Saira Banu Shares Dilip Kumar Suffered From Severe Insomnia, Reveals The Cute Nickname He Gave Her

On Dilip Kumar's third death anniversary, Saira Banu, shared a heartfelt note on Instagram, recounting some personal anecdotes and revealing that Kumar suffered from severe insomnia.

Saira Banu remembers Dilip Kumar on his third death anniversary. (Image Source: Saira Banu/Instagram)

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Dilip Kumar Death Anniversary: It's been three years since the legendary actor Dilip Kumar passed away. On his third death anniversary, his wife and former co-star, Saira Banu, shared a heartfelt note on Instagram, recounting some personal anecdotes and revealing that Kumar suffered from severe insomnia.

Saira Banu shares Dilip Kumar suffered from insomnia

“You see, Sahib (Dilip Kumar) was the greatest actor of all time. He had absolutely everything at his disposal, yet not many people know that he suffered from severe insomnia. Before our marriage, even after taking pills, he would remain awake until dawn. However, once we got married and became indispensable to each other, he started sleeping just in time. He even gave me a cute nickname, endearingly saying, ‘Saira, you are my sleeping pill, you are my pillow.’ To this day, I burst into laughter remembering the charm with which he would say it,” Saira wrote.

She shared another memorable incident where Kumar wrote her a note. Known for his deep appreciation for music, he often hosted musical gatherings at their home. Despite sneaking away from these gatherings to get some sleep, he found himself unable to rest without Saira. One evening, he left a note for her that read, “Feeling sleepy, what do you suggest, Aunty? ...Yours 100%.” Saira posted a picture of this note along with her caption.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Saira Banu Khan (@sairabanu)

 

Saira Banu on Dilip Kumar's friends

Saira also mentioned Kumar's good relationship with India's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, and other prominent figures from various fields. "Sahib has been the best of friends to the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Sahab, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sahab, Narsimha Rao Sahab, alongside the leading lawyers, economists, and Industrialists etc. He has been a die-hard supporter of sportsmen. He played Football and Cricket with great ease. In fact he would have wanted to be a Sportsman of national level rather than what destiny had in store for him," she added.

Expressing her gratitude, Saira wrote, “I am expressing my Love by writing this note to thank all of his admirers and fans, well-wishers, dearest friends, and family who take the trouble of sending us lovely messages on occasions. It makes me happy that they all remember our important dates and pray for his well-being in the hereafter for Dilip Sahib is an inspiration for six generations of actors as also for the coming generations.”

About Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu

Dilip Kumar, born on December 11, 1922, began his acting career with the 1944 movie 'Jwar Bhata.' He later appeared in films such as 'Jugnu,' 'Andaz,' 'Aan,' 'Daag,' 'Azaad,' 'Madhumati,' 'Devdas,' 'Kohinoor,' 'Mughal-E-Azam,' 'Gunga Jumna,' and 'Naya Daur,' among others. He passed away on July 7, 2021.

On the professional front, Saira Banu made her acting debut in 1961 with 'Junglee' opposite Shammi Kapoor, earning a Filmfare Award nomination for Best Actress. She received three more nominations for Best Actress for her roles in 'Shagird' (1967), 'Diwana' (1967), and 'Sagina' (1974). Banu continued to work in several notable films, including 'Bluff Master' (1963), 'Ayee Milan Ki Bela' (1964), 'Jhuk Gaya Aasman' (1968), 'Padosan' (1968), 'Victoria No. 203' (1972), 'Hera Pheri' (1976), and 'Bairaag' (1976).