On Dilip Kumar's 92nd birthday on Thursday, a host of Bollywood icons, including megastar Amitabh Bachchan and singer Lata Mangeshkar, as well as his wife Saira Banu went down memory lane to pick their favourite among the veteran actor's popular films.
Here's what they had to say:
Amitabh Bachchan: Ganga Jumna. Why? Because
Saira Banu: Ganga Jumna. Perfect script. Perfect film in every aspect. His performance was the best in every film and yet he out-did himself in this film. Hats off.
Lata Mangeshkar: He is my all-time favourite hero, maybe because he's my 'Bade Bhaiyya' (big brother) and and I've been his Chhoti Bahen (younger sister) for years now. I love all his films. But Mughal-e-Azam and Ganga Jumna are my favourites.
Naseeruddin Shah: My favourite Dilip Kumar film is Mughal-e-Azam. It is certainly one of the greatest films made in India. Except for the wig which marred his look, his performance is exceptional for its understated intensity and dignity. His performance in Amar is another favourite.
Raakhee Gulzar: I had the privilege of working with him in Shakti. There is so much to learn from him. All his performances are masterclasses. But if you insist that I pick favourites, it would have to be Ganga Jumna and Sagina.
Javed Akhtar: Dilip Kumar is to Indian film acting what Panini is to Sanskrit, Newton is to Science and Ghalib is to poetry. My favourite Dilip Kumar film? Tough to choose one. I like him equally in Ganga Jumna, Madhumati and Devdas.
Asha Parekh: It's very difficult to pick one favourite. He was so good in all. But I'd say Ganga Jumna. He carried off the rustic look so effectively.
Subhash Ghai: I had the privilege, honour and pleasure of directing India's greatest actor in three films. It's hard to pick my favorites. But it would have to be Devdas, Ganga Jumna and Mughal-e-Azam.
Ustad Amjad Ali Khan: Ganga Jumna and Mughal-e-Azam.
