Dilip Kumar turns 98: Saira Banu says 'difficult time for us, no question of big celebration'

Legendary actor Dilip Kumar turns 98 on Friday. 

And while each year wife Saira Banu plans an intimate yet lavish bash for the veteran star, this year, she reveals there are no plans of a big celebration as the two have not yet come to terms with the passing away of Dilip Kumar's brothers Ahsan bhai and Aslam bhai, who lost their lives to COVID-19 earlier this year. 

Moreover, Saira shares that the legendary star never remembers his birthday and only recalls that it's his special day when he sees flowers from his well-wishers lining up the drawing-room and the phone keeps ringing constantly. 

Saira told Mid Day in an interview, "We have had a catastrophe this year. Dilip sahab lost his two brothers. He doesn't keep well, neither do I. It's a difficult time for us, so there is no question of a big celebration. We will simply thank the Lord for the gift of life and health." 

Earlier, the veteran stars -- Saira Banu and Dilip Kumar -- did not celebrate their wedding anniversary too due to the deaths in the family. The two tied the knot on October 11.

In a message shared on his Twitter page days ahead of their wedding anniversary, Saira said in a note, "Oct. 11, is always the most beautiful day in my life. Dilip Saheb married me on this day and made my cherished dreams come true. This year, we are not celebrating. You all know we lost two of our brothers, Ahsan Bhai and Aslam Bhai,” she wrote.

"The unprecedented turmoil due to the Covid-19 pandemic has taken many lives and caused sorrow in many many families. In the current circumstances, we request all of you, our dear friends, to pray for each other's safety and well being. May God be with us all. Stay Safe," Saira added.

Speaking further about looking forward to the day, Saira told Hindustan Times, "The day  (Dilip Kumar's birthday) is an event for all of us but not for him. Of course, he is touched by the affection and appreciation because he always respects his fans whose admiration for his work is more valuable to him than any popular award."

Opening up on how the megastar's birthdays were celebrated in the years gone by, Banu told the publication, "In the past, we kept an open house for our well-wishers and even though it was rather tiring, Sahib met everyone without exception and ensured that everyone was fed delicious food.”