Veteran actor Saira Banu often shares nostalgic anecdotes about her late husband, superstar Dilip Kumar. On the festive occasion of Raksha Bandhan, she revealed that the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar tied a rakhi to the superstar every year. In return, the couple would gift Lata a brocade saree as a token of their love. The 79-year-old actor shared some old pictures of the two legendary personalities, and wrote how both of them found comfort in each other's company. She wrote in her caption, "The Kohinoor of Indian Cinema Dilip Sahib and the nightingale of the Music Industry of India Lata Mangeshkar held a connection beyond the dazzle of their stupendous stardom. They shared the bond of a brother and sister. In those golden quiet bygone days this legendary two-some found it comfortable to travel from their homes to their work spots in local trains which are also known as the life-line of this marvellous city Mumbai." She further explained how Dilip Kumar advised Lata Mangeshkar to work on her pronunciation of Urdu words in her songs. She wrote, "Despite being busy with work or travel or any personal commitments, they both would find a way to meet each other on Rakshabandhan and Lataji would tie the sacred Rakhi on Sahib’s hand. To my delight they both unfailingly followed this ritual year after year and I in return to this beautiful gesture sent her a brocade sari to her taste each time!" Check out Saira Banu's post - View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saira Banu Khan (@sairabanu) Saira Banu also revealed that it was Dilip Kumar who introduced Lata Mangeshkar in London's Royal Albert Hall. He spoke to the audience in the hall and said, "Ye meri choti si behen bohat mukhtasar si, main inhein introduce karne aaya hoon (This is my younger sister. I have come to introduce her)." She further wrote, "This bond of brother and sister remained until the very end, in sickness and in health. She often came to our home to visit Sahib and they ate lunch or dinner together. The very last time that she came here she lovingly fed him with her own hands and they made such a loving picture together. Such was the love they shared…monumental!" Lata Mangeshkar passed away in 2022 whereas Dilip Kumar passed away in 2021.
