Quotes from Saira Banu

Even the gods pardon someone who makes a mistake.

As my grandmother Shamshad Begum was a noted classical singer, who had settled down in London, we used to receive several people from the music, film and literature fraternity at home. People like Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Mehboob Khan, Khwaja Ahmed Abbas, K. Asif etc., used to visit us regularly.

As a producer, I have the luxury of coming and going according to my convenience. As a director I cannot do that. I gave up my acting career at its peak for the same reason.

Every scene in 'Ganga Jamuna' has been spellbinding for me. I can see the film any number of times and still not be able to pinpoint a scene and say 'This is the best scene!' Every scene is perfect.

I remember Shammi Kapoor for his great sense of music. If he loved a song, he would go to any speaks of his obsession as an actor. He wanted everything according to his film's mood. His demise is a serious loss to the film industry. Personally, I have lost a friend, a protective elder brother, and someone who was full of love and warmth.

I will always remember Shammi Kapoor as a bottle of champagne. He was bubbly and full of energy - on the sets, at a party or anywhere you met him, at any hour.

I never minded stories of the beautiful women associated with Dilip saab. I had placed my entire trust in him.

The people in Chennai and Mumbai are equally cultured and well-informed.

It is out of love and not duress that I look after Dilip saab. I am not looking for praises to be called a devoted wife. Just to touch him and cuddle him is the world's best thing that's happening to me. I adore him and he is my breath itself.

I did my first film Junglee and it became a hit. That film was the first one to bring the real colour on the big screen, which was Eastmancolor.

No marriage can be flawless and perfect.

I consider myself very fortunate.

Producer Ram Mukherjee was making 'Hum Hindustani' and he wanted to cast me opposite Sunil Dutt. But it was decided that I would look diminutive before him and the character too was such that she portrays herself to be opposite of what she is.

As colleagues, Shammi ji was my first co-actor and the hero of my debut film 'Junglee' in 1961. I met him for the first time at Kashmir's Shalimar Bagh where we were filming the song 'Kashmir ki kali hoon main.' I was an excited teenager, fresh out of London College, and had pursued films against my mother's wishes.

Every touch and hug that I got from my grandmom and mom was therapeutic.

I have been singularly blessed to be a granddaughter to one of the most accomplished classical vocalists of her time, daughter to one of the most ravishingly beautiful actresses ever, and wife to the greatest actor. What more can I desire?

It is mutual love, respect and adoration that keep a marriage ticking.

I am still head over heels in love with my Kohinoor, Yousuf Sahab, the way I was when I first felt attracted to him as a 12 year-old.

I had a rosy picture of marriage till I was exposed to the huge responsibility of being Dilip Kumar's wife.

I am not being a martyr when I say that I don't regret putting my career on the backburner.

My husband deserves the top honours for the work he has done and the man that he is.

In my family, I've seen women being devoted to their husbands. I grew up watching that. To me, it is a very natural thing.

I am at my best within my family fold. Outside, I am withdrawn, aloof and reserved.

Our needs are minimal.