Film legend Dilip Kumar dies, PM and others pay tribute

Bollywood legend Dilip Kumar on Wednesday died in Mumbai's Hinduja Hospital. He was 98. Dilip Kumar was taken to hospital on last Wednesday after complaining of breathlessness - it was the second time he had been hospitalised in the same month. Dilip Kumar had been in and out of hospital over the last few years with illnesses ranging from a kidney ailment to pneumonia. A few years ago, the actor spent his 94th birthday in hospital where he was being treated for fever and a swollen leg. Dilip Kumar, who would have been 99 in December, is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Saira Banu. Few minutes ago," family friend Faisal Farooqui wrote in a tweet from the actor's official account. "We are from God and to Him we return," he added.

With a heavy heart and profound grief, I announce the passing away of our beloved Dilip Saab, few minutes ago.

We are from God and to Him we return. - Faisal Farooqui

— Dilip Kumar (@TheDilipKumar) July 7, 2021

Dilip Kumar, real name Yusuf Khan, appeared in some of Indian cinema's most iconic and landmark films including Naya Daur, Mughal-e-Azam, Devdas, Ram Aur Shyam, Andaz, Madhumati and Ganga Jamuna. Film lore has it that he rejected the role of Sherif Ali in David Lean's Lawrence Of Arabia, eventually played by Omar Sharif. Dilip Kumar's career spanned several decades, starting in the '40s. He transitioned from playing the romantic-tragic lead to character roles from the '80s on, in films such as Kranti, Shakti, Karma and Saudagar. 1998's Qila was his last film.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his tribute said India lost one of the most legendary Bollywood actors. "Diliip Kumar Ji will be remembered as a cinematic legend. He was blessed with unparalleled brilliance, due to which audiences across generations were enthralled. His passing away is a loss to our cultural world. Condolences to his family, friends and innumerable admirers. RIP. ," PM Modi tweeted. 

Union defence minister Rajnath Singh called Kumar a true thespian and said he is deeply anguished by the actor's demise. "Shri Dilip Kumar ji was an outstanding actor, a true thespian who was well regarded by everyone for his exemplary contribution to the Indian film industry. His performances in films like Ganga Jamuna touched a chord in millions of cinegoers. I’m Deeply anguished by his demise," Singh said on Twitter. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said that  his performance will be remembered for generations to come. "My heartfelt condolences to the family, friends & fans of Dilip Kumar ji. His extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema will be remembered for generations to come," Gandhi tweeted.