Dilip Kumar, The Tragedy King of Bollywood
Legendary Bollywood actor Dilip Kumar is celebrating his 98th birthday today. The actor has been an example of excellence and determination all through his young days.
Dilip Kumar is the first Bollywood superstar who hailed from Pakistan. He was born in Peshawar, Pakistan and his family later relocated to Chembur, Mumbai in the late 1930's.
Most of us know that Bollywood actor Dilip Kumar’s real name is Muhammad Yusuf Khan. He is known professionally as Dilip Kumar, is an Indian actor and philanthropist, best known for his work in Hindi cinema. Referred as The Tragedy King and The First Khan, he has been credited for bringing the Method acting technique to Indian cinema.
Kumar holds the record for most wins for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor and was also the inaugural recipient of the award.He portrayed various iconic characters in his film career in films like Ganga Jamuna, Devdas, Mughal-e-azam, Mashaal, Shakti, Daag and many others. His name has been synonymous to graces and brilliance on the big screen.
In 1976, Kumar took a five-year break from film performances and returned with a character role in the film Kranti (1981) and continued his career playing leading roles in films such as Shakti (1982), Mashaal (1984), Karma (1986) and Saudagar (1991). His last film was Qila (1998).
Kumar is a former Member of Indian Parliament. Dilip Kumar had a long relationship with actress Madhubala but never married her. He married actress Saira Banu in 1966. They currently live in the Bandra suburb of Mumbai in the state of Maharashtra in India. As of 2020, he is one of the last surviving stars from the Golden Age of Hindi cinema.
On Dilip Kumar's birthday, Bollywood celebrities shared several nostalgic and heart-warming messages for the legend on social media.
To the one and only, who amazed and inspired the world by just being himself. Wishing the legendary @TheDilipKumar a Happy Birthday. I cherish & remember every time we’ve met in vivid detail & you have always loved me like your own. Love you tooo much.Have a good one Dilip Sahib. pic.twitter.com/XoaT2s7a8x
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) December 11, 2020
Happy Birthday Yusuf saab aka Dilip Kumar.. From my favourite film. Aaj dialogue yaad aa gaye aapke. ????????????. Gustaakhi Maaf.. #DilipKumar pic.twitter.com/bFxeyilhef
— Ali Fazal M / میر علی فضل / अली (@alifazal9) December 11, 2020
Happy birthday Yusuf Saab. You’re an institution by yourself. And, you’ve always been my steady source of inspiration over the years. Respects to you Sir today and always???? pic.twitter.com/7SrszBhBtw
— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) December 11, 2020
To my dearest Yusuf Khan Saheb / Shri. DIlip Kumar Ji @TheDilipKumar My salute to one of the greatest living Indian artistes in Cinema. Happy birthday sir and
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) December 11, 2020
I place my gratitude for setting a benchmark half a century ago, for today's artistes to follow. pic.twitter.com/qjz5yjbjFW