Legendary actor Dilip Kumar died on July 7, 2021 at Mumbai’s Hinduja hospital after facing a bout of ill health in recent weeks. The 98-year-old who was dubbed “Tragedy King” for his heartbreaking portrayal of characters in grief, was admitted in the ICU for the second time on June 29 due to breathlessness. He was also suffering from prostate cancer. His friends and family finally confirmed the news of his death on Wednesday morning.
“With a heavy heart and profound grief, I announce the passing away of our beloved Dilip Saab, a few minutes ago. We are from God and to Him we return,” friend Faisal Farooqui wrote on the actor’s social media accounts.
Kumar’s body is to be buried at the Juhu Qabrastan, Santacruz on Wednesday evening. Many actors, directors and people in the Bollywood ecosystem conveyed their condolences on the great method actor’s death.
T 3958 – An institution has gone .. whenever the history of Indian Cinema will be written , it shall always be ‘before Dilip Kumar, and after Dilip Kumar’ ..
My duas for peace of his soul and the strength to the family to bear this loss .. ???
Deeply saddened .. ?— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) July 7, 2021
Veteran actor, exemplary role model for all heroes,my respected co star in Kranti, Dilip Kumar ji, is no more.I recall a couple of visits to his house & the pleasant meetings I had with him & Saira ji. My heart goes out to Saira ji, his life partner of many years, for this loss pic.twitter.com/rf706RKJpu
— Hema Malini (@dreamgirlhema) July 7, 2021
Farewell to the legendary thespian. I’ve been graced by your love and affection every time I’ve met you. Your kindness and words made one feel like your own. Farewell to my all time favourite actor. There’s nobody like you. Before you or after you. #Dilipkumar pic.twitter.com/LI3uB2O8yP
— Mammootty (@mammukka) July 7, 2021
A legend passes away, a gap that can never be filled, A true Giant ,a kind loving soul to the very end. #DilipKumar Omshanti ?????
— Raveena Tandon (@TandonRaveena) July 7, 2021
Best actor indian cinema has ever seen and will ever see … #RIP Dilip Saab pic.twitter.com/XG0PM9mjX4
— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) July 7, 2021
A timeless legend.. His towering brilliance will continue to be an inspiration to actors all around the world. A huge loss for Indian cinema…Rest in peace #DilipKumar Sir. You will be terribly missed ? pic.twitter.com/N2NWjazqKz
— Mahesh Babu (@urstrulyMahesh) July 7, 2021
You were my childhood hero – the sole inspiration for me to get into films. From an Actor to an Institution you effortlessly crossed into Immortality decades ago. Today as you start your final journey let me say – never ever will there be another like you Sir. #DilipKumar pic.twitter.com/I09DYIlgIj
— Raj Babbar (@RajBabbarMP) July 7, 2021
The actor, originally named Mohammed Yusuf Khan took on the screen name Dilip Kumar when he started his career in the 1940s. While his first film Jwar Bhata went largely unnoticed, he went on to gain fame for movies like Jugnu, Aan, Daag, Devdas, Madhumati and Azaad, among others.
He was famously known as a method actor, ‘The First Khan,’ who was not limited to genres. In his five-decade-long career he worked in all genres ranging from comedies to dramas, thus becoming an iconic figure in Hindi cinema. As per the Guinness World Record, the Indian actor has the maximum number of awards, including eight Filmfare Awards for Best Actor.
However, aside from cinematic work, Kumar was also known for his political career. He was a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2000 to 2006. He was nominated by the Indian National Congress to represent Maharashtra. During this time, Kumar used a significant portion of his MPLADS fund to construct and improve the Bandstand Promenade and gardens at Bandra Fort at Lands End.
Further back in 1980, Kumar received the honorary position of the Sheriff of Mumbai. Then in 1991, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Bhushan. He went on to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1994 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2015. The Andhra Pradesh government honoured Kumar with NTR National Award in 1997.
Further, he is among the few Indian artists to receive the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, the highest civilian award, from the Pakistan government in 1998. He retained this award after consulting then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee despite objections from the Shiv Sena.
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