Legendary Hindi actor Dilip Kumar died on Wednesday morning at the age of 98 due to prolonged illness, leaving behind an incredible legacy of films and movie fans.
Popularly known as the tragedy king of Bollywood, Dilip Kumar is survived by his wife, veteran actor Saira Banu.
Obituary | Dilip Kumar, the pole star of the golden age of Hindi cinema, no more
The actor’s official Twitter account also confirmed the news, posting, “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.”
Also Read | Get ‘First Day First Show’, our weekly newsletter from the world of cinema, in your inbox . You can subscribe for free here
From Devdas and Andaz to Mughal-e-Azam and Ram Aur Shyam, the actor absolutely revelled in a variety of roles over the decades.
Tributes and condolences for the cultural icon flew in from all quarters, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi among the first to react.
“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,” he posted on Twitter.
President Kovind also offered his condolences to Kumar's family. "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," he tweeted.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday condoled the death of Indian cinema icon Dilip Kumar, saying he can never forget his generosity in helping to raise funds for a trust to set up cancer hospitals in his mother's memory.
Amitabh Bachchan said that, "An institution has gone .. whenever the history of Indian Cinema will be written , it shall always be 'before Dilip Kumar, and after Dilip Kumar' ..My duas for peace of his soul and the strength to the family to bear this loss...Deeply saddened."
Rahul Gandhi wrote, “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.”
"Rest in Peace Dilip Kumar ji! There will never be another like you," tweeted former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, adding, "Your contribution to Indian cinema is unparalleled and you’ll be missed dearly. My heartfelt condolences to Saira Banu ji & the family."
Meanwhile, Virender Sehwag recalled a famous dialogue from Mughal-e-Azam to pay tribute to the legend: "Heartfelt condolences to #DilipKumar’s family. The gr8 man said, Taqdeerein badal jaati hain,zamana badal jaata hai, mulkon ki taarikh badal jaati hai,shahenshah badal jaate hain,magar iss badalti hui duniya mein mohabbat jis insaan ka daaman thaam leti hai,woh insaan nahi badalta."
Kamal Haasan shared a picture of himself with Dilip Kumar, posting that the latter's understated approach is still tried by contemporary actors who are brave enough to attempt it.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said his inimitable style of acting will remain engraved among film lovers for generations."Crestfallen at the passing of a beacon in cinema. Deeply anguished to learn about the demise of veteran actor Dilip Kumar ji. His inimitable style of acting will remain engraved among film lovers for generations. My heartfelt condolences to Saira Banu, his family and millions of fans," she tweeted.
Anil Kapoor, who worked on with Kumar on three movies, said the veteran actor was a close friend of his father, producer Surinder Kapoor.
"Our world is a little less bright today because one of our brightest stars has left us for the heavens. Dilip Sahab was very close to my father and I had the tremendous honour of sharing screen-space with him in 3 of my most memorable films... He was and will always be the finest & greatest actor of our industry for me...he has inspired generations of artists. Rest in peace Dilip Sahab. You remain in our minds and hearts forever," he said in a brief statement
Actor Akshay Kumar called him “The Hero.”
Ajay Devgn recalled when he shared many moments with the legend: “Some very personal, some on stage. Yet, nothing really prepared me for his passing away. An institution, a timeless actor. Heartbroken. Deepest condolences to Sairaji.”
Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi called it the "end of an era."
Shashi Tharoor also reacted, posting that, "Immortals never die. As Tagore wrote, “Death is not extinguishing the light; it is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come.” #DilipKumar’s work shines on."
Actor Siddharth termed him one of the greatest actors the world has ever known.
Singer Lata Mangeshkar wrote that Kumar's health struggles had been going on for many years and lauded the actor's wife, veteran actor Saira Banu, for taking utmost care of him. "Yusuf Bhai was ill for the last many years, could not recognise anyone. At such a time Saira Bhabhi left everything and served him day and night. There was no other life for him. I bow to such a woman and pray that Yusuf Bhai's soul rests in peace," she tweeted.
(With inputs from PTI)
