New Delhi, Jan 1 (IANS): Veteran actor Dilip Kumar has wished his fans a wonderful New Year and at also remembered his wife, Saira Banu's mother on her birth anniversary.

"I am wishing all of you a wonderful start to 2012 and pray that the year gives us pleasant times and many, many reasons to smile and feel on top of the world each day of the year," Dilip Kumar wrote on his blog thedilipkumar.mouthshut.com.

The 89-year-old thespian went down the memory lane remembering Saira Banu's mother as the "epitome" of "beauty" and "grace".

"Personally, it is not just the beginning of a new year for me. It is replete with beautiful memories. It is Saira's mother Naseem Banuji's (Appaji) birthday and my thoughts turn to her and the way she made a difference to our lives," he wrote.

"My thoughts turn right now to Appaji and the quiet, unobtrusive way she made sure I was living the life that even a king would have envied. She was the epitome of beauty, grace and refinement and it reflected in her speech and manners.

"Appaji always made January 1 special not for herself but for all of us by giving us a lovely day with some gorgeous surprises. Appaji, brought me and Saira together in marriage in 1966. She taught Saira to be the caring, unselfish and understanding wife she is and I would credit it to Appaji that Saira evolved over the years into a strong, gracious woman with the will to bring my own family closer to me.

"Saira and I have accepted the will of God and learned to live without her but not a day passes without our thoughts recapturing her contribution to the strength of our marriage and love for each other. Appaji, we love you," he posted.