Mumbai: The thespian of Bollywood, legendary actor Dilip Kumar is no more. His era ended on Tuesday morning at 7.30 when he breathed his last. He was hospitalized for the second time in a month with a complaint of breathlessness. He was put on oxygen when he joined the hospital in the first week of last month. The thespian was discharged on June 11. He would have entered 99th year on 11 December, the day he was born in 1922. Dr. Jalil Parker, family physician of Dilip Kumar, informed PTI that the great actor died of a prolonged illness. He was suffering with kidney problem and pneumonia. Dilip Kumar’s family friend Faisal Farooqui said, “With a heavy heart and profound grief, I announce the passing away of our beloved Dilip sahib a few minutes ago, We are from God and to Him we return.”
The actual name of Dilip Kumar is Yusuf Khan. He started acting in 1940s and went on full steam till the end of 1980s with a break of five years in the middle. Naya Daur, Mughal-e-Azam, Devdas, Ram Aur Shyam, Andaz, Madhumati and Ganga Jamuna stand out among his films which were runaway hits. Even in 1980s, he acted in films like Kranti which showed his class. Qila was his last film in 1998. Dilip married Saira Banu his costar in Gopi, Sagina, Bairaag etc. He was called “Tragedy King” and “The first Khan.” He won Filmfare best actor award as many as eight times equaled only by the other, younger Khan, Shah Rukh Khan.
Dilip Kumar’s maiden film was “Jwar Bhata” produced by Bombay Talkies in 1944. Since then he acted in more than 65 films in a career spanning over five decades. Romantic Andaz and swashbuckling Aan were films which were part of a saga of stupendous success. Mughal-e-Azam, the epic historic film created waves across the world in 1960. Ganga-Jamune, a social film with dacoit theme was also played full house at a number of places. Ram Aur Shyam was a social- comedy which made audience hilarious. It was released in 1967. Dilip took five year break from acting since 1977. Then he returned with a solid performance in Kranti in 1981 followed by Shakti, Mashal, Karma and Saudagar. Dilip had a long relationship with Madhubala but did not marry her. He married actress Saira Bano in 1966. They lived in Bandra in Mumbai.
“Dilip Kumar summarized in himself a history of emerging India. The thespian’s charm transcended all boundaries, and he was loved across the subcontinent. With his demise, an era ends. Dilip Saab will live forever in the heart of India. Condolences to family and countless fans,” said President of India Ram Nath Kovind in a condolence message. “Dilip Kumar ji will be remembered as a cinematic legend. He was blessed with unparalleled brilliance, due to which audience across generations were enthralled. His passing away is a loss to our cultural world. Condolences to his family, friends and innumerable admirers. RIP,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his message. Dilip’s funeral will take place at 5 pm on Tuesday.
