Legendary Indian actor Dilip Kumar’s death on Wednesday (July 7) has left the entire Indian film industry and fans shocked and in mourning. The veteran actor, 98, who had been facing regular health issues for months, passed away at Mumbai’s Hinduja Hospital.
His condition had been stabilised a few days ago according to a tweet from his wife and legendary actor Saira Banu. Yet, Dilip Saab left the entire nation in mourning.
The news first broke on Wednesday morning by an Instagram post of his close friend Faisal Farooqui. He wrote, “With a heavy heart and profound grief, I announce the passing away of our beloved Dilip Saab, a few minutes ago. We are from God and to Him, we return.”
Though popularly known as the ‘Tragedy King’ of Bollywood, Kumar was never limited to any genres. Throughout his five-decade-long career, he starred in comedies, dramas, romance, and so on.
Some of his most notable films include ‘Aan,’ ‘Daag,’ ‘Devdas,’ ‘Madhumati,’ ‘Azaad,’ ‘Mughal-e-Azam,’ ‘Gunga Jamuna,’ ‘Kranti,’ ‘Karma,’ ‘Ram Aur Shyam,’ and many more.
His remains have been escorted to his Bandra home by the Mumbai police. Dilip, whose real name is Mohammed Yusuf Khan, will receive a state funeral on Wednesday afternoon and the burial will take place on the same day in Juhu Qabrastan (graveyard) at Santacruz in Mumbai, according to Indian press reports.
Dilip Kumar is the only Indian recipient of Pakistan’s highest civilian award, Nishan-e-Imtiaz.
For his contribution to cinema, Dilip Kumar was conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest award in the artform.
He also received the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award of India.
Along with Shah Rukh Khan, he holds the current record for winning the most Filmfare Awards in the Best Actor category. Both actors have won eight.
He was also the first actor to receive the same award back in 1954.
