'Aamir Khan Follows Dilip Sahab', Says Saira Banu

Mumbai: Actress Saira Bano says actor Aamir Khan is following the footsteps of her legendary actor-husband Dilip Kumar's by doing 'meaningful films'. (Also Read: Dilip Kumar's 'Tearful Moment' at Padma Awards Ceremony)

"Dilip sahab used to do one film at a time in two or three years and he did relevant films like Paigham, Gunga Jumna. His classics had relevant topics. He completely devoted time for his career," Saira Banu told the press.

"I don't know if today's generation will have this thing or not. Aamir Khan follows Yusuf sahab (Dilip Kumar). Even Shah Rukh Khan is doing work and Salman Khan is also doing well," she added.

Asked if there was any 'unfulfilled dream' of the 93-year-old actor, Sairaji said, "No as he has done a gamut of films".

However the 71-year-old actress revealed that Dilip Kumar wanted to retire after Ram Aur Shyam.

"He scared me once saying he wants to retire after Ram Aur Shyam. I pleaded with him. I literally told him please don't do it. I asked him to continue. There was a lull in between due to personal problems then he took pivotal roles like Kranti. Then he sat back and roamed different places and enjoyed life," she added.

The Padosan actress said the younger crop of actors were 'smart and intelligent'.

"Yusuf sahab is the first superstar of Indian cinema. Today everyone is good and smart. We were not that intelligent. They know their work very well, they manage things nicely, they handle their career very well. But the times are different today. It is a different ball game today," she said.

Saira Banu also spoke about her husband's down-to-earth nature. She said, "Even when Dilipjiused to give a shot, he used to keep quiet while others used to praise him. We, as his co-stars, used to expect that he would praise us for a shot, but he used to just say 'good' and nothing else. Every artist improves his craft of acting by working with him.

I have never seen him praising himself or talk ill about anyone. I try to do mischief with him by talking ill about someone, but he would rather say good things about the person."

The Government of India honoured Dilip Kumar with the Padma Bhushan award in 1991, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1994 and the Padma Vibhushan earlier this year, for his exceptional and distinguished contribution to the Indian cinema. However, the actor is yet to receive the Bharat Ratna.

Sairaji said, "These awards are welcome, but are materialistic things. He has never expressed his desire to get so and so award. But the love is what matters. I think cinema will be written as before and after Dilip Kumar. Acting should be such that it shouldn't look like one is acting. He is a master in acting."

On December 11, Dilip Kumar celebrated his 93rd birthday with several of his well wishers sending him flowers and gifts.

"Mr Amitabh Bachchan had sent flowers and a note on his birthday. He is a great admirer of him, he wishes long and healthy life for him," she added.

Amitabh Bachchan told the press, "I have been a huge fan of Dilip Kumar since many years. It's a very proud, happy moment for all of us. When the history of Indian cinema will be written, it will be before Dilip sahab and after Dilip sahab."