Tragedy King Dilip Kumar Dies at 98

Mumbai: Legendary actor Dilip Kumar died after prolonged illness Wednesday morning. He was 98.

Known as the tragedy king, he was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Hinduja Hospital on Tuesday.

Family friend Faisal Farooqui posted on the twitter account of the actor, “With a heavy heart and profound grief, I announce the passing away of our beloved Dilip Saab, few minutes ago. We are from God and to Him we return.” 

Burial will take place in the evening at 5:00 PM in Juhu Qabrastan at Santacruz Mumbai.

Born in Peshawar, British India, he was named Mohammad Yusuf Khan which he changed to Dilip Kimar when he started acting in films.

Kumar debuted with the film Jwar Bhata (1944). In a career spanning over five decades, Kumar worked in over 65 films.

He is known for roles in films such as Andaz (1949), Aan (1952), Daag (1952), Devdas (1955), Azaad (1955), Mughal-e-Azam (1960), Gunga Jamuna (1961), Ram Aur Shyam (1967).

After taking a few years break from acting, he returned portraying character roles. Some of the memorable films of his second innings involve films like Kranti (1981), Shakti (1982), Mashaal (1984), Karma (1986) and Saudagar (1991). His last film was Qila (1998).

Dilip Kumar received the Padma Vibhushan, the Padma Bhushan and the Dada Saheb Phalke award. He also received Pakistan’s highest civilian honour, the Nishan-e-Imtiaz.

President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted: “Dilip Kumar summarised in himself a history of emerging India. The thespian’s charm transcended all boundaries, and he was loved across the subcontinent. With his demise, an era ends. Dilip Saab will live forever in the heart of India. Condolences to family and countless fans.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “Dilip Kumar ji will be remembered as a cinematic legend. He was blessed with unparalleled brilliance, due to which audiences across generations were enthralled. His passing away is a loss to our cultural world. Condolences to his family, friends and innumerable admirers. RIP.”