‘Hema Malini illuminated hearts’: Saira Banu celebrates Dreamgirl’s Diamond Jubilee with RARE PICS; Recalls memories with Dilip Kumar, Mehmood, Raj Kapoor Veteran actress Saira Banu has taken fans on a nostalgic journey by sharing a series of rare archival photographs featuring Hema Malini and her late husband Dilip Kumar. The veteran star accompanied the vintage images with an emotional note that celebrated her decades-long friendship with Hema while looking back at memorable moments from Hindi cinema’s golden era.
Saira Banu recalls her first meeting with Hema Malini
In her note, Saira looked back at the first time she met Hema Malini in 1966 during the filming of Diwana. She described how Hema’s grace and beauty left a lasting impression on her from their very first interaction.Sharing her memories, Saira wrote, “Where do I begin with Hema? Some people enter one’s life like a gentle beam of morning light quietly, gracefully, and before you realise it, they have illuminated a part of your world forever. My thoughts invariably return to the first time I met her in 1966, on the sets of Diwana with Raj Kapoor Sahib. I remember looking at her and thinking that I had rarely seen such effortless beauty. Mesmerised is perhaps the only word that has remained faithful to that memory.”ID@undefined Caption not available.ID@undefined Caption not available.She further wrote, “Our paths crossed many times thereafter. I remember one particularly cherished phase when Hema and I were both staying at the Krishna Raj Sagar Dam. I was shooting for Mehmood ji’s Padosan, while she was filming Sapno Ka Saudagar with Raj Kapoor Sahib. By a happy coincidence, our rooms were adjoining, and because of that delightful arrangement, our days naturally became intertwined. We spent long, unhurried hours sitting together in the verandah, talking about everything that seemed important then beauty, skincare, little rituals of everyday life, and countless subjects that, in hindsight, revealed far more about friendship than they ever did about the conversations themselves. Our mothers were with us too, often joining in, bringing to those afternoons a warmth, wisdom, and gentle humour that only mothers possess.”
Fond memories with Dilip Kumar and Dharmendra
Saira also remembered a later phase in her career when Hema Malini collaborated with her on a television project. She revealed that Dilip Kumar actively participated in the shoot and guided both actresses during several sequences, creating memories she continues to cherish.She wrote, “Years later, during the time Kranti had released, Hema graciously collaborated with me on my television series. One particular chapter featured her, and to our immense delight, Dilip Sahib stepped in to help us. Sahib generously involved himself in guiding Hema and me through several portions of the shoot. Watching him take such a personal interest, with his characteristic generosity and meticulousness, remains one of those memories I continue to treasure. And somewhere amidst these reflections, my thoughts naturally wander to Dharam ji, who has always been very close to Sahib, to me, and to our entire family.”
A tribute to one of Bollywood’s most loved couples
In the same note, Saira paid tribute to Hema Malini and Dharmendra, describing them as one of Hindi cinema’s most iconic couples. She reflected on their enduring companionship and the place they hold in Bollywood’s history.Continuing her message, Saira said, “The love, companionship, and deep regard he and Hema have shared have become the very fabric of Hindi cinema’s most cherished memories. They were and shall always remain one of the most iconic and beloved couples of an era when cinema possessed a certain innocence, grace, and grandeur; an era that will forever be remembered as the golden age of Indian cinema. As Hema celebrates the remarkable milestone of sixty glorious years in cinema her Diamond Jubilee I wish her continued joy, radiant health, and every happiness that life has yet to offer. May she always remain surrounded by the same affection, admiration, and love that she has so effortlessly inspired across generations. Some stars illuminate the screen for a season. Hema has illuminated hearts for a lifetime.”
Rare photographs delight fans
The social media post also featured several unseen archival photographs from Saira Banu’s personal collection. The images capture warm moments shared by Saira Banu, Hema Malini and Dilip Kumar across different stages of their careers.