Written by: Farheen Ahmed
Posted on: July 09, 2021 | 
Dilip Kumar
On Wednesday 8th July, Bollywood actor Dilip Kumar departed from this world, leaving behind an unmatchable legacy. He was born Mohammad Yusuf Khan to a Hindko speaking Awan family of Peshawar on 11 December 1922. His father, Lala Ghulam Sarwar Khan, was a fruit merchant, who migrated to Mumbai in 1935, and Yusuf Khan was one of his twelve offsprings.
Poster for Mughal-e-Azam
He got a part in his debut film “Jwar Bhata” after being spotted at his father’s fruit stall by actress Devika Rani. Despite not taking off as it was expected to, this film marked the beginning of five glorious decades in the Indian film industry for Dilip Kumar. During this period, he starred in over 60 films, without limiting himself to any specific genre. As one of India’s first method actors, his ability to take on diverse roles and immerse himself in every character distinguished him as a trailblazer in the film industry.
Throughout the 1950s, he reached new heights with successive hits including “Babul” (1950), “Daag” (1952), “Amar” (1954), “Devdas” (1955) and “Yahudi” (1958). Then in 1960, he starred in one of his most celebrated films, “Mughal-e-Azam”, which tells the tale of a Mughal Prince, Salim and Anarkali’s doomed romance. This film remained the highest-grossing film in the Indian film industry for a span of eleven years, indeed a testament to the brilliance of its cast. Adding another feather to his cap, Dilip Kumar entered the world of writing and production in 1961 with film “Ganga Jamuna”, that received international recognition and won many accolades and awards. He is also said to have ventured briefly into directing.
Dilip Kumar with Madhubala in Mughal-e-Azam
The passion with which he portrayed a frustrated lover in several of his films, earned him the title of “Tragedy King”. He is also referred to as “The First Khan” of Bollywood for his success and unparalleled popularity. Not only was he adored for his range as an actor, but his good looks and deep voice created a large fan base. With brooding eyes and a radiant smile, the actor had an undeniable charm.
Dilip Kumar Recites Urdu Poetry
His talent was recognized in India, where he was given the country’s highest honor in cinema, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. He also received a Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993, and a total of 8 Filmfare Awards for Best Actor over the course of his career. In Pakistan, he was conferred the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, which is the highest civilian award.
Dilip Kumar receiving Nishan-e-Imtiaz in 1998
Dilip Kumar went to the Anglican Barnes School in Deolali, India. He was a highly cultured man, who had a passion for sher o shairi or Urdu poetry and patronized mushairas. In his interview to the American born Indian actor, Tom Alter, he mentioned the influence of Urdu poetry on his acting. Dilip Kumar also sang in the film Musafir (1957) alongside Lata Mangeshkar. He had a blissful marriage with the actor Saira Banu, twenty-two years his junior. However, there was a brief interlude when he married Asma Rehman, but that marriage only lasted for a couple of years, and he always regretted it.
(L to R) Moin Akhter, Dilip Kumar, Imran Khan
Besides the film industry, Dilip Kumar did a stint in politics in the year 2000, when he was nominated as a member of the Upper House of the Parliament by the Indian National Congress. His philanthropic endeavors also won him a special place in the hearts of many. Before the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital was launched in Pakistan, he played a crucial role in raising funds for the project. He also lent his name to several welfare institutions in India, including the National Association for the Blind. Undoubtedly, he touched lives both on and off screen.
From his more melancholic roles to playing the lighthearted comedic hero, Dilip Kumar has proven his mettle as one of the most versatile actors in the history of Indian cinema. The appeal his characters brought to the screen is hard to forget, and will remain etched in the minds of his co-stars, colleagues and fans. Dilip Kumar is one of the greats of Indian cinema, who has left an indelible mark on it.
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