Legendary actor Dilip Kumar, who died on Wednesday morning, leaves behind a legacy of iconic films and a bundle of inspiration for Bollywood actors across generations. He died in a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday, where he was admitted for about a week. He was taken to the hospital after complaining of breathlessness - it was the second time he had been hospitalised in the same month. "He passed away due to prolonged illness at 7.30 am," Dr Jalil Parkar, who had been treating Dilip Kumar, told news agency PTI. Actors from the Hindi film industry paid tribute to Dilip Kumar on social media.
"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 ," tweeted Dilip Kumar's Shakti co-star Amitabh Bachchan.
Amitabh Bachchan's son, actor Abhishek, in his tribute to Dilip Kumar revealed that he was to co-star with the cinema legend in what was to be his Bollywood debut: "Sadly, the film never got made and I never had the honour of being able to say that I've been in a film with the great Dilip Kumar Ji," read an excerpt from Abhishek's post.
Bollywood veteran Dharmendra, who worked with Dilip Kumar in films like Paari and Anokha Milan, in an interview with NDTV, said, "I am extremely shocked. The whole world knows my relations with my brother. I have been meaning to see Saira. I used to go and keep watching his house before I became an actor. Watching him used to feel like I have been on hajj or some pilgrimage after watching him. He used to love me even more than my own relatives."
Lata Mangeshkar shared throwback pictures with the actor and wrote in a tweet in Hindi, which roughly translates to: "Yusuf Bhai has left his little sister. His death feels like an end of an era. I am not able to grasp this news. I am very sad and at a loss of words. He has left his memories." In another tweet, she wrote: "Yusuf Bhai was unwell for several years. He was not unable to recognise anyone. Saira Banu left everything and devoted herself to him. I pray his soul rests in peace."
Lata Mangeshkar's sister Asha Bhosle remembered the legend with these words: "I'm very sad to hear that Dilip Saab is no longer with us. He was like a big brother to me. I have great admiration and respect for his wife Saira bhabhi who has really looked after and dedicated her life to him. Lots of love to her and the family. We share your grief."
Aamir Khan, through his production house's official Instagram profile, also paid a tribute to Dilip Kumar. His eulogy read: "Thank you, Yusuf Sahab for the invaluable, priceless and unique gift you have given all of us through your work. For me, you have always been and always will be the greatest ever. Salaam. Love, Aamir."
Anil Kapoor, who worked with the actor in films like Karma, Shakti and Mashaal, shared memories on Twitter.
Actress Priyanka Chopra described Dilip Kumar as "one of India's greatest" in her tribute post:
Posting a throwback with Dilip Kumar, Salman Khan wrote: "Best actor Indian cinema has ever seen and will ever see ... RIP Dilip Saab."
"To the world many others may be heroes. To us actors, he was The Hero. Dilip Kumar Sir has taken an entire era of Indian cinema away with him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Om Shanti," tweeted Akshay Kumar.
"So many special moments with Dilip Saab... he was like a father figure in my life. A huge loss for the film fraternity and for all of us, we have lost a legend today. My deepest condolences to Sairaji, may God give her strength in this tough time," wrote actor Sanjay Dutt.
Here's how Ranveer Singh mourned Dilip Kumar:
Filmmaker Karan Johar, in his eulogy for the actor, wrote: "Dilip Kumar Saab set the standard for all solid actors to follow... He was a bonafide institution..... his performances are text books of nuance and celluloid screen presence.... He leaves behind a legendary legacy that will continue to inspire generations of artists .... His journey can never end because his legacy will always live on... Rest in peace Dilip Saab and thank you for being the force that you were.... That force is unmatchable and irreplaceable but forever inspirational.... Prayers to Saira aunty and the entire family.... The entire fraternity mourns the passing away of a LEGEND."
Ajay Devgn, recalling fond memories with the legend, tweeted, "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."
"Cinema has lost one of its most vivid and loved person. Rest in peace. You are loved always... #DilipKumar," wrote actress Kajol, the wife of Ajay Devgn.
"Prayers for his soul and strength to the family. RIP," Jackie Shroff wrote posting a memory with Dilip Kumar.
"Legends transcend space and time. The memories of Dilip Sir will forever adorn the pillars of Indian Cinema. My thoughts and prayers with Saira ji," tweeted Hrithik Roshan.
Anushka Sharma wrote this in her tribute: "Sir, you have touched innumerable lives through your life and work. Have set the foundation for so many actors and contributed to the industry in innumerable ways. The outcome of your life will show in every great film that will be made and performances that will be lived for years to come. May you find infinite peace and love as you bid this world goodbye."
"Dilip Kumar Saab. The power of his being lies in his unmatchable body of work. Every time I have watched him portray legendary characters I felt like I was being swept away and yet being educated. Educated by his nuances, his silences, his unparalleled depth and his sheer aura," tweeted Alia Bhatt.
This is what Janhvi Kapoor posted:
"We are all nothing but versions of you Dilip Saab. Every actor has studied you in awe. Wondering how you did it all. You were as close to PERFECT as it can get. As you return to your spiritual home. The prayers of millions are with you.," read Shahid Kapoor's tweet.
Riteish Deshmukh thanked the legend for his contribution to every actor's life in the form of inspiration and wrote: "Every actor that faces the camera today will thank Dilip Sahab for the being their teacher. Truly an institution. Am completely heartbroken today, will miss his pat on my back, his smile with a twinkle in the eye and fond kisses on my forehead." He also wrote: "Dilip Sahab- you will always be the king amongst kings. Greatest of all times. You were a hero to every generation. Rest in glory Sir. My deepest condolences to Saira ji, the entire family, loved ones and millions of fans across the globe."
"Legend ... And the Greatest. RIP Dilip Kumar," wrote Katrina Kaif.
"How to mourn you Dilip Kumar Saab... The Greatest ... Ever ... Grateful to have witnessed on-screen and be spellbound by your genius," tweeted actress Huma Qureshi.
How other Bollywood actors remembered him:
Dilip Kumar was best-known for his performances in classics such as Kohinoor, Mughal-e-Azam, Shakti, Naya Daur and Ram Aur Shyam, to name a few. He was last seen in the 1998 film Qila.