Dilip Kumar Ji’s 99th Birth Anniversary: Highlighting The Ideals Of The ‘First Khan Of Bollywood; Gave 5 Decades Of Prominence To Indian Cinema
December 11 marks the 99th birth anniversary of the late legendary actor Dilip Kumar. The actor is also known as the “First Khan Of Bollywood” and his films and acting methods still create an impact on the newer generations
The iconic late actor Dilip Kumar celebrates his 99th birthday today, December 11. Dilip Kumar, an Indian actor, and filmmaker who featured in Indian cinema was famed for his stage name. His real name was Mohammed Yusuf Khan. He has been recognized among the most prominent movie celebrities in the profession and is attributed to establishing a unique type of method performing and filmmaking. He has indeed been described as the “Tragedy King” for his depiction of severe characters and subsequently as “The First Khan” of Bollywood.
Saira Banu, his wife, recently sent a heartfelt tribute to her late husband in which she highlighted his journey from his infancy in a small village in a joint family to his development as a person and an actor. Saira Ji also highlighted in the letter how, due to her husband’s friendly personality, their house would be crowded with people from all walks of life on various occasions. Dilip Ji instilled a tone of reality in Bollywood films that have been difficult to retain for his followers in a prolific career spanning five decades. And this isn’t an exaggeration; Dilip Kumar was always considered as a conventional Bollywood film star who could play a range of characters with evident simplicity.
A comprehensive performer cannot be created by a single individual. Behind the curtains, there will always be a team of individuals striving to create the magic happen, and this is something that the amazing Dilip Kumar trusted in as well. “There were several situations in films like Gunga Jumna and Ram Aur Shyam where he had to make his own modifications, both technically and mentally, to see what was possible and what can be delivered off and on camera.” He even directed and edited his own scenes on occasion. This is why no single person can be held responsible for the creation of a movie. In an interview, Kumar stated, “Film making is a team’s obligation.”
Dilip Kumar was also against propaganda films because he believed that of course, the movies will have an impact on the audience but that should never be the sole purpose to drive the audience towards the theatres.
His ideals, his acting skills, and his contribution to Indian cinema will never be forgotten. Dilip Kumar was, is, and will still be alive in the hearts of his fand and the film fraternity