Saira Bano, is an eternal beauty and one of the most stunning actresses of Indian cinema. Her captivating features, expressive eyes, and lively charm made her a heartthrob in the 1960s and 1970s. Her debut film “Junglee” (1961), opposite Shammi Kapoor, not only launched her career but also established her as the quintessential glamorous diva of Bollywood. Off-screen, Saira Bano’s beauty and grace were complemented by her intelligence and poise. Her marriage to the legendary actor Dilip Kumar in 1966 was one of the most talked-about events in Bollywood, creating a powerful and iconic couple in the industry. Saira Bano’s legacy continues to inspire generations of actresses, as she remains a symbol of elegance, glamour, and timeless beauty in Indian cinema.

The Complex Life of Saira Bano’s grandmother, Shamshad Begum

Saira Bano’s grandmother, Shamshad Begum, known by her professional name Chamiyan Bai, was a prominent tawaif (courtesan) of her time.

The life of a tawaif in pre-independence India was often complex and fraught with challenges, as these women navigated a society that both revered and stigmatized their profession. Chamiyan Bai was renowned for her beauty, grace, and exceptional talent in classical music and dance.

Tawaifs were highly respected for their artistic skills and were often patrons of culture and the arts. Despite their cultural significance, tawaifs were marginalized and faced social ostracism due to their association with the courtesan lifestyle.

Chamiyan Bai’s life, like that of many tawaifs, was marked by a dichotomy of reverence and hardship. While she was celebrated for her talents and enjoyed the patronage of wealthy and influential individuals, she also dealt with the societal stigma attached to her profession. This dual existence often led to personal and emotional struggles.

The story of Chamiyan Bai and her family highlights the resilience and determination of women who, despite societal challenges, sought to redefine their identities and secure better futures for their descendants.

known as the “Beauty Queen” of Indian cinema, and was the daughter of Shamshad Begum (Chamiyan Bai). Her father, Kunwar Mohammed Ehsan-ul-Haq, was a well-respected lawyer and highly educated man from an aristocratic background. Despite the challenges of their unconventional marriage due to societal norms,

Ehsan-ul-Haq’s support and the couple’s determination provided Naseem Banu with a stable environment to pursue her dreams in the Indian film industry. Her successful career not only showcased her talents but also represented a departure from the societal constraints that had influenced her family’s past.

The “Beauty Queen” of Indian Cinema Naseem Banu:

• Introduction:

Naseem was unlike most actresses of her time who came from poverty and lacked formal education. She actually came from a wealthy background. Her journey into the film industry was quite unexpected; during summer break,

she accompanied her mother to Bombay to visit a family friend. She was fascinated by the studios and after witnessing the shooting of Silver King, she was determined to become an actress.

• A Struggle for Acceptance: Naseem Banu’s Battle for Her Acting Career

Despite receiving offers due to her beauty, her mother, who wanted her to pursue medicine, declined them. It was only when Sohrab Modi offered her a role in Hamlet that she resorted to tears and a hunger strike until her mother relented.

• From Starring Role to Rejection: The Impact of Fame on Education

Her role in Hamlet catapulted her to stardom overnight. However, upon returning to Delhi to finish her studies, she faced rejection from colleges due to her association with the film industry, which was looked down upon. This only fueled her determination to pursue a career in acting. She went on to star in films like Khoon ka Khoon, President, Divorce, Khan Bahadur, Meetha Zahar, and Vasanti.

• A High-Profile Marriage and Its Consequences: Naseem Banu’s Personal Life

Naseem Banu tied the knot with Ehsan-ul-Haq, a famous film producer, which had a big impact on her life and career. They had two kids, Saira Bano and Sultan Ahmed. Saira Bano went on to become one of Bollywood’s most iconic actresses.

Despite the initial success of their marriage, Naseem Banu and Ehsan-ul-Haq faced challenges that ultimately led to their separation. Ehsan-ul-Haq moved to Pakistan after India Pakistan partition,leave his daughter and wife and married to an Australian Girl.

Education and Support: Saira Banu’s Academic Journey and Family Influence

Saira Banu was born in Mussoorie on 23 August 1944. Banu’s niece, Shaheen Banu, tied the knot with actor Sumeet Saigal. Furthermore, her grandniece Sayyeshaa is a film actress who is happily married to film actor Arya.

Naseem made sure her daughter received a quality education. Saira Banu shared in an interview with The Hindu how her mother sent her to London for schooling. Saira mentioned, “I attended Queen’s House, a prestigious school in London.

My mother, Naseem Bano, known as the first ‘Pari Chehra’ or beauty queen of the film industry, decided to take me to London after noticing my interest in her ghaghra, lipstick, and dancing to her film songs. She valued education over the glamour of the film industry. I had my grandmother, mother, and brother Sultan by my side to support my studies.”

• Artistic Upbringing: The Influence of Shamshad Begum and Prominent Personalities

Saira’s upbringing was steeped in the arts due to her maternal grandmother, the renowned classical singer Shamshad Begum. Their home was a hub for various personalities from the music, film, and literature world, such as Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Mehboob Khan, and Ramanand Sagar.

Despite her initial reluctance, Saira eventually found her way to the silver screen through Subodh Mukherjee’s film Junglee, where she perfectly embodied the role of an innocent Kashmir ki kali.

• Breakthrough Role: Saira Banu’s Debut in Junglee and Early Career

Saira made her debut in Hindi cinema at the young age of 16, starring alongside Shammi Kapoor in the movie Junglee. Throughout her career, she gained immense popularity and acclaim for her roles in films such as Shagird, Diwana, Sagina, Padosan, Victoria No. 203, Hera Pheri, Bairaag, and others. Known for her captivating doe-shaped eyes, Saira’s admiration for Dilip Kumar began at the age of 12, sparking a lifelong love for the legendary actor.

• Unfulfilled Love: Saira Banu and Rajendra Kumar’s On-Screen Chemistry and Personal Connection

Saira Banu’s heart belonged to Rajendra Kumar before Dilip Kumar came into her life, and their love story, left incomplete, could easily be a plot of a Bollywood movie. Starring together in iconic films like Aman, Film Hi Film, Jhuk Gaya Aasman, and Ayee Milan Ki Bela, their on-screen chemistry captivated audiences and cemented their status as a beloved pair in the film industry of that era.

Despite the age gap and Rajendra Kumar’s marital status, Saira Banu couldn’t help but fall for the charismatic actor.  As time passed, the bond between Saira Banu and Rajendra Kumar grew stronger, leading to rumors of marriage swirling around them. It was said that Rajendra Kumar was contemplating leaving his family to be with Saira.

Parental Intervention: Naseem Banu’s Concern and Dilip Kumar’s Role

However, when things started getting serious, Saira’s mother, Naseem Banu, stepped in and advised her daughter to keep her distance from the actor.

Naseem Banu was deeply concerned about Saira’s relationship with Rajendra Kumar, who was already married. Despite her mother’s insistence, Saira refused to publicly deny dating Rajendra Kumar. Feeling desperate, Naseem Banu turned to her neighbor, the legendary actor Dilip Kumar, for help.

After confiding in him, she asked Dilip Kumar to intervene and persuade Saira to end the relationship. Dilip Kumar agreed to help and assured Naseem Banu that he would speak to her daughter about the relationship.

A Surprising Proposal: Saira Banu’s Unexpected Confession of Love

In 1966, Dilip Kumar attended Saira Banu’s birthday party where he convinced her not to marry Rajendra Kumar. Little did he know, Saira was actually in love with him and proposed to him on the spot. Saira Banu, one of his millions of fans, fell head over heels in love with him at the tender age of 12.

In an interview with the Times of India, Saira shared the instant connection she felt when she first laid eyes on him.

She described him as wearing a simple white shirt, white trousers, and white chappals, with beautiful, flowing hair that perfectly matched his song ‘Ude Zulfen Jab Jab Teri’ from ‘Naya Daur’. Saira was captivated by his polished and sophisticated appearance,

which stood out from everyone else at a party hosted by Mehboob Khan (director of ‘Mother India

Love Across Ages: The Blossoming Relationship Between Saira Banu and Dilip Kumar

 

 

Despite their 22-year age gap, Saira and Dilip Kumar’s love story blossomed, and they tied the knot in 1966 when Saira was 22 and Dilip was 44.

Their age difference never hindered their marriage, and Saira’s dream of marrying the love of her life came true.

 

·  Tragic Loss: Saira Banu’s Miscarriage and Its Impact on the Couple

In 1972, Saira and Dilip Kumar faced a heartbreaking moment when Saira suffered a miscarriage in her eighth month due to high blood pressure.

The doctors couldn’t save the baby, and they even said that Saira may not be able to conceive again. Despite this tragedy, the couple stood by each other.

·  Secret Affair: Dilip Kumar’s Relationship with Asma Rehman

During his marriage to Saira Banu, Dilip Kumar had an affair with a Pakistani socialite named Asma Rehman, who was married with three children. They met in Hyderabad, where Asma was introduced to Dilip as one of his fans by his sisters.

·  Public Scandal: The Fallout from Dilip Kumar’s Secret Marriage

According to various sources, Dilip Kumar found love in Asma and tied the knot with her in secret. Despite the veteran actor’s efforts to keep the marriage private, some local newspapers leaked his marriage certificate with Asma. This unexpected revelation left Saira Banu devastated, feeling humiliated in front of the entire film industry and her loved ones.

Unfortunately, the marriage came to an end when Dilip Kumar discovered that Asma was betraying him by sharing his secrets with the media and her ex-husband.

·  Regrets and Reflections: Dilip Kumar’s Apology and Reconciliation with Saira Banu

Dilip Kumar revealed in his autobiography, The Substance And The Shadow, that his relationship with Asma was a regrettable error in his life. He expressed,

“The one incident that I wish to erase from my memory, and that Saira and I have successfully buried in the past, is the grave mistake I made by getting entangled with a woman named Asma Rehman,

whom I met at a cricket match in Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh) where she resided with her husband. At that time, she was a mother of three children and was introduced to me as a fan, much like numerous other admirers introduced to me by my sisters.”

Determined Loyalty: Saira Banu’s Response to Dilip Kumar’s Infidelity

Saira Banu was shocked by Dilip Kumar’s unfaithfulness, but she was determined to work through their marriage. In a past interview, she spoke out about his second marriage, saying, “I refuse to be just another one of his wives. Despite the rumors and doubts, when he swore on the Quran that they were false, I felt obligated to trust him. I have no plans to involve the legal system.”

Unwavering Support: Saira Banu’s Devotion During Dilip Kumar’s Illness

After Dilip Kumar became ill, Saira Banu remained by his side like a shadow. She truly and wholeheartedly honored her marriage vow to stand by her husband ‘in sickness and in health’.

In an interview with The Times Of India, Saira once expressed: “I take care of Dilip saab out of love, not obligation. I don’t seek praise for being a devoted wife. Simply being close to him and holding him is the best thing in the world for me. I adore him, he is my very breath.

” After a long illness, Dilip Kumar passed away on July 7, 2021, leaving for his heavenly abode. Saira, who had been with him throughout his journey, was now left to continue her own journey without her saab.

Life After Loss: Saira Banu’s Private Life and Public Appearances

According to recent updates, Saira Bano currently lives in Mumbai, India. Since the passing of her husband, the iconic actor Dilip Kumar, she has chosen to live a more private life. Saira Bano does make occasional public appearances and continues to be honored and appreciated for her remarkable career and her significant contributions to Indian cinema.

Sayyeshaa Saigal grand-niece of Saira Bano

Sayyeshaa Saigal, the granddaughter of Sultan Ahmed and grand-niece of Saira Bano, is an actress in the Indian film industry. She is primarily known for her work in Tamil and Telugu films, having made her Bollywood debut in 2016 with the movie “Shivaay,” directed by Ajay Devgn. Sayyeshaa is admired for her acting abilities and dancing skills. She is currently married to actor Arya, and both of them are actively involved in the South Indian film industry.

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