Saira Banu Biography: Husband, Children, Religion, Wikipedia, Parents, Siblings, Age, Net Worth

Saira Banu is a legendary retired Indian film actress and producer celebrated as one of the most glamorous and accomplished stars of Hindi cinema’s golden era.

She captivated audiences in the 1960s and 1970s with her striking beauty, graceful dancing, and versatile acting opposite icons like Shammi Kapoor and Dilip Kumar.

Widely known for her debut in the blockbuster Junglee (1961) and memorable roles in classics such as Padosan and Hera Pheri, she earned multiple Filmfare Award nominations and stood among the highest-paid actresses of her time.

Saira Banu
Wiki Facts & About Data
Name:	Saira Banu
Born:	August 23 1944 (age 81 years old)
Place of Birth:	Mussoorie, United Provinces, British India
Nationality:	Indian
Ethnicity:	South Asian
Height:	1.68 m
Religion:	Islam
Parents:	Mian Ehsan-ul-Haq, Naseem Banu
Siblings:	Sultan Ahmed
Spouse:	Dilip Kumar (m. 1966–2021)
Relationship:	Widowed
Occupation:	Retired Film Actress, Producer
Net Worth:	$7,500,000

Early Life and Education

Saira Banu was born on August 23, 1944, in Mussoorie, United Provinces, British India, into a prominent Urdu-speaking family with deep ties to the film world through her mother, actress Naseem Banu. Her father was Mian Ehsan-ul-Haq, and she had one brother named Sultan Ahmed.

She received her early education at Queen’s Society School in London, England, gaining a refined upbringing before returning to India. Her ethnicity is South Asian with Urdu-speaking roots, and she practices Islam.

Career

Saira Banu launched her acting journey with remarkable confidence, debuting at age 17 in the 1961 hit Junglee opposite Shammi Kapoor, which showcased her vibrant energy and earned her an immediate Filmfare Best Actress nomination. Early struggles were minimal thanks to her striking presence and family connections.

Still, she quickly rose through consistent performances in romantic and dramatic roles, establishing herself as a leading lady who blended style with substance in an era dominated by musical entertainers.

Her career flourished with standout films like Padosan (1968), Victoria No. 203 (1972), and Hera Pheri (1976), and with collaborations with major stars, including Rajendra Kumar, Dharmendra, and her husband, Dilip Kumar, in Gopi. Saira Banu became one of the top-paid actresses of the 1960s and 1970s, delivering memorable dramatic and comedic turns before stepping back after Faisla (1988).

Her work left a lasting legacy of elegance and professionalism that continues to inspire generations in Indian cinema.

Awards and Nominations

• Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Junglee (1961) (Nominated)
• Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Shagird (1967) (Nominated)
• Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Diwana (1967) (Nominated)
• Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Sagina (1974) (Nominated)
• Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award (2017)

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @sairabanu

Personal Life

Saira Banu, the 81-year-old veteran actress who stands at 1.68 m tall, has lived a life marked by profound devotion and quiet resilience following the loss of her beloved husband.

She was married to legendary actor Dilip Kumar from October 11, 1966, until his passing in July 2021; the couple had no children after a heartbreaking stillbirth in 1972.

In her later years, she has focused on philanthropy, maintaining close family bonds, and honoring her late husband’s legacy while embracing a dignified, low-profile existence rooted in faith and fond memories.

Net Worth

Saira Banu possesses an estimated net worth of around $7.5 million USD.

This wealth primarily comes from her earnings during her peak years as a top actress, combined with family assets inherited after Dilip Kumar’s death, including properties and investments.

Filmography

• Junglee (1961)
• Bluffmaster (1963)
• Ayee Milan Ki Bela (1964)
• Padosan (1968)
• Purab Aur Pachhim (1970)
• Gopi (1970)
• Victoria No. 203 (1972)
• Hera Pheri (1976)
• Faisla (1988) (final film)