Veteran Bollywood actor Dilip Kumar’s death has left the entire world shocked and in mourning. The actor who had been facing regular health issues for months now, passed away at Mumbai’s Hinduja Hospital. He is survived by his wife, veteran actor Saira Banu.
The actor’s official Twitter account confirmed the news of his death
With a heavy heart and profound grief, I announce the passing away of our beloved Dilip Saab, few minutes ago.
We are from God and to Him we return. – Faisal Farooqui
— Dilip Kumar (@TheDilipKumar) July 7, 2021
The funeral will take place later in the day, it was announced via his official Twitter account.
Burial today at 5:00 PM. Juhu Qabrastan at Santacruz Mumbai.
— Dilip Kumar (@TheDilipKumar) July 7, 2021
Career
Dilip Kumar born Yusuf Khan was popularly known as the ‘Tragedy King’ of Bollywood, He was known as a method actor. He acted in over 65 films in his legendary career. Kumar made his acting debut in 1944 with Jwar Bhata. Three years after, the 1947 drama Jugnu opposite Noor Jehan, was the first major hit for Kumar. He was part of the movies like Daag (1954), Devdas (1955), Azaad (1956), Naya Daur (1957), Mughal-e-Azam (1960), Ganga Jamuna (1961), Ram Aur Shyam (1967), Dastaan (1972), Kranti (1981), and Karma (1986). He was last seen in Qila in 1998.
Awards
Dilip Kumar was conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest award in the artform. He possessed the distinction of being the only Indian recipient of Pakistan’s highest civilian award, Nishan-e-Imtiaz. He also received the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award of the country. He shares the record with Shahrukh Khan of having won 8 Filmfare awards.
The legendary actor has left a void in cinema and a huge body of work behind, for aspiring filmmakers and actors to learn from Dilip Kumar. He leaves behind a legacy of films that spanned six decades, and gave Hindi cinema some of its most enduring classics.
Here are all the wishes and obituaries pouring in for the icon.
Prime Minister Imran Khan said that for his generation Kumar was the “greatest and most versatile actor”
Saddened to learn of Dilip Kumar’s passing. I can never forget his generosity in giving his time to help raise funds for SKMTH when project launched. This is the most difficult time – to raise first 10% of the funds & his appearance in Pak & London helped raise huge amounts.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) July 7, 2021
Senator PTI Faisal Javed Khan shared some iconic pictures
RIP Mohammed Yusuf Khan #DalipKumar.
Truly a legendary actor, humanitarian. His universal acting style inspired generations of actors. He had bn involved with a number of charitable & social initiatives as well. He also got Pakistan’s highest civilian award, Nishan-e-Imtiaz pic.twitter.com/i9UOnqRxbE— Faisal Javed Khan (@FaisalJavedKhan) July 7, 2021
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Kumar will be remembered as a “cinematic legend”.
Dilip Kumar Ji will be remembered as a cinematic legend. He was blessed with unparalleled brilliance, due to which audiences across generations were enthralled. His passing away is a loss to our cultural world. Condolences to his family, friends and innumerable admirers. RIP.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 7, 2021
Amitabh Bachchan shared a picture with Dilip Kumar and wrote,
Lata Mangeshkar remembers her ‘Yusuf Bhai’. She tweeted,
— Lata Mangeshkar (@mangeshkarlata) July 7, 2021
The Khiladi of Bollywood wrote
To the world many others may be heroes. To us actors, he was The Hero. #DilipKumar Sir has taken an entire era of Indian cinema away with him.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Om Shanti 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/dVwV7CUfxh— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) July 7, 2021
Actor Ajay Devgan recalled the many moments he shared with Kumar
Shared many moments with the legend…some very personal, some on stage. Yet, nothing really prepared me for his passing away. An institution, a timeless actor. Heartbroken.
Deepest condolences to Sairaji🙏🏼#DilipKumar pic.twitter.com/Il8qaMOOhf— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) July 7, 2021
Anupam Kher shared his memory with Dilip Kumar in a video message
The legend lives on!! There is and there will always be a part of #DilipKumar Saab in every Indian actor for generations to come! His performances were like magic. Thank you Sir for those amazing moments i could spend with you! You taught me so much about life, living & acting! pic.twitter.com/edlguQez9i
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) July 7, 2021
Filmmaker Subhash Ghai got emotional
And era has gone
His name is #DILIPKUMAR
He Will be remembered in golden pages in the history of indian cinema for centuries to come 🎥
RIP saheb 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/nf82Uj6deL— Subhash Ghai (@SubhashGhai1) July 7, 2021
Actor Kamal Hassan wrote ‘Truly one of the greatest actors of India’
Dililp Kumar saheb. A career that teaches many actors like me a standard and commitment to maintain in their performance. Truly one of the greatest actors of India leaves us today but leaves us with a treasure trove of his brilliance through his acting. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/PNdBzjYj7R
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) July 7, 2021
Standup comedian Kapil Sharma shared his photograph with Dilip Kumar-Saira Banu
Actor Riteish Deshmukh penned a heartfelt note
Sanjay Dutt said: ‘A huge loss for the film fraternity’
Sharing a bunch of unseen pictures with Dilip Kumar, actress Madhuri Dixit wrote
Every now & then some individuals come along who single-handedly alter the present & write history… One such legend was Dilip saab for the world of cinema. pic.twitter.com/30LnjPTmZD
— Madhuri Dixit Nene (@MadhuriDixit) July 7, 2021
May his soul rest in peace.