On June 18, 2025, veteran actress Saira Banu remembered her mother, Naseem Banu, on the 23rd anniversary of her death. Saira Banu paid a heartfelt tribute to her mother, whom she called the "first female superstar of Indian cinema." Naseem Banu, who passed away on June 18, 2002, was a celebrated actress known for her beauty, talent, and significant contributions to Indian cinema during the 1930s to 1950s.
Saira Banu shared an emotional note on her Instagram, expressing her deep love and admiration for her mother. She described Naseem Banu as "the brightest star" and a "constellation in her own right," emphasizing the charm that captivated millions. Beyond her fame, Saira Banu highlighted her mother's resilience, grace, and boundless love.
In her tribute, Saira Banu shared details about her family life, recalling how Naseem Banu stepped up as a protector and guide at just sixteen years old. She nurtured her family, consisting of her grandmother Shamshad Abdul Waheed Khan, her sister Khurshid Begum, her elder brother Sultan Ahmed, and herself, with love and strength. Saira emphasized that her mother gave them "wings to rise" despite facing hardships early in life.
Saira Banu also shed light on Naseem Banu's cinematic journey, which began with Sohrab Modi's "Pukar," where she portrayed Empress Noorjahan. The veteran actress fondly remembers the impact was so powerful that audiences would remove their shoes before entering the cinema as if stepping into a real Mughal court. She recounted how icons like Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan considered Naseem Banu the most beautiful woman they had ever seen.
Furthermore, Saira Banu acknowledged her mother's role in shaping her own path in the film industry. She emphasized that her mother's creative vision played a crucial role when she chose cinema over further studies. Even though she and her brother were educated in London, Naseem Banu ensured they remained connected to their Indian heritage by spending every summer in Bombay or Delhi.
Concluding her heartfelt tribute, Saira Banu recalled the day her mother passed away, stating that June 18, 2002, cast them "into the darkest gloom of a life without her light."
