India’s iconic actor, Dilip Kumar passes away today morning at Mumbai’s Hinduja Hospital. He was 98. Bollywood’s legendary actor was taken to hospital a week ago after complaining of breathlessness.
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
Dilip Kumar, popularly known as the Tragedy King of Bollywood, had been in and out of hospital over the last few years with illnesses ranging from kidney ailment to pneumonia. Dilip Kumar, who would have been 99 in December, is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Saira Banu.
Dilip Kumar, real name Yusuf Khan, debut as an actor in the fil Jwar Bhata in 1944. He has appeared in some of Indian cinema’s most iconic and landmark films including Andaz ,Naya Daur, Mughal-e-Azam, Devdas, Ram Aur Shyam, and Ganga Jamuna. In a career of over 5 decades, he transitioned from playing the romantic-tragic lead to character roles from the ’80s on, in films such as Kranti, Shakti, Karma, and Saudagar. His last film was Qila in 1998.
In 1966, Dilip Kumar married actress Saira Banu, his co-star in films like Gopi, Sagina, and Bairaag.
Dilip Kumar is listed in the Guinness World Records for winning the maximum number of awards by an Indian actor. He was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1991, Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1994, and Padma Vibhushan in 2015.
In 1998, Pakistan had honored Kumar with the title of Nishan-e-Imtiaz, the country’s highest civilian award.
Tributes Pour in
As soon as the death of Dilip Kumar was announced on his Twitter handle, Politicians, Bollywood celebrities, sportspersons and millions of fans started pouring in tributes.
Dilip Kumar summarised 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.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 7, 2021
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
My heartfelt condolences to the family, friends & fans of Dilip Kumar ji.
His extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema will be remembered for generations to come. pic.twitter.com/H8NDxLU630
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 7, 2021
Crestfallen at the passing of a beacon in cinema.Deeply anguished to learn about the demise of veteran actor Dilip Kumar ji.His inimitable style of acting will remain engraved among film lovers for generations. My heartfelt condolences to Saira Banu,his family & millions of fans.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 7, 2021
T 3958 – An institution has gone .. whenever the history of Indian Cinema will be written , it shall always be 'before Dilip Kumar, and after Dilip Kumar' ..
My duas for peace of his soul and the strength to the family to bear this loss .. 🤲🤲🤲
Deeply saddened .. 🙏— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) July 7, 2021
