Dilip Kumar died in Mumbai this morning. He was 98.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a nationwide outpouring of tributes this morning as India mourned the loss of one of the most legendary Bollywood actors - Dilip Kumar. He was 98.
The Bollywood veteran died at Mumbai's Hinduja Hospital this morning after a prolonged illness. His iconic movies, including "Devdas" and historical romance "Mughal-e-Azam", touched millions of hearts. He had received Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Dada Saheb Phalke award, and numerous other accolades for his contribution to Indian cinema during his illustrious career, spanning 50 years.
"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. (sic)," PM Modi tweeted.
The legendary actor was hospitalised last week. "He passed away due to prolonged illness at 7.30 am," Dr Jalil Parkar, who had been treating Dilip Kumar, told news agency PTI.
"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," family friend Faisal Farooqui posted from the actor's Twitter handle. He will paid last respects with full state honours, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's office said.
Dilip Kumar "summarised in himself a history of emerging India," President Ram Nath Kovind said, remembering the actor. "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.
In his five-decade-long acting career, which inspired many of his peers and aspiring performers, Dilip Kumar starred in more than 60 movies. He dominated the golden age of Indian cinema - from the 1940s to the 1960s - along with Dev Anand and Raj Kapoor. He was nicknamed "The Tragedy King" because of his choice of roles and his brooding looks.
In 1962, he had turned down an international opportunity - the chance to play Sherif Ali in David Lean's 1962 classic "Lawrence of Arabia". Egyptian actor Omar Sharif later played the role. He also received Pakistan's highest civilian honour, the Nishan-e-Imtiaz.
He was born as Yusuf Khan on December 11, 1922 in Peshawar, which was a part of British-ruled India at the time. He began his acting career in 1944 with "Jwar Bhatta".
Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and many other senior political leaders also paid rich tributes. "Shri Dilip Kumar Ji was a veritable legend of the silver screen, in him, Indian Cinema has lost one of the greatest actors. He has entertained generations of cinema lovers with his incredible acting and iconic roles. My sincerest condolences to Dilip Ji's family and followers. (sic)" Amit Shah tweeted.
"Shri Dilip Kumar ji was an outstanding actor, a true thespian who was well regarded by everyone for his exemplary contribution to the Indian film industry. His performances in films like Ganga Jamuna touched a chord in millions of cinegoers. I'm deeply anguished by his demise. (sic)," the Defence Minister wrote. Rajnath Singh also recalled a meeting with the actor.
The Congress's 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. ( sic)"
"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 & millions of fans. (sic)" West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor quoted another legend - Rabindranath Tagore - in his tweet dedicated to the veteran actor. "Immortals never die. As Tagore wrote, "Death is not extinguishing the light; it is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come."
(With inputs from news agency AFP)