When we speak about Bollywood actors who've not only redefined Indian cinema but been the flag bearers of the nation, one name that automatically comes to our mind is legendary actor Dilip Kumar. From Jwar Bhata in 1944 to Devdas to Mughal-E-Azam, Dilip Saab is attached to some of the finest films ever made in this country. From playing a rustic farmer to a police officer to a business tycoon, there's no role he couldn't pull of with style. Although the actor hasn't been in good health since the past few years, fans and well wishers flood his Twitter handle with wishes. Even though he hasn't graced his presence on the silver screen, fans re-watch his films only to remind themselves of what a fine actor he was. On the mega superstar's 95th birthday, here are 5 facts about the living legend that we bet you didn't know.
Long before Dilip Kumar became the star that he is today, Dilip Saab used to sell fruits in Pune. BBC aired a documentary on the actor that also shed light on the actor's life before he joined films. Ashok Raj said, "Devika Rani had gone out for shopping to a local market. At one fruit shop, she looked keenly at the young man engrossed at selling his merchandise. It was by mere chance that the shy shopkeeper had only replaced his father that day. Devika Rani found this young man with a sensitive face and expressive eyes quite unusual. She gave him her visiting card and asked him to meet her at the studio."
With the kind of roles the actor has done which include Devdas, Andaz and Madhumati and with his impeccable career spanning over six decades, the actor has received the title of, "Tragedy King of India."
Dilip Saab is the first actor to originally hail from Pakistan. Having found a home in Mumbai, the actor's original name is Muhammad Yusuf Khan. But it was Devika Rani who coined Dilip Kumar only so that it will be easier for him as a hero to connect to the audience. The actor's ancestral home in Peshawar has been reserved by the Pakistan government and will also be receiving the tag of a heritage site. In 1998, the actor was conferred with Pakistan's highest civilian award, Nishan-e-Imtiaz.
Dilip Kumar is regarded as one of the finest actors in the history of Indian cinema. For his outstanding contribution to the world of cinema, the actor has been conferred with Padma Bhushan in 1991 followed by the Padma Vibhushan in 2015. He's also been awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1994. The phenomenal actor also holds a Guinness World Record for the maximum number of awards won by any Indian actor. That's not all. Dilip Saab was also appointed as the honorary Sheriff of Mumbai from 1979 to 1982.
Dilip Saab was married to a girl from Hyderabad named Asma, but the marriage didn't last very long.
Apart from creating a furor across the nation for his brilliant acting sensibilities, the actor also created headlines for his controversial personal life. The actor was in a long-standing affair with the then superstar Madhubala. Much in love, the two wanted to get married, but couldn't because of Madhubala's parents strongly revolting the alliance.Madhubala was the sole earning memeber and her father was afraid that if she married Dilip Kumar, the money would stop coming. Putting an end to the 7 year courtship, their love story went on to become one of the most heart breaking stories in Bollywood.
It wasn't until teh actor turned 44 that he decided to tie the knot with the mere 22-year-old Saira Banu. Although their age gap created quite a scandal, like they say love triumphs all. Through sickness and in health, Saira Banu has stood by Dilip Saab like a pillar of strength.
The actor turns 95 today and we're going to re-watch every movie of his to celebrate. A day prior to the actor's birthday, Saira Banu took to the actor's Twitter account to announce that he has fully recovered from pneumonia. He will be celebrating his 95th birthday amidst his family and friends binging on his favourie biryani and vanilla ice-cream. We wish the actor nothing but happiness and good health today. Happy Birthday, Dilip Saab.
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