Saira Banu remembers Mother Naseem Banu on death anniversary: ‘She was a constellation in her own right’

Veteran actor Saira Banu paid an emotional tribute to her late mother, Naseem Banu, on her death anniversary today, remembering her as not just Indian cinema’s first female superstar, but also as a pillar of strength who shaped her life and career. Taking to Instagram, Saira Banu shared heartfelt memories of her mother, often fondly called Pari Chehra for her legendary beauty. “My beloved mother, Pari Chehra, was the brightest ple star, rather, she was a constellation in her own right. The first female superstar of Indian cinema, she lit up the screen with a charm that captivated millions. But behind that legendary beauty and fame was a soul rooted in resilience, grace, and boundless love,” she wrote. Reflecting on their early struggles, Banu recalled their small family and how life’s challenges came knocking at an early age. “We were a family of four — my grandmother Shamshad Abdul Waheed Khan, her sister Khurshid Begum, my elder brother Sultan Ahmed, and me. Life brought us face-to-face with hardship early on. At just sixteen, Appaji stepped into the role of our protector and guide. With a strength far beyond her years, she nurtured us with love and gave us the wings to rise,” she said.

Naseem Banu’s cinematic journey began with Sohrab Modi’s Pukar, where she immortalised the role of Empress Noorjahan. Such was the magic of her portrayal that audiences reportedly removed their shoes before entering the theatre, as if stepping into a royal court. Saira Banu fondly remembered how icons like Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan described her mother as “the most beautiful woman they had ever seen.” Yet, Banu emphasised that her mother’s true beauty was reflected in her character.

“It was in her spirit — how she balanced tradition and modernity with grace. Though we were educated in London, she kept us firmly rooted in our Indian heritage. Every summer was spent in Bombay or Delhi, reconnecting with our roots,” she wrote. Saira Banu also credited her mother with shaping her film career, from encouraging her entry into cinema to styling her iconic look in Junglee, which went on to revolutionise make-up and fashion trends in Indian films. The post ended with a deeply personal remembrance of the day she lost her guiding light. “And then came this day, June 18, 2002, the day my radiant queen left us, casting us into the darkest gloom of a life without her light.”

Known for often sharing memories of her late husband Dilip Kumar and her illustrious family, Saira Banu’s latest tribute is a testament to the legacy of strong, pioneering women in Indian cinema.