Dilip Kumar's Birth Anniversary: The Emperor's Life Story

 

Dilip Kumar, whose real name was Mohammad Yusuf Khan, was born on 11 December 1922 in Pakistan. He dominated Indian films from the 50s to the 60s with his excellent acting. Dilip Kumar was a superstar in the 50s and 60s. People used to call him Abhinay Samrat (Emperor of acting). Dilip Kumar has many records in his name, whether it is being called the first Khan of Hindi cinema, being the first actor to receive the Filmfare Award for Best Actor, or creating a record of winning this award the most number of times, which is now equaled by the King Khan of Bollywood i.e. Shahrukh Khan. Let us tell you some interesting things related to the life of Dilip Kumar...

Why did Mohammad Yusuf Khan become Dilip Kumar?

Dilip Kumar aka Yusuf Khan was introduced to leading Indian actress Devika Rani by his former teacher. Rani asked him to consider becoming an actor, which left him in a state of confusion as he had seen only one film in his life, and that too a war documentary. Despite his hesitation, the dire need for money prompted him to accept the offer. Later, Rani also advised him to hide his Muslim identity and adopt a new Hindu name, which would help him take his career forward in post-partition India. On the advice of Devika Rani, he changed his name to a Hindu name, and from here he became Dilip Kumar.

Dilip Kumar's films

Kumar started his career with the film Jwar Bhata (1944) which was produced by Bombay Talkies, the film failed at the box office, and after the failures of a few more films, he was cast in the film Jugnu (1947). It was the first success at the box office, and after that, the caravan of films continued.

Some of Kumar's most successful films include the romantic drama 'Andaz' (1949), the explosive 'Aan' (1952), the social drama 'Daag' (1952), the action drama 'Insaniyat' (1955), the comedy 'Azad' (1955), romantic 'Naya Daur' (1957), murder mystery 'Madhumati' (1958), social drama 'Paigam' (1959), action-adventure 'Kohinoor' (1960), epic historical 'Mughal-e-Azam' (1960), the crime drama 'Ganga Jamna' (1961), and the comedy-drama 'Ram Aur Shyam' (1967).

Kumar's successful on-screen pairings

He made popular on-screen pairings with many top actresses of that time including Vyjayanthimala, Madhubala, Nargis, Nimmi, Meena Kumari, and Kamini Kaushal. He was in a relationship with Madhubala for a long time but later he married Saira Banu.

What is the story of ‘Tragedy King’?

It is said that the reason for the success of Dilip Kumar's films was that people used to go to watch his films, no matter what kind of films they were, people were a fan of Dilip Kumar's acting. Dilip Kumar, known as 'Acting Emperor', was also named 'Tragedy King' by the media at the beginning of his career for his tragic roles in successful films like Didar (1951) and Devdas (1955). Due to playing these tragic characters, Kumar became a victim of depression for some time, and later on the advice of a psychiatrist, he started doing light-hearted roles. After that, he also did light comedy films like 'Aan' and 'Azad'. Aan was the highest-grossing film at the domestic and foreign levels at that time. Dilip Kumar also did playback singing with Lata Mangeshkar for a film.

'Mughal-e-Azam'

In 1960 Dilip Kumar played the role of Prince Salim in K. Asif's big-budget epic historical film 'Mughal-e-Azam'. The film was the highest-grossing film in Indian film history for 15 years until it was overtaken by 'Sholay' in 1975.

Did you know that the film 'Mughal-e-Azam' took a decade to make, and the film was originally shot in black and white, only two songs and the climax scene were shot in color? The film was re-released in 2004 in full color after 44 years, and the amazing thing is that the film proved to be a big hit at the box office even at that time.

In the same year when this film was released, Dilip Kumar's other film was 'Kohinoor' which was a comedy film, and this film was also one of the highest-grossing films of that year.

Kumar became the producer

While writing and producing the dacoit drama film 'Ganga Jamuna', Kumar also acted in it, in which his brother Nasir Khan was also seen. This film was produced under his production company 'Citizens Films', and despite being the highest-grossing film of the year, this film was the first and last film of his production. Kumar was so dedicated to this film that he chose the shade of saree for every scene of his co-star Vyjayanthimala. The film also received the National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film in Hindi, the Paul Revere Silver Bowl at the Boston International Film Festival, a Special Honor Diploma from the Czechoslovak Academy of Arts in Prague, and a Special Award at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

Kumar's directorial debut

In 1991, producer Sudhakar Bokade, who had previously worked with Kumar in 'Izzatdaar', announced a film titled ‘Kalinga’, which would have been officially Kumar's directorial debut, as he had reportedly previously worked as a ghost director. As a director, he directed the films 'Ganga Jamuna' (1961) and 'Dil Diya Dard Liya' (1967). Kumar had also selected the cast of the film, in which Kumar himself would have been seen acting along with actors including Raj Babbar, Raj Kiran, Amitoj Mann, and Meenakshi Sheshadri, but the film was delayed for several years and was finally shelved in 1996. Went.

Political career

If we talk about Kumar's political career, Kumar was a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Parliament of India, from 2000 to 2006. He was elected to represent Maharashtra by the Indian National Congress.

Kumar was not only a good actor but he was also a good leader. He used a significant part of his MPLADS funds for the construction and improvement of the Bandstand Promenade and the gardens of Bandra Fort at Land's End in Bandra.

Kumar and his personal life stories

After the end of his relationship with Madhubala, his name was associated with the film's heroine Vyjayanthimala during the film 'Ganga Jamuna'. In 1996, the actor married actress Saira Banu, 22 years younger than him. If we talk about Saira Banu, she wanted to marry her favorite actor since childhood. And finally, his dream was fulfilled in 1996. Later in 1981, Dilip Kumar married Asma Rehman for the second time. Let us tell you that he met Asma Rehman during a cricket match, and this meeting was arranged by Dilip Kumar's sister. Let us tell you that Dilip Kumar's second marriage broke in 1983. For your information, let us tell you that Dilip Kumar has no children. After a miscarriage of Saira Banu, he accepted it considering it to be the will of Allah.

Accolades

Let us tell you that in 1980, to honor him, he was declared Sheriff of Mumbai. In 1991, he was awarded the third highest civilian honor Padma Bhushan by the Government of India, and in 2015 he was awarded the second highest civilian honor Padma Vibhushan. After that, in 1995 he was honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Apart from all this, he was also awarded Pakistan's highest civilian honor Nishan-e-Imtiaz in 1998.

The acting emperor said goodbye

Abhinay Samrat has been battling cancer for a long time, and finally, he said goodbye to us on 7th July 2021 at the age of 98 at 7:30 am at Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai. Not only India but also our neighboring countries had expressed condolences on his demise.

 

- Ayushi Sinha

 

Tags: Dilip Kumar Love Life | Dilip Kumar Love Story | Padma Vibhushan Dilip Kumar | DILIP KUMAR BIRTHDAY | naseem banu and dilip kumar movie | Bollywood Tragedy King

 

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