The Hindi film actor who was larger than his image. The veteran, legendary, thespian, family man now is no more. He was ailing & it came as no surprise that he is no more. But the tender hearts of fans got the jolt. At 98, he was there. He could have completed his hundred.
One of the most popular figures in the troika of Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand & … Dilip Kumar! He is survived by his wife, actress Saira Banu, who is years junior to him. They lived a full & happy life. Like us she grew up watching his movies as a film buff but had to fortune to be his wife. Their marriage grew to be one of the most solid found in the industry.
If he would have liked to be with his ‘Anarkali’ …the actress Madhubala or it was due to her father’s wish to separate. It would be a match in heaven for a few years at least. She had been ailing with the heart disease & had a short span than we would like.
Another of his actresses Vyjayanthimala of ‘Naya Daur’ & other hit movies got married to Dr Bali & focussed on her dancing institute. Their ‘Madhumati’ was one of the first films on reincarnation. ‘Aaja re…’ remains in our memories to haunt us forever. With the name … so many girls were named ‘Madhumati then which shortened to Madhu for daily use. Also so many boys were named ‘Dilip’. Even today we find so many named after the great actor from last generation!
Amitabh is a living legend. But he has learnt his moves from no other than the great “Dilip saab”! The movies made in the era before independence had Mohammad Yusuf Khan change his name to :Dilip Kumar’. All had screen names … Meena Kumari, Rajendra Kumar, Ashok Kumar, Pradeep Kumar.. such names were very popular.
He also brought the hero drowning in tears & drinks to the screen. Would ‘Devdas’ be so famous without Dilip Kumar??? It has been made in different years yet the original with Dilip Kumar, Suchitra Sen & Vyjayanthimala stands out. Or should I say shouts out for attention. It is so attractive. He made the industry what it is today!
A pioneer who got roles which defined Bollywood. His later films like “Karma”, “Saudagar” have a ‘Dadaji’ style. Nutan is the perfect foil in the earlier & veteran actor Raj Kumar in the later. Who will forget ‘Imli ka boota..’ by them? Two old friends having a good time together.
People have written about ‘Shakti’ where Amitabh & Dilip Kumar acted as son & father. He was the real father figure. But with the strature by then they had reached, it was a under developed plot. With Rakhee by his side & Smita Patil as his ‘Bahu’ it was a cast one can dream for. It introduced Anil Kapoor as his grand son! What an honour..!
In their next outing, Anil Kapoor had a full fleshed out character. “Mashaal’ it was a torch lit by the elderly couple, Dilip Kumar & Waheeda Rehman, who tutor & bring out the best of the talented lad, Anil Kapoor. Rati Agnihotri played his love interest. She had a lot to contribute to his development. She wasn’t just the arm candy. One of the rare films in Hindi that was a box office hit with critical acclaim.
With films like “Jwar Bhata’ ‘Shaheed’ or “Andaaz’ till the recent ones he maintained his poise, style & honest portrayal. He was awarded for his work in India & Pakistan alike. Real talent knows no borders.
Apni azadi ko hum hargiz mita sakte nahi, sar kata sakte hai lekin sar zhuka sakte nahi…with head held high let’s remember him , his good work & the inspiration he lent to us.
Asian Entertainment 