Happy Birthday Waheeda Rehman: Saira Banu pens heartwarming note for veteran actress; says, “I always admired her simplicity in life”

Waheeda Rehman turned a year old on February 3.

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

February 3, 2024 - 3:07 PM IST

In a heartwarming tribute, veteran actress Saira Banu fondly reminisced about her long-standing friendship with the legendary Waheeda Rehman on the occasion of Waheeda Aapa's birthday. Recalling their early encounters in the vibrant city of Bombay, Saira shared an amusing incident from an auditorium function where she was introduced with a stumble, only to be graciously acknowledged by Dilip Sahib himself.

Happy Birthday Waheeda Rehman: Saira Banu pens heartwarming note for veteran actress; says, “I always admired her simplicity in life”

In the caption she wrote "Happy Birthday Waheeda Aapa! I have known her for long as my mother Naseem Banuji and Waheeda Aapa resided in the very same building at Nepean Sea Road. The first time I saw Waheeda Aapa was at a function in an Auditorium where we were invited and the Chief Guest was Dilip Sahib, whom I was dying to see at any given opportunity".

"My mother and I sat with all the prime guests, Waheeda Rehmanji, the poetess cum filmstar Tabassum, the maestro Shankerji of the Shanker-Jaikishan musical team. The compere at the mike started to invite the celebrities onto the stage, of course starting with Sahib. When he called out all the names I was sitting with my mother who was busy signing autographs. Meanwhile, the compere called out the famous celebrities but when my turn arrived, he fumbled and it was like thousands of hours of embarrassment to me, I was drained in nervous perspiration that this man was fumbling to find my name! How embarrassing for me"!

"That very instant, Sahib took the mike from the Compere and said “Saira Banu, daughter of Naseemji, Please come on to the stage”! Imagine my nervousness after this little faux pas by the Compere when I was already struggling to look composed in the newness and discomfort of a Sari. Waheeda Aapa gave me a warm smile as I came on stage. We both seemed very reserved, I with my London upbringing and she always accompanied by her sister. During our school holidays in Bombay from London, we'd often find ourselves in the same lift, where Sayeeda Aapa would exchange pleasantries".

"Shortly, my grandmother, Sultan Bhai, and I returned permanently to Bombay and as luck would have it within a month’s time “JUNGLEE” came about and there was no looking back for me. One day, Waheeda Aapa dropped in to convey to my mother that Guru Duttji wanted to meet us regarding a film. When “JUNGLEE” released, Waheeda Aapa walked over to me and declared “You really are a Beauty Queen”. I was flattered that she said this to me. I always admired her simplicity in personal life, she hardly wore any make up and seemed very down to earth with no airs and graces. There is a lot to tell when relations go way back in time, I will talk about that time and era at length tomorrow."