Legendary actor Dilip Kumar has died in Mumbai’s Hinduja Hospital. The actor was 98 and is survived by his wife, veteran actress Saira Banu. Dilip Kumar was taken to hospital last Wednesday after complaining of breathlessness – it was the second time he had been hospitalised in the same month. His funeral will take place at 5 pm in Mumbai.
Dr Jalil Parkar, who treated Dilip Kumar, told news agency PTI that, “He passed away due to prolonged illness at 7.30 am”. The actor’s official Twitter account also confirmed the news of his death. A tweet posted from the actor’s official handle by family friend Faisal Farooqui read: “With a heavy heart and profound grief, I announce the passing away of our beloved Dilip saab a few minutes ago. We are from God and to him we return.”
Tributes to the late icon flooded social media; President Ram Nath Kovind wrote: “Dilip Kumar summarised in himself a history of emerging India. The thespian’s charm transcended all boundaries, and he was loved across the subcontinent. With his demise, an era ends. Dilip Saab will live forever in the heart of India. Condolences to family and countless fans”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “Dilip 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.”
Dilip Kumar, real name Yusuf Khan, was a trendsetter in terms of acting style and inspired generations of actors across the various streams of Indian cinema. Dilip Kumar’s career spanned several decades, starting in the ’40s. His best-known films are Devdas, Mughal-e-Azam, Gunga Jamuna, Ram Aur Shyam, Naya Daur, Madhumati, Kranti, Vidhaata, Shakti and Mashaal, to name just a few.
Image Credit: Instagram \ therealsairabanu.
