‘Dilip Kumar Believed The Soul Of India Lives In Its People, Not In History Books’: Saira Banu

Veteran award-winning actor Saira Banu, who often shares her personal life experiences and stories with her fans on social media, today marked India’s 77th Republic Day with a deeply emotional and reflective

note, describing the occasion as more than just a date on the calendar.

Recalling her childhood years spent in England, Banu shared how living away from India only strengthened her bond with her homeland. She wrote, “Republic Day has never been just a date on the calendar for me. It has always been a feeling. As a child, I moved to England and spent my growing years in London. But strangely, distance didn’t dilute my connection with India; it deepened it. The farther I went, the closer my country. Living away made me realise something profound: nations are not remembered for their borders or buildings. They are remembered for their humanity.”

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Reflecting on India’s diversity of languages, customs, and cultures, while underlining the invisible thread that binds its people together, she further said, “Sometimes it’s just a glance of reassurance from a stranger. Sometimes a hand that reaches out in difficult times. Sometimes laughter shared without a common language. These small moments define us far more than grand speeches ever could.”

The actor also paid a touching tribute to her late husband, legendary actor Dilip Kumar, noting that he deeply believed in this very essence of India. She recalled how he often said that the soul of the country lives not in history books or monuments, but in its people—their kindness, empathy, and belief in lifting one another. For Dilip Kumar, she wrote, “Dilip Sahib deeply believed in this very spirit. He often said that the soul of India doesn’t lie in its monuments or history books; it lives in its people. In their kindness. In their empathy. In their belief that we rise by lifting others. For him, humanity wasn’t an ideal. It was a responsibility. He believed that when compassion guides us, even the impossible becomes achievable. Despite all our diversities of caste, culture, language, or belief, what truly unites us is dignity for every human being. That was the India he believed in. And that is the India we must protect. Happy 77th Republic Day. 🇮🇳”

Saira Banu is a legendary actor and cultural icon whose life and work reflect grace, integrity, and deep-rooted human values. Beyond her celebrated contribution to Indian cinema, she is known for her thoughtful reflections on society, compassion, and national identity, often emphasising humanity, dignity, and unity.