On Mother's Death Anniversary, Saira Banu Says She Was The ‘First Female Superstar' Of Indian Cinema

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Naseem Banu started her Bollywood journey with Sohrab Modi's Pukar in which she essayed the role of Empress Noorjahan.
Veteran actress Saira Banu commemorated the death anniversary of late mother, Naseem Banu. The actress resorted to Instagram for fond memories with her mother and posted a throwback picture of the late actress. In her heartfelt note, Saira Banu described how her mother raised her and her siblings while fighting against the odds. She also mentioned how her mother made her mark in the film industry and referred to her as the 'first female superstar.'
Naseem Banu was one of the most successful stars of the 1930s and 1950s, renowned for her exceptional beauty and unrivalled talent. Naseem left a lasting legacy before her death in 2002. Saira Banu penned an emotional note remembering her late mother. The actress wrote, 'My beloved mother, Pari Chehra, was the brightest 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."
Naseem Banu started her Bollywood journey with Sohrab Modi's Pukar in which she essayed the role of Empress Noorjahan. Saira Banu added, 'The impact was so powerful that audiences would remove their shoes before entering the cinema as if stepping into a real Mughal court. Icons like Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan have called her the most beautiful woman they had ever seen." She went on to say that her mother was extremely influential in her career.
Moreover, Saira Banu added, 'Her beauty wasn't just skin-deep. It was in her spirit how she balanced tradition and modernity with grace." She mentioned that despite being educated in London, her mother instilled a strong sense of Indian identity in them. They spent every summer in Bombay or Delhi, reconnecting with their roots. Her creative vision influenced Saira Banu's decision to pursue a career in film rather than following academics. Concluding her note, the veteran actress wrote, '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."
In the heartfelt post, Saira Banu also noted how her mother became a protector for the family at a very young age and paved the way for her to make her own choices.
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