Dilip Kumar turns 90: Happy birthday 'Tragedy King'

Dec 10, 2012 17:29pm

Dilip Kumar was among the top actors of the Hindi film industry during 1950s and 60s. His fans gave him the title of 'Tragedy King' for his perfection in death and tragic scenes.
Dilip Kumar was born on December 11, 1922 in Peshawar (Now in Pakistan). His father Lala Ghulam Sarwar was a fruit merchant.
The actor's original name is Muhammad Yousuf Khan which he later changed to Dilip Kumar after entering the Hindi film industry.
He is one of those actors who established method acting as an essential part of film acting in Bollywood.
Noted filmmaker Satyajit Ray called Dilip Kumar the 'ultimate method actor'.
Devika Rani and Himanshu Rai realised the acting potential of Dilip Kumar. They cast the actor for the first time in 'Jwar Bhata' (1944).
However, it was 'Jugnu' (1947) which fetched him the box office success.
Very soon, through films such as 'Andaz' (1949), 'Deedar' (1951), 'Aan' (1952) and 'Devdas' (1955), Dilip Kumar became one of the top stars of the Hindi film industry.
Winner of eight Filmfare Awards, Dilip Kumar was particularly liked in tragic scenes. However, his happy-go-lucky roles also did well at the box office.
Dilip Kumar married Saira Banu in 1966. Saira was just 22 then.
Known for his intense roles, Dilip Kumar never hesitated in facing much younger superstars on screen. 'Kranti' (1981), 'Shakti' (1982), 'Mashaal' (1984) and 'Karma' (1986) demonstrated his courage as an actor.
'Saudagar' (1991) was his last successful film. His fans enjoyed his verbal duels with late Raaj Kumar in the film.
The character of Amarnath Singh in 'Qila' (1998) was Dilip Kumar's last film role. He stopped acting after this film.
Winner of several awards including 'Padma Bhushan' and 'Dadasaheb Phalke Award', Dilip Kumar is active in politics also. He is one of the most respected Bollywood figures.
We wish Dilip Kumar a very happy birthday and many more years of happiness and success.