinoor, Yousuf Sahab, the way I was when I first felt attracted to him as a 12 year-old. Ours has been as good and enduring a marriage as so many marriages that have survived the ups and downs for four decades. No marriage is perfect. How can it be, when as human beings we are not perfect? It is mutual love, respect and adoration that keep a marriage ticking.”

Even today, Saira who is aged 74 and his Kohinoor, Dilip Kumar , who is 96 , prove to us that marriages are made in heaven and can be celebrated on earth.
Wishing them more love and dedication in the coming years.

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