The Legend, Tragedy King lives on …

Dec 11:  With the constant changing and evolving cinematic medium the younger generation of 21 st century may not find the classic Hindi films interesting but the actors of earlier age who set the path of Bollywood to the world of cinema certainly are the real heroes as of their part in displaying the character of a common man and one of them who is known for his archetype performances in Hindi films and becoming one of the legends of the silver screen is none other than the ‘tragedy king’ Dilip Kumar.

The living legend of Indian film industry, Dilip Kumar turns 85 today. Born in 1922 in Pakistan the actor who came to the film city seeking for a post of writer turns hero and in his early career became one of the famous trio of fifties, sixties and seventies along with Raj Kapoor and the evergreen Dev Anand. In fact his original name was Yusuf Khan but later changed his screen name to Dilip Kumar.

Dilip Saab as fondly addressed by all member of film fraternity made his onscreen debut back in 1944 in a film named JwarBhata but he first came into notice with the film Milan (1946), Jugnu (1947). Later his huge success story was written with films like Saheed (1948), Mela,Andaz (in 1949 with Raj Kapoor), Aan (1952), Devdas (1955), Azzad (1955), Mughal-e-Azam (1960) and GangaJamuna (1961) marked the prime time of his career which did the rest to be remembered for ever.

Kumar also played some of touchy roles in the 50’s and 60’s with films like Arzoo, Jogan and Deedar which gave him the tag of “king of tragedy”. He married actress Saira Bano in 1966 at the age of 44, when Saira Bano was just 22. However, he is a complete actor by playing almost all kinds of role and comedy films like Aan, Azzad and RamaurShyam underline his versatility.

However after taking a break in the later half of 70’s he came with bang in Kranti (1981) and Shakti (1982), Karma (1986) and Saudagar in 1991. All created mark in box office.

Dilip Kumar for his cinematic brilliance won the distinction of eight film fare awards, film fare lifetime achievement award in 1992 and Dadasaheb Phalke award – the highest Indian award for cinematic excellence in 1994. The government of Pakistan also honoured him with Nishan-E-Imtiaz, the highest civilian award of Pakistan in 1998.

Dilip Kumar’s acting inspired many Indian actors who tried to copy his styles and also as an exceptional human being who served a full term in the upper house of Indian Parliament (Rajya Sabha) does involve himself in a series of humanitarian activities and leaves an example to follow. He is now one of the respected human being not only for his high dramatic talent or a man of million in Indian cinemas but with a heart of gold displayed through his numerous social works for the welfare of the society.