Mohammed Yusuf Khan popularly known as Dilip Kumar in Indian Cinema passed away today morning at 7.30 am. He was 98. He is survived by his wife Saira Banu also a former actress of Hindi cinema. Dilip Kumar who was given his first break in Hindi films by Devika Rani through her Bombay Talkies Film ‘Jwar Bhata’ in 1944 made quick progress in the Hindi film industry with his talent and gave many hit films . He was soon called the Tragedy King of Indian Cinema and became the first Superstar of Hindi Cinema having won the popular Filmfare award for 8 times those days.
Dilip Kumar
Dilip Kumar married actress Saira Banu in 1966 and also performed with her several films. After his film ‘Bairaag’ in 1976 Dilip Kumar took a break for five years and returned with Character role in 1981 with multi starrer film ‘Kranti’. Thereafter, he performed prominent roles alongside many popular actors of this period through many Super hit films like ‘Shakti’, ‘Karma’, ‘Mashal’ and ‘Saudagar’. His last film was ‘Qila’ in 1998.
Dilip Kumar with Lata Mangeshkar, Yash Chopra and Sushma Swaraj at the FICCI_FRAMES 2002
Dilip Kumar was conferred with Padmabhushan in 1991 followed by Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1994 and Padma Vibhushan in 2015 . Between 2000 and 2006 he was elected to Rajya Sabha the Upper House of Indian Parliament. For the past few years he was suffering from age related problems and was admitted to hospital on few occasions. Many prominent personalities including the Prime Minister, President of India and Bollywood actors have paid tributes to this legendary actor conveying their condolence message to his wife. His funeral will take place at 5 pm today at Santacruz cemetery.