Tributes and condolences continued pouring in for the late legend, Dilip Kumar, through out the day. The veteran actor passed away in a Mumbai hospital aged 98 in the early hours of the day. He was born on December 11, 1922, to a Hindko-speaking Awan family in the Qissa Khawani Bazaar area of Peshawar, British India. He was named Mohammad Yusuf Khan. Actors, politicians, singers, filmmakers and others associated with various industries, especially those whose lives he had touched, took to social media to mourn his demise, recall their experiences of meeting him and working with him and offered their condolences to the bereaved family and his wife, veteran actress Saira Banu.
The Prime Ministers from what later became his country of birth and that of work united in paying tributes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Dilip Kumar ji will be remembered as a cinematic legend. He was blessed with unparalleled brilliance, due to which the audience across generations was enthralled. His passing away is a loss to our cultural world. Condolences to his family, friends, and innumerable admirers. RIP.”
From across the border, fellow pathan and Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, posted on his Twitter account, “Saddened to learn of Dilip Kumar’s passing. I can never forget his generosity in giving his time to help raise funds for SKMTH when the project was launched. This is the most difficult time to raise the first 10 per cent of the funds and his appearance in Pak and London helped raise huge amounts. Apart from this, for my generation, Dilip Kumar was the greatest and most versatile actor.”
Actor Amitabh Bachchan, whose acting was often said to have been inspired by the thespian, tweeted, “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.”
Actress Hema Malini, who starred with him in his comeback, Kranti, posted, “Veteran actor, an exemplary role model for all heroes, my respected co-star in Kranti, Dilip Kumar ji is no more. I recall a couple of visits to his house and the pleasant meetings I had with him and Saira ji. My heart goes out to Saira ji, his life partner of many years, for this loss.”
Actress Shabana Azmi wrote, “Adieu Dilip saab. Unknown to you, I have been your Eklavya. Thank you for the films. Thank you for the language. Thank you for the dignity. Thank you for being socially responsible. Thank you.”
In a post on Instagram, actress Padmini Kolhapure shared, “Yusuf uncle, rest in peace! Thank you for being in my life. Thank you for your love and your care. You have taught me volumes. Will miss you till eternity, not just me, all your fans, your well-wishers here and the world over. I have witnessed the adulation, the love, the respect you had in the hearts of your admirers. I can go on and on and on... Saira baaji you have been the strongest pillar and support prayers and strength to you.”
Playback singer Asha Bhosle shared, “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.”
Actor Salman Khan posted, “Best actor Indian cinema has ever seen and will ever see… #RIP Dilip saab.”
Actor Shahid Kapoor wrote, “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.”
Actor Anil Kapoor tweeted, “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 three of my most memorable films. He was and will always be the finest and greatest actor of our industry for me. He has inspired generations of artistes. Rest in peace Dilip sahab, you remain in our minds and hearts forever.”
Actress Madhuri Dixit posted, “Every now and then some individuals come along who single-handedly alter the present and write history... One such legend was Dilip saab for the world of cinema.”
Actor Sanjay Dutt, who acted with Kumar in Vidhata (1982) expressed, “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 Saira ji, may God give her strength in this tough time.”
Veteran actor Anupam Kher tweeted, “The legend lives on! There is and there will always be a part of #DilipKumar saab in every Indian actor for generations to come! His performances were like magic. Thank you sir for those amazing moments I could spend with you! You taught me so much about life, living, and acting.”
Actor Kay Kay Menon wrote, “Thank you for all the inspiration Dilip sahab! Always indebted to your genius! Naman.”
Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui tweeted, “The greatest in the world of cinema. An institution, an inspiration and “the pause.” The thespian, me and my father admired closely and had watched all his work. His craft could be felt but can never be described in words. #RestInPeaceLegend #DilipSaab.”
Actor Emraan Hashmi posted, “Before I began my career, my grand mom told me that seeing all Dilip saab’s films is all I would ever need to feel inspired and start learning the craft. An artist who was subtle, nuanced and never used unnecessary theatrics to portray his characters.”
Actor-comedian Johny Lever tweeted, “I am fortunate enough to have shared some precious moments with the great Dilip sahab. I remember he did a small mimicry act for me while we were on tour, he served me biryani once with his own hands at his home, and many more such beautiful memories... It was amazing to see how such a great personality like him could be so humble and grounded. He is an institution we loved and learned so much from. May his soul rest in peace and may God give strength to Saira ji and his family.”
Veteran actor Annu Kapoor posted, “Thespian Dilip Kumar has left for his heavenly abode. May his soul rest and peace and may God bless strength to Saira Banu and family to bear this loss.”