Legendary Bollywood actor Dilip Kumar has recently passed away.
The news was shared by family friend Faisal Farooqui on Twitter on 7 July, writing, “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,” he added.
It is noted that the 98-year-old actor was previously hospitalised to “address medical issues” related to old age after he complained of breathlessness.
Nicknamed the Tragedy King and the First Khan, Dilip, whose real name is Mohammed Yusuf Khan, had been credited for bringing a distinct form of method acting technique to cinemas circa 1940s to 1960s.
Among Dilip’s famous movies include “Andaz” (1949), the epic historical “Mughal-e-Azam” (1960), and crime film, “Gunga Jamuna” (1961). His last big screen appearance was in the 1998 movie, “Qila”.
The actor tied the knot with fellow Bollywood actress and “Bairaag” co-star, Saira Banu in 1966. The couple had no children.
Stars took to social media to mourn the passing of Dilip.
Amitabh Bachchan expressed, “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.”
Salman Khan wrote, “Best actor Indian Cinema has ever seen and will ever see.”
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.”
He will be laid to rest with full state honours.
