Saira Banu not accessible after Yusuf Saab's passing: Friends express concerns

Mumbai: After legendary actor Dilip Kumar passed away last year, close friends say his wife Saira Banu has withdrawn into a shell and refuses to meet anyone.

As per an Indian Express report, Saira's close friend Mumtaz who is in Mumbai, dropped in at the famous bungalow in Pali Hill without an appointment, and waited to meet Saira at the house, but had to return disappointed.

"It's so sad. Sairaji seems to have gone into a shell after Yusuf Saab's sad passing away. I made many attempts to contact her. When I could not reach her, I dropped in at her home. But I couldn't meet her I feel really sad. I remember the last time I met them both at their bungalow. Sairaji was so gracious. She had made really delicious cookies and cakes for me," Mumtaz was quoted as saying by the Indian Express report.

Mumtaz has worked with both Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu, the former in Ram Aur Shyam, and the latter in Aadmi Aur Insaan.

Dharmendra, another close friend of theirs also expressed his concern and said that Saira does not answer any calls. He added that he can only hope that she is in good health.

"I made many attempts to reach her. She does not answer calls. I was very close to Dilip Saab, and to Saira. I do not want to intrude on her privacy. I only hope she is in good health."

Starting her acting career as a teen in 1961 with the film 'Junglee', she went on to become one of the topmost heroines in the 1960s-1970s era, working with the leading actors of the day and starring in the biggest films. In the past few years, she earned legions of admirers for how she stood by and cared for her husband Dilip Kumar who was ailing for several years before he passed away on July 7 aged 98.