A file photo of Dilip Kumar
Veteran actor Dilip Kumar died at a Mumbai Hospital on Wednesday morning at the age of 98. Dilip Kumar was admitted to Mumbai's Hinduja Hospital last week after complaining of breathlessness. Dilip Kumar's wife Saira Banu was constantly by his side at the hospital while he underwent treatment. On Wednesday morning, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray announced that Dilip Kumar will be honoured with a state funeral today evening: "Chief Minister Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray has instructed that the funeral of veteran actor Dilip Kumar will be held in a state funeral," read a tweet from Uddhav Thackeray's official handle.
Later on Wednesday afternoon, Uddhav Thackeray visited Saira Banu at Dilip Kumar's home with son Aditya, who wrote in a tweet: "Paid our respects to the legend, Dilip Kumar Saheb. He will be accorded state honours today."
Earlier, Dilip Kumar's death announcement was followed up by a tweet on his official account with the details of the actor's funeral. A tweet from the late actor's Twitter account said Dilip Kumar's last rites will be held at the Juhu Cemetery on Wednesday evening: "Burial today at 5:00 PM. Juhu Qabrastan at Santacruz Mumbai," read the tweet.
On Wednesday morning, the late actor's family friend Faisal Farooqui shared the news of Dilip Kumar's death in this tweet: "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." Meanwhile, social media is being flooded with tributes for Dilip Kumar from actors of all generations.
Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu, who married in 1966, starred together in films such as Sagina Mahato, Chhoti Bahu and Duniya. Dilip Kumar, who was born as Mohammad Yusuf Khan, was best known for his starring roles in films like Madhumati, Devdas, Mughal-e-Azam, Ganga Jamuna, Ram Aur Shyam and Naya Daur in a career spanning over six-decades. Dilip Kumar was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 1991 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1994.