Saira Banu breaks down remembering late Dilip Kumar as she accepts Bharat Ratna Dr. Ambedkar Award for him, watch video : Bollywood News

Veteran actress Saira Banu was seemingly emotional and broke into tears on Tuesday after she accepted the Bharat Ratna Dr Ambedkar Award for her late husband, actor Dilip Kumar. Saira and Dilip were married for 55 years before the veteran actor passed away in July 2021.

Saira Banu breaks down remembering late Dilip Kumar as she accepts Bharat Ratna Dr. Ambedkar Award for him, watch video

Calling him her 'Kohinoor' (diamond), the actress was seen accepting the award on behalf of her late husband. Talking about a Bharat Ratna, Saira said, "It should happen, because Dilip Sahab has been the 'Kohinoor' for Hindustan. So 'Kohinoor' should definitely receive a Bharat Ratna." She repeated, "He's still here. He is not in my memories, I believe it's the truth that he is here with me at every step, because this is how I will be able to live my life. I will never think that he's not here. Wo mere paas hain, hamesha mera sahara banke rahenge-- mera Kohinoor (He is with me, will always be here as my pillar of support- my Kohinoor)."

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In an interview with Bollywood Hungama some years ago, Saira had said, “For me, it was always Saab, no one else. I was his fan from the time I can remember. While still a teenager, I wanted to be his wife. I am very headstrong and once I made up my mind, there was no stopping me. I knew many beautiful women wanted to marry Saab, but he chose me. It was my dream come true and that's what my marriage has been, a perfect dream. Looking after Saab, his life and his home comes naturally to me. Saab never asked me to give up my career. In fact, he encouraged me to continue after marriage. But, after a while, my heart was not in my career. I just wanted to take care of Saab. Our marriage is the most important thing in my life. I do not miss having a child because Saab is like a child at heart. I am not being a martyr when I say I don't regret putting my career on the backburner. He could have married anyone, any woman he wanted. He chose me. I consider myself very fortunate. I always call him the Kohinoor of the film industry. I am lucky to be so close to him for so many years. I could not have chosen a better life. I cannot imagine any other life for me.I guess if I was chosen to be his wife, I must be special. Unki biwi hone ke liye caliber honi chahiye (to be his wife one needed to be of some caliber). But seriously, all Indian wives look after their husbands. In my family, I have seen women being devoted to their husbands. I grew up watching that.”