Dilip Kumar’s Sisters Made Saira Banu’s Life a Nightmare: Actor Forced into Second Marriage Amid Family Strife

Mumbai: Legendary Bollywood actor Dilip Kumar, often hailed as the Tragedy King of Indian cinema, celebrated his 103rd birth anniversary on December 11. While his cinematic journey spanned decades and earned him the title of one of the most handsome and charming actors of his time, his personal life was far from smooth.

In his memoir, Dilip Kumar: The Substance and the Shadow, the actor revealed how his sisters’ resentment created severe hardships for his wife, Saira Banu, eventually forcing him into a second marriage.

Marriage to Saira Banu: A Rocky Start

Dilip Kumar married Saira Banu in 1966, when he was 44 and she was just 22, a significant 22-year age difference. Though Saira was overjoyed to marry the man of her dreams, life in Dilip’s household proved extremely challenging.

According to Dilip, the family dynamics were highly complicated after the death of his parents, leaving him as the head of a family with 11 siblings. His family found it difficult to accept Saira, and the constant pressure and hostility affected her health to the point that she had to be hospitalized in London for treatment.

Forced Second Marriage

In his book, Dilip Kumar disclosed that, under immense pressure from his sisters, he married Asma Rahman in the 1980s, marking his second marriage. Saira, upon learning this, witnessed a turbulent period in her life. Dilip noted that the family’s overbearing influence played a major role, as they believed they had control over his personal decisions.

Dilip’s eldest sister, Sakina, wielded significant authority in the household, while other siblings and in-laws frequently interfered, making Saira’s life increasingly difficult.

Daily Struggles at Home

Dilip detailed instances of deliberate harassment by his sisters. Even mundane activities, like taking a shower, became stressful—his sisters would occupy the bathroom, forcing Saira to use her parents’ home for basic routines. This persistent hostility led to Saira developing ulcerative colitis, requiring medical intervention abroad.

At one point, when actor Manoj Kumar visited Dilip’s house with his wife, Saira was subjected to rude remarks and humiliation by Dilip’s sister, further worsening her emotional strain.

Dilip Kumar’s Protective Measures

Aware of the family’s difficult behavior, Dilip initially planned for Saira and himself to live separately until alternative arrangements for his siblings could be made. He candidly wrote in his memoir:
“My family was so used to my attention that accepting a new person in my life, even someone as wonderful as Saira, would be difficult for them. I told Saira to prepare herself for these challenges.”

He acknowledged that even if he brought someone as perfect as a celestial being into his life, the family would never accept sharing him.

Conclusion: A Testament to Resilience

Despite the hardships and family pressures, Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu endured these turbulent times together. His revelations shed light on the personal sacrifices and struggles behind the glamour of Bollywood. The memoir not only celebrates the actor’s cinematic achievements but also paints a vivid picture of his resilience and commitment to love and family, even in the face of immense adversity.