Biography of Dilip Kumar: Age, Career, Family & Death

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Indian film actor Dilip Kumar, who is popularly known as the Tragedy King in the Indian film industry, was admitted to the hospital recently on 29 June 2021. In view of his critical condition, he has been kept in the ICU ward where his health is fine, but the doctors are constantly monitoring him as a precaution. Today in this blog we will know about some unexplored aspects of the veteran actor’s life.

Biography of Dilip Kumar: Age, Career, Family & Death

Dilip Kumar

Dilip Kumar, born Muhammad Yusuf Khan, was an Indian film actor and one of the most prominent and respected actors in the Indian film industry. He was born on December 11, 1922, in Peshawar, British India (now Pakistan), and passed away on July 7, 2021, in Mumbai, India.

Dilip Kumar began his acting career in 1944 with the film Jwar Bhata and went on to act in several critically acclaimed and commercially successful films over the next few decades. He was known for his intense performances and natural acting style and is regarded as one of the greatest actors in the history of Indian cinema.

Some of Dilip Kumar’s most notable films include Andaz, Devdas, Naya Daur, Mughal-e-Azam, Gunga Jumna, and Ram Aur Shyam. He was also honored with numerous awards throughout his career, including the Padma Bhushan in 1991, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1994, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2015.

Dilip Kumar was married to actress Saira Banu, and the couple had a strong and loving relationship that lasted over five decades. He will always be remembered as a legendary actor and a true icon of Indian cinema.

Name Dilip Kumar
Real Name Muhammad Yusuf Khan
Date Of Birth December 11, 1922
Birthplace Peshawar, Pakistan
Father Lala Ghulam Sarwar
Mother Ayesha Begum
Wife Saira Banu
Children N/A
Brothers Nasir Khan and Ehsan Khan
Death July 7, 2021

The early life of Dilip Kumar

Dilip Kumar was born on December 11, 1922, in Peshawar, Pakistan, to Lala Ghulam Sarwar and Ayesha Begum. He was the second of 12 children in his family. His father Lala Ghulam Sarwar was a small landowner and fruit trader. At the time of partition, his family settled in Mumbai. Dilip Sahab’s childhood was spent in the condition of poverty.

When his father was reduced to business, Dilip Kumar started working in a canteen in Pune to help his father. While there, Devika Rani caught sight of him and she brought him with her and gave him the job of an actor. It was Devika Rani who gave him the new name Dilip Kumar. At the age of twenty-five, Dilip Kumar had become a well-known actor in Indian cinema.

In 1966, Dilip Kumar married actress Saira Banu, who was 22 years younger than him. The couple had a loving and long-lasting relationship and were considered one of the most iconic couples in Indian cinema. They had no children, but they were close to their nieces and nephews and were known to be very supportive of their extended family.

Dilip Kumar’s brothers Nasir Khan and Ehsan Khan were also actors in Indian cinema, although they did not achieve the same level of success as Dilip Kumar. His sister Taj Khan was married to the famous producer-director B.R. Chopra, and their son Ravi Chopra also became a filmmaker.

Dilip Kumar was a private person and kept his personal life away from the media. He was known to be very close to his family, and his death was a great loss to them as well as to his fans and the film industry at large.

Dilip Kumar Marriage

Dilip Kumar married actress Saira Banon in 1966 at the age of 44, 22 years younger than him. He did a second marriage with Asma due to which his relationship with Saira Banu got spoiled but Dilip divorced Asma in 1982. 

SAIRA BANU AND DILIP KUMAR

 

 Career-Film journey of Dilip Kumar

Dilip Kumar made his film debut in 1944 with the film ‘Jwar-Bhata’. Although it did not feel very successful. Dilip Kumar’s first superhit film was ‘Jugnu’ in 1947. After the success of Jugnu, Dilip Kumar emerged as the new superstar of Indian cinema. Dilip Kumar worked with Raj Kapoor for the first time in the film ‘Andaz’ which came out in 1949.

Dilip Kumar used to act in serious roles so seriously that his acting skills made him famous as the Tragedy King. Deedar (1951) and Devdas (1955) are such brilliant films in which Dilip Sahab played serious roles.

Major movies by Dilip Kumar

He played the role of Mughal prince Shah Jahan in the 1960 film Mughle-Azam. Dilip Kumar entertained the audience for the first time by playing a comedy role in the film ‘Ram Aur Shayam’ in Dihri. In the 70s, 80s, and 90s, Dilip Kumar acted in fewer films. In 1981, he played the role of a revolutionary in the patriotic film ‘Kranti’. He also acted brilliantly in successful films like Vidhata in 1982, Karma in 1986, Izzatdar in 1990, and Saudagar in 1991. His last film was the 1998 film Qila.

Dilip Kumar’s latest status

Actor Dilip Kumar was admitted to the famous Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai due to a dehydration problem where his condition is stable. On 30 June 2021, the actor was admitted to the ICU at Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai due to severe breathing problems, where doctors are treating him. According to the latest report, the condition of Dilip Kumar remains stable.

Let us tell you about the health update of the actor. A few days ago his wife Saira Banu Khan shared a touching press note on social media.

 “You all are aware that my husband Dilip Kumar Sahab’s health is not good for some time now. He has been admitted to a hospital in Mumbai where he is undergoing treatment. Through this press note, I thank all the fans who are praying for my PTI. I request all of you to pray for Dilip Sahab’s speedy recovery. And I pray to God that you all also stay healthy during this pandemic.. Sincerely, Saira Banu Khan.

Why is Dilip Kumar childless in family life? 

Dilip Kumar married Saira Ban on 11 October 1966. Saira is 22 years younger than Dilip Kumar. Although both have been married for 50 years, they do not have any children. But many people know why Dilip Kumar could not become a father, what is the real reason behind him? Dilip Kumar in his autobiography “The Substance and the Shadow” revealed why he could not become a father. In this autobiography, Dilip wrote, “The truth is that in 1972, Saira became pregnant for the first time.

When Saira was eight months pregnant, she complained of blood pressure. During this time save the fully developed fetus. Surgery was not possible. Eventually, the child died of suffocation. After this unfortunate incident, Saira could never get pregnant. Later it was also revealed that the survivor who died in the stomach was a son.

Saira and Dilip have been married for more than fifty years and still love each other very much Saira expressed this in a newspaper saying “I am still madly in love with my Kohinoor, Yusuf Sahab, like I was attracted to him at the age of 12. We have had a wonderful marriage that has gone through a lot of ups and downs in the last four decades. No marriage is perfect. How can that happen even when we as human beings are not perfect? It is a mutual love, respect, that sustains a marriage.”

Death and legacy

Dilip Kumar passed away on July 7, 2021, at the age of 98, after a prolonged illness. His death was mourned by people from all over the world, and many prominent personalities, including Indian politicians and film industry celebrities, paid tribute to him.

Dilip Kumar’s legacy in Indian cinema is immense. He was a trailblazer in many ways, and his contributions to the industry helped shape it into what it is today. He was known for his nuanced performances, his ability to bring complex characters to life on screen, and his commitment to his craft. He starred in over 60 films in a career spanning over five decades, and his work has inspired countless actors and filmmakers over the years.

Dilip Kumar was also a philanthropist and a social activist. He was involved in many charitable causes and was known for his work in promoting education and healthcare in India. He was a symbol of hope and inspiration for many people, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

In recognition of his contributions to Indian cinema, Dilip Kumar has received numerous awards and honors, including the Padma Bhushan, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, and the Padma Vibhushan. His impact on Indian cinema and his enduring legacy will always be remembered and celebrated.

 Awards and Achievements of Dilip Kumar

Dilip Kumar was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the country’s third highest honor, in 1991. Received the Filmfare Life Time Achievement Award in 1993. In 1994, he was honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

Dilip Kumar is not only famous in India but he is also highly respected in Pakistan, which is why the Government of Pakistan gave him Pakistan’s highest civilian award ‘Nishan-e-Pakistan’ in 1998. Earlier this honor was given only to former Prime Minister of India Morarji Desai.
In 2000, Dilip Kumar was elected a member of the Rajya Sabha.
 

Here are some of his most notable awards and recognitions:

  1. Filmfare Award for Best Actor: Dilip Kumar won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor eight times, a record that stood for several decades. He won the award for his performances in films like Daag, Devdas, Kohinoor, Ram Aur Shyam, and Saudagar.
  2. Padma Bhushan: In 1991, Dilip Kumar was awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of the highest civilian awards in India, for his contributions to Indian cinema.
  3. Dadasaheb Phalke Award: In 1994, Dilip Kumar was honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest award for lifetime achievement in Indian cinema.
  4. Nishan-e-Imtiaz: In 1998, Dilip Kumar was awarded Pakistan’s highest civilian award, the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, for his contributions to the arts.
  5. Padma Vibhushan: In 2015, Dilip Kumar was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India, in recognition of his exceptional and distinguished service to the nation.
  6. Lifetime Achievement Award: In 2009, Dilip Kumar was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 55th Filmfare Awards.
  7. CNN-IBN Lifetime Achievement Award: In 2011, Dilip Kumar was presented with the CNN-IBN Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to Indian cinema.
  8. Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award: In 2012, Dilip Kumar was honored with the Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to Indian cinema.
DILIP KUMAR AND SHAHRUKH KHAN

 

Thus Dilip Kumar occupies a prominent position among Indian film actors. He was a brilliant actor and played every character in the film world with perfection. We all wish him a speedy recovery

Unheard Facts of Dilip Kumar

  1. Dilip Kumar’s real name was Muhammad Yusuf Khan. He changed his name when he entered the film industry.
  2. Dilip Kumar was a trained cello player and wanted to pursue a career in music before he became an actor.
  3. Dilip Kumar was the first Indian actor to receive a nomination at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards, for his performance in the film “Aan.”
  4. Dilip Kumar was offered the lead role in the Hollywood film “Lawrence of Arabia,” but he turned it down due to scheduling conflicts.
  5. Dilip Kumar was a good friend of the legendary singer and musician Lata Mangeshkar. He once persuaded her to sing for the first time in a film, which turned out to be a huge hit.
  6. Dilip Kumar was very particular about the scripts and films he chose to work on. He turned down several roles that later became iconic, including the lead role in the film “Mera Naam Joker.”
  7. Dilip Kumar was known for his deep love for poetry and literature. He often quoted famous Urdu poets and was a close friend of the renowned poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz.
  8. Dilip Kumar was a very private person and kept his personal life away from the media. He was married to actress Saira Banu, who was 22 years younger than him, and they had a loving and long-lasting relationship.

These are just a few of the many unheard facts about Dilip Kumar, which show his multifaceted personality and his lasting impact on Indian cinema.


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