Dilip Kumar is one of the most well-known and well-liked performers in Indian movie history. The veteran, known as the ‘Tragedy King,’ died on Wednesday (July 7) in Mumbai. He’d been hospitalized to the Hinduja Hospital’s non-COVID unit a few days before, complaining of dyspnea. He was, however, recuperating well, and there were even rumors that he may be released shortly.
The news of his death came as an unpleasant shock to his admirers and the film industry. The death of Dilip Kumar signaled the end of an era. As we mourn the actor’s passing, here are some lesser-known facts about the veteran actor Dilip Kumar Sahab. RIP Dili Kumar.
Dilip Kumar was a Pakistani
Muhammad Yusuf Khan, Dilip Kumar’s real name, was born on December 11, 1922, in Peshawar (now Pakistan). He is said to have fled his house in Mumbai in the 1940s after a quarrel with his father. To make ends meet, he relocated to Pune and opened a sandwich stand at the army club.
Dilip Kumar changed his name to become an actor
He saved around Rs 5000 (a substantial sum in those days) and returned to Mumbai. He joined Bombay Talkies, where he was requested to alter his name from Yusuf by the owner and actress Devika Rani. Dilip Kumar and Vasudev were his two choices. That was the start of the tale that would become known and adored as Dilip Kumar.
Tragedy King
Dilip was trained and influenced by renowned actor Ashok Kumar to discover his own natural and unique style of acting. Dilip Kumar is regarded as the ‘Tragedy King’ because of his many sad parts throughout his six-decade career. Playing characters that die in the film regularly leads to sadness.
Age Difference
Before falling in love with Saira Banu and married her in 1966, Dilip had refused to share screen time with her because he felt she would make him seem younger. They were 20 years apart in age.
Multiple marriages
Kumar Sahab had more than one wife, and Saira was one of them. In 1981, he married Asma Rehman, a Pakistani woman. According to accounts, they met during a cricket match. However, the marriage barely lasted two years.
Awards
In 1994, he received the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, as well as the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. In 1998, the Government of Pakistan awarded him the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, and the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s highest civilian honor.
No regrets over not having Kids
Dilip Kumar didn’t have any regrets over not having a kid of his own. He had stated in an interview, “Having our children would have been ideal. We, on the other hand, have no regrets. Both of us are obedient to God’s will. In terms of incompleteness, I must say that neither Saira nor I can claim to be unhappy. It is enough for us to have our family with whom we can share our joys and sorrows.”
Dilip Kumar had Alzheimer’s
Dilip Kumar was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease after failing to identify his wife of four decades when he awoke one morning. This was simply the beginning of a series of health problems. Saira Banu stayed by his side like a rock during the most trying moments, giving an example of an everlasting love story.
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