Saira Banu is one of the most inspiring ladies from the Hindi film world. Often people have asked her questions about her decision to quit movies and a spectacular career after marriage. It is very easy to judge that she did it under pressure but the actress has always maintained, this was her choice. Guess the fact that she broke pre-conceived norms about marriage makes her an admirable woman. She devoted her life to her husband because she wanted to and not because she was made to. The courage to not get swayed by how the world looks at her decision is her biggest strength. Saira Banu Shares a Monochrome Pic of Dilip Kumar Playing Cricket, Veteran Actress Recalls Good Old Days! (View Post).

But it's a fact that Saira Banu was one of the top actresses of her time. Her impish self, beautiful eyes and petite posture with immense grace made her instantly likable. She was on every director's wishlist including Ted Danielsky, the director of the English version of Dev Anand-Waheeda Rehman's cult classic Guide.

Danielsky had made a 120 minute US version of Guide. Speaking to Rediff a few years back, Saira Banu revealed, "Today Devsaab [Dev Anand] and [filmmaker] Vijay Anand would deny it completely, but Guide was offered to me twice. It is a fact that Ted Danielsky [director of the English version] came to me with Guide. At that time I was supposed to start Mehboob Khan's Habba Khatoon. Mehboobsaab required uninterrupted dates in Kashmir. The leading man opposite me was none other than Dilip Kumar. How could I give up this opportunity?" Saira Banu Makes Her Instagram Debut on Dilip Kumar's Second Death Anniversary, Dedicates First Post to the Actor's Legacy (View Pics).

Saira Banu later admits that she couldn't have done justice to the role of Rose the way Waheeda Rehman did. Humility is also her biggest strength!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 23, 2023 08:20 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).