New Delhi: Former actress Saira Banu broke into tears after accepting the honourable Bharat Ratna Dr Ambedkar Award for her late husband and veteran actor Dilip Kumar, on Tuesday. She said the actor is 'always with her'.
Upon accepting the award on behalf of her late husband, Saira Banu expressed her gratitude saying, "I feel extremely happy. Such a prestigious award for such a legendary person. I feel that Dilip Saab is here with us today, and is witnessing this event. I would be really happy if he would have been here with us, today."
Calling Dilip Kumar the 'Kohinoor Of India', Saira Banu said that he should be honoured with the Bharat Ratna Award.
"I wish this happens. Dilip Saab has been the 'Kohinoor of India'. So why shouldn't a 'Kohinoor' receive the Bharat Ratna? I strongly believe that he should definitely receive the award," said the 'Padosan' actress.
Speaking on how Saira Banu keeps the memory of Dilip Kumar in her alive, she said, "I believe in the reality that he is here with me at every step. I will never think that he is not here. It will be easy for me to accept that he is here with me and will forever be my pillar of support, my 'Kohinoor."
Saira Banu's undying love for Dilip Kumar was evident as ever since the actor breathed his last in the past year. She revealed to a media outlet that she was unable to cope with the loss of her dear husband. Calling Dilip Kumar an 'extraordinary' man, Saira confessed that she was strongly attached to her husband, and desperately needed him in her life.
Saira Banu and Yusuf Khan aka Dilip Kumar, had been married for 55 years before the latter passed away on July 7, 2021, owing to a prolonged illness. The veteran actor ended an era in Bollywood with his demise.