Dharmendra’s 90th birth anniversary: Saira Banu recalls his bond with Dilip Kumar; Tragedy King wished he looked like him

Indian cinema remembered Dharmendra on what would have been his 90th birthday. His passing on November 24 left an emotional void for fans, colleagues and family.

Among the heartfelt tributes, veteran actress Saira Banu shared an evocative remembrance of the beloved actor and the deep connection he shared with her late husband, Dilip Kumar.

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A Man Beyond Words

In her Instagram post, Saira Banu poured her emotions into a moving message, writing, “Dharam ji… if I were to put the man into words, it would never be easy. Some people are too large for language, too gentle for description, and too loved for boundaries, and he was all of that."

Grace in Stardom

She remembered both Dharmendra and Dilip Kumar as people whose humility was as captivating as their stardom: “His humility was unlike…very much like Dilip Sahib…anything I have ever seen. In a world filled with stars, he shone differently… quietly with a warmth that touched every soul lucky enough to know him. He was always very close to our family, effortlessly bridging the worlds of stardom and simplicity."

A Rare Friendship

Reflecting on their bond, she confessed the depth of affection between the two legends: “And the way he loved Dilip Sahib… sometimes I could never decide who loved Dilip Sahib more, Dharam Ji or I. Their bond was beyond friendship. It was something rare, something pure, something that made you believe that souls truly recognise each other."

Her message expressed both grief and gratitude: “Today, on his birthday, my heart feels both heavy and full. Heavy because I wish he were still here with us… and full because I want to believe with all my heart that he is with Dilip Sahib once again. That somewhere, in a quieter, kinder world, the two of them have reunited… laughing, talking, sharing that indescribable bond only they understood," she wrote.

Closing her tribute, she added, “Happy Birthday, Dharam ji. You may not be here, but your goodness, your warmth, your humility they remain. And so does our love for you."

When the Tragedy King Wished to Be Like Dharam

Dilip Kumar, celebrated as the ‘Tragedy King,’ was adored for his acting brilliance. Yet, he openly admired Dharmendra’s effortless charm.

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At the 42nd Filmfare Awards, while presenting a Lifetime Achievement Award, he made a rare confession: “Bahut se saal hogaye jab Dharam ko maine pehli bar dekha tha, aur dekhte hi mere man me umang ayi ki Allah mereko aise hi bnaya hota to kya ho jata. Is kadar khoobsoorat, haseen chehra. Ankho se roohani raushni tapakti thi… jiski fitrat sada ho wo admi tragedies bahut achi kar skta hai. Maine kaha ki ab tumse agey baazi le jayega” 

Dharmendra cherished this moment deeply, often emotional while recalling it. For the revered Dilip Kumar to admire another actor’s looks and talent was a testament to his humility, and a tribute to Dharmendra’s natural magnetism.