Veteran actress Saira Banu Khan shared pictures of handwritten letters and cards gifted to her by her late husband Dilip Kumar alongside a heartfelt note to remember special moments from their 56-year-long relationship on Valentine’s Day.

“This magical Valentine’s Day fills me with wondrous remembrances of the times when the sky was adorned with a million happy, sparkling stars, marking the beginning and continuation of a life of ecstatic togetherness spanning '56' years,” wrote the 79-year-old actress, sharing a nostalgic carousel on Instagram.

The pictures feature greeting cards and short notes written by Dilip for Saira on the occasion of Valentine’s Day. A video montage, unfolding to the tunes of Kehna Hai from Padosan (1968), captures Saira planting a kiss on Dilip’s cheek while the actor whistles cheerfully.

“There was one particular moment when Dilip Sahib whistled, and immediately after, I placed my lips on his right cheek,” wrote Saira, expressing a wish to replay the sound of his whistle and feel his presence yet again.

Reflecting on the importance of the day, the Hera Pheri actress reminisced about a few timeless moments she had shared with Dilip. “Valentine's Day holds utmost importance for both Dilip Sahib and me. Sahib would often gift me hand-scribbled greeting cards and short notes,” said Saira.

The actress went on to acknowledge how Dilip’s brilliance on screen as an epitome of romance coincided with his affectionate personality in real life.

“I still ponder that while he was the tragedy king and the epitome of romance on the big screen, he also understood the essence of love dearly and profoundly, bringing it to life for real with me at each step of our lives,” added the actress.

Highlighting how expressions of love have changed over the years, Saira expressed her gratitude “to have experienced a love that found its most genuine expression”.

“I firmly believe that no matter what, Dilip Sahib and I will continue to walk hand in hand by the grace of God, united in our thoughts and being until the end of time,” the actress wrote, reiterating the immutability of her bond with Dilip.

The Bairaag actress acknowledged Dilip’s role as a mentor in her life. “Dilip Sahib has been an iconic guiding light not only for me but for all those generations who have been inspired by his gracious presence and romantic personality. Dilip Sahib endures forever... May God always keep him in His love and blessings,” read Saira’s caption.

Saira, who made her Bollywood debut opposite Shammi Kapoor in the 1961 film Junglee, tied the knot with Dilip on October 11, 1966, when she was only 22 years old. The actress starred opposite her husband in a number of films, including Gopi (1970), Sagina Mahato (1971) and Jwaar Bhata (1973). Dilip passed away on July 7, 2021.