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Actor Muhammad Yusuf Khan better known by his screen name Dilip Kumar remains one of the most respected actors of the Indian cine industry. He pioneered method acting and was known for his powerful and emotional acting, which earned him the title of 'Tragedy King'. The iconic actor married actress Saira Banu (22) in 1966 at the age of 44 despite a huge age difference and lived with her until his last breath. But, many may not be aware that Dilip Kumar married another woman 'secretly' despite being with Saira and he regretted the 'mistake'.
Dilip Kumar married actress Saira Banu (22) in 1966 at the age of 44 despite a huge age difference and lived with her until his last breath. But, many may not be aware that the 'Tragedy King' married another woman 'secretly' despite being with Saira and he regretted the 'mistake'.
In 1981, Dilip married Asma Rehman secretly. Despite being with Saira for 16 years, he married Asma. Both Saira and Dilip found themselves in a crisis. His second marriage lasted for a few years and ended in 1983. However, he regretted his decision to marry for the second time and could never forgive himself for hurting Saira.
Saira learned about his second marriage from newspapers. Initially, she didn't believe the news but after learning the truth she was shattered.
In his memoir, The Substance And The Shadow: An Autobiography, the Tragedy King recalled this tragic episode of his life.
He met Asma for the first time at a cricket match in Hyderabad. The first interaction started between a star and a fan. Gradually, it turned into something else. The legendary actor later found out that there were ulterior motives at play. The Shakti actor met Asma through his sisters. The actor was told that she was married and had three children.
Later, Dilip felt that Asma and her husband showed up almost everywhere he went.
“I was completely unaware of a connivance that was being mischievously perpetuated and a situation being cleverly created by vested interests to draw a commitment from me,” he wrote.
Dilip admitted that he had caused tremendous pain to Saira with his second marriage.
“I can never forget or forgive myself for the hurt I caused to Saira and the shattering of the unshakeable faith she had in me," he wrote.
Admitting the second marriage was a grave mistake, he asked Saira for some time so that he could officially divorce Asma.
The Saudagar actor also wrote that after he admitted it (second marriage) as a grave mistake, Saira stood by him and asked for some time so that he could undo the wrong through proper legal procedure.
Even before the proceedings of divorce were completed, he signed a 'letter of commitment' to Saira as a try to restore the promise he once made to her parents. Notably, he had promised Saira's parents that there wouldn't be any talks about a second marriage.
Well, as per the legendary actor, he believed that he was a victim of the situation that was set to precipitate a deep crisis in his marriage with Saira. He also felt that there was a 'divine purpose' behind the situation as after this episode their closeness strengthened and both got emotionally dependent on each other.
