On the auspicious event of Raksha Bandhan, actress Saira Banu, wife of the late legendary actor Dilip Kumar, recently took to Instagram to share a touching throwback picture of the iconic duo, Dilip Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar.Accompanying the picture, Saira Banu penned a heartfelt caption that delved into the deep bond shared by the two luminaries. She wrote, “The Kohinoor of Indian Cinema Dilip Sahib and the nightingale of the Music Industry of India Lata Mangeshkar held a connection beyond the dazzle of their stupendous stardom. They shared the bond of a brother and sister. In those golden quiet bygone days this legendary twosome found it comfortable to travel from their homes to their work spots in local trains which are also known as the life-line of this marvellous city Mumbai.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saira Banu Khan (@sairabanu) Saira Banu went on to reveal the beautiful anecdotes that highlighted their relationship. She shared, “It was during this travelling time that they shared their thoughts, experiences, and sought each others advice. It was at one such journey that Sahib guided Lataji on how much the heart of Urdu lies in its flawless pronunciation and how something as simple as a Nukta adds a beautiful addition to words. Sahib emphasised that one must own the spoken languages with mastery. Lataji, an obedient sister in every sense, worked upon his advice and sought an Urdu tutors assistance. Since then, the world bore witness to her flawless pronunciation in her songs.”Saira Banu shares rakhi tradition between Lata Mangeshkar, Dilip KumarSaira Banu reminisced about the tradition they followed on Raksha Bandhan, where Lata Mangeshkar would drive down to their home to tie the rakhi on Dilip Kumars hand. “To my delight they both unfailingly followed this ritual year after year and I in return to this beautiful gesture sent her a brocade sari to her taste each time!” she added.Reflecting on their remarkable bond, Saira Banu shared a heartwarming memory, “Dilip Sahib bestowed upon her the honour of being introduced at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London where the echoes of the first Indian concert resounded. With utmost simplicity he called her on the stage , implicit charm. Ye meri choti si behen bohat mukhtasar si, main inhein introduce karne aaya hoon (This is my little sister, very small, I have come to introduce her). The audience roared with appreciation. Thousands of long playing records were made and sold to the public of this same function. Many years later he introduced her again similarly at the London Palladium.”Saira Banu concluded by highlighting the unwavering nature of their bond, extending from health to sickness. She shared how Lata Mangeshkar visited their home, and even during her final visits, she lovingly fed Dilip Kumar with her own hands.“The very last time that she came here she lovingly fed him with her own hands and they made such a loving picture together. Such was the love they shared…monumental,” Banu wrote.Saira Banu, through her Instagram posts, continues to share treasured memories of herself and her late husband Dilip Kumar. They were married for 55 years until Kumars passing in 2021.Meanwhile, legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar passed away in 2022 at the age of 92 from complications of COVID and pneumonia.
