At the 2025 Filmfare Awards, Shah Rukh Khan delivered a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Dilip Kumar. He reminisced about the time when the esteemed actor expressed his wish to have a son like him.
Special Bond with Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu
Reflecting on the unique connection he shared with Dilip Sahab and Saira Banu, SRK mentioned that their love and blessings have been an integral part of his journey in the film industry. The 70th Hyundai Filmfare Awards emotionally honored Bollywood icon Dilip Kumar, posthumously awarding him the Cine Icon Award. Saira Banu, unable to attend the ceremony, entrusted Shah Rukh Khan with the responsibility of accepting the prestigious award on her behalf.
Emotional Acceptance Speech
In his moving speech, the ‘Dilwale’ actor stated, “I fully respect, understand, this amazing privilege, that Saira ji thought I am worthy enough to accept the award on Mr. Dilip’s behalf. When I first came to Mumbai, Dilip Sahab and Saira ji welcomed me into their home. Dilip Sahab placed his hand on my head and said, ‘Saira, if we had a son, he would have been like this.’ That blessing has stayed with me all my life.” SRK further expressed, “Every step of my journey in this industry, I have carried that blessing in my heart. That was his greatness, and that was Saira ji’s love.”
A Tribute to a Legend
He continued, “Ladies and gentlemen, the greatest icon, the legendary actor, the one who has defined what acting is in this country—not only in the era he reigned and worked in, but also for the eras down the line even till today; every actor and actress follows the path that Mr. Dilip has laid. It’s a big honour and, as Jaya aunty just said, a big privilege to be standing here and accepting an award on behalf of Saira ji for the legendary and the greatest of them all, the late Mr. Dilip Kumar. Thank you so much. Thank you, Filmfare.”
Celebrating Indian Cinema
The award night also honored other pillars of Indian cinema. Veteran actress Zeenat Aman was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, while the same accolade was awarded posthumously to the renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal.









