Saira Banu: 'I am not doing well'

Saira Banu is yet to recover from the demise of the man she loved for 55 years, the legendary Dilip Kumar.

Since India's much-beloved Dilip Kumar passed away on July 7, 2021, his wife Saira Banu's health has been a matter of immense concern for the couple's close friends like Dharmendra, Shabana Azmi and Shatrughan Sinha.

All three said they have been trying to reach out to the thespian's inconsolable widow -- Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu would have completed 55 years of their marriage on October 11 -- but to no avail.

Recently, yesteryear star Mumtaz, who was on a visit to Mumbai, dropped in unannounced at the Khans's bungalow on Pali Hill (Bandra, north west Mumbai). But Sairaji was unavailable.

"I've been very close to the couple for many years," says Shatrughan Sinha. "But with Yusuf saab's passing away, I have lost touch with Sairaji.

"I have heard alarming reports about her health, but I haven't been able to verify them."

After weeks of effort, Subhash K Jha finally connected with Sairaji, who admitted she was not in good health.

Sairaji's exact response to Subhash's concerned message was, "Salaams, Subhash. I am not doing well. So have not been in touch.

"Thank you for your message of care and kindness. God bless. Aap sab ki dua chahiye."

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com