Dilip Kumar aka Mohommad Yusuf Khan led the Indian cinema to its heights. The actor today is remembered as the star of Indian cinema whose acting and songs are evergreen for generations to come.
The Tragedy King
Dilip Kumar, famously known as the ‘tragedy king’ of Hindi cinema, delivered umpteen blockbusters hits on the silver screen in his career that spanned six decades. While acting came naturally to him, he portrayed several unconventional roles be it in Devdas or Daag.
#RememberingDilipKumar: On the cinema legend’s first death anniversary, here’s a throwback to him winning the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 1994 Filmfare Awards.#FilmfareArchives pic.twitter.com/tRpcM3xURK
— Filmfare (@filmfare) July 7, 2022
In his memoir Dilip Kumar: The Substance & The Shadow, Dilip Kumar mentioned that he was thinking of retiring from acting but he could not refuse Manoj Kumar as the actor-director had stood with him during Saira Bano’s health scare during the making of Purab Aur Paschim. Dilip Kumar shared that he had not even read the script of the film, which was quite rare for an actor of his stature when he agreed to be a part of the film. Kranti, however, paved the way for his second innings.
Iconic Roles of the legendary actor
Mughal-E-Azam
Released in 1960, this is one of the most iconic films of all time. And, Dilip Kumar’s portrayal of Prince Salim is still fresh in everyone’s minds. Directed by K Asif, the movie also starred Madhubala and Prithviraj Kapoor in lead roles.
2. Devdas
Directed by Bimal Roy, the film was released in 1955. It was based on the Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay novel Devdas. Dilip Kumar’s character in this film’s titular role pierced many hearts. And, even after several decades, his role as Devdas is unforgettable. The movie also starred Vyjayanthimala and Suchitra Sen in key roles.
3. Aan
Helmed by Mehboob Khan, the flick was released in 1952. This romantic drama brought Dilip Kumar his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor. Also, he was the first person to receive this award.
4. Ganga Jamuna
The film was released in 1961. In this movie, Dilip Kumar played the role of a servant but won hearts with his acting mettle. The flick also starred Vyjayanthimala in a key role and was directed by Dilip Kumar and Nitin Bose.
5. Naya Daur
This 1957 film starred Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala in lead roles. Dilip Kumar played the role of the rustic ‘tangewala’ to perfection in this BR Chopra directorial.
6. Madhumati
This Bimal Roy-directed film is one of the classiest movies of all time. The film was based on the story of reincarnation and Dilip Saab’s acting prowess won hearts. It was released in 1958 and also starred Vyjayanthimala in a key role.
7. Ram Aur Shyam
Dilip Kumar played a double role in this 1967 film and showed some terrific method-acting skills. He had won the Filmfare award for this as well. Directed by Tapi Chanakya, the movie also starred Mumtaz and Waheeda Rehman in lead roles.
8. Andaz
Directed by Mehboob Khan, this 1949 film is a cult romantic. Dilip Saab won hearts with his romantic ‘andaz’ in the movie, which also starred Nargis and Raj Kapoor in key roles.
Dilip Saab will forever remain in our memories.