When nations unite in mourning, when differences are put past in pain, when heartfelt messages pour in from all corners and when the loss is unanimous, it is clear that a legend has passed.
hazāroñ saal nargis apnī be-nūrī pe rotī hai
baḌī mushkil se hotā hai chaman meñ dīda-var paidā
Nothing would describe Muhammed Yusuf Khan better than this couplet by Allama Iqbal. Born on December 11, 1922, in Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Peshawar, Pakistan, Dilip Kumar was the most enigmatic, versatile, and iconic actor who ever braced the Indian Cinema.
Known to the world as the ‘Tragedy King’ he had ruled the screens for over five decades. Every actor or performer till date has plucked a leaf from his enormously successful career. His distinct form and method of acting is an institution in itself.
The late veteran actor had advanced prostate cancer that had spread in other organs of his body. He was bedridden for several months and was admitted to Hinduja hospital, Khar, in Mumbai for the last 15 days.
The doctors had reported that he had become unresponsive for the last few days. The news of the demise was informed to the world by his friend Faisal Farooqui on the actor’s official Twitter account as,
‘With a heavy heart and profound grief, I announce the passing away of our beloved Dilip Sahab, a few minutes ago.
We are from God, and to Him, we return. – Faisal Farooqui’
Dilip Kumar was 98 and is survived by his wife and also a legendary actress Saira Banu.
His best-known films include Jawar Bhata, Aan, Daag, Devdas, Madhumati, Azaad, Mughal-e-Azam, Gunga Jamuna, Kranti Karma, and Ram Aur Shyam, to name a few. He was facilitated with a number of honours from all across.
He was conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest award in the art form, and the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award of the country for his extraordinary contribution to the world of cinema.
He was the only Indian to have been awarded the highest civilian award of Pakistan, the Nishan-e-Imtiaz. He remained a record holder (along with Shahrukh Khan) to have received the most Filmfare Awards in the Best Actor category. He holds eight of them, being awarded the first Filmfare award in the same category in 1954.
Leaving behind a legacy that all contemporary actors and performers and those to come in the future shall keep looking at, the cinema truly stands at a loss.
There is a void in the Indian Cinema which shall always crave for that enigmatic presence. Social media has so far been flooded with wishes and obituaries for the legend. Celebrities from all across are sharing stories of the impact the icon has had on their lives.
May his soul rest in peace.
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