Dilip Kumar Dead, Veteran Actor Passes Away at Age of 98

Veteran actor Dilip Kumar passes away at the age of 98, says Dr Jalil Parkar, the pulmonologist treating the actor at Mumbai's PD Hinduja Hospital. Dilip Kumar is survived by his wife Saira Banu. 

"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. - Faisal Farooqui," tweeted the official Twitter handle of Dilip Kumar.

Dilip Kumar was first taken to hospital on June 6 and was put on oxygen support. Since then his health had fluctuated.

Only a few days ago, Saira Bano took to Dilip Kumar's twitter handle to thank people for 'duas'. "We are grateful for God's infinite mercy on Dilip Sahib that his health is improving. We are still in hospital and request your prayers and duas so that Insha’Allah he is healthy and discharged soon. Saira Banu Khan," she had tweeted.

Rahul Gandhi called him one of the finest actors of Indian cinema. Tweeting about his death, Gandhi said, "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."

Dilip Kumar was born Mohammed Yusuf Khan, he went on to reign India's film industry in Bollywood as an actor who portrayed tragedy and romantic roles. He later became a film producer and philanthropist (just recently actor Shagufta Ali mentioned how Dilip Kumar supported her in the worst of her times), Kumar was considered "The First Khan" of Bollywood.

Dilip Kumar's Big Films

Naya Daur, Mughal-e-Azam, Devdas, Ram Aur Shyam, Andaz, Madhumati and Ganga Jamuna were among Kumar's big blockbusters.

Dilip Kumar: Unique Facts You Didn't Know

• Dilip Kumar was apparently offered the role of Sherif Ali in David Lean's Lawrence Of Arabia but he didn't accept it. This role was eventually played by Omar Sharif.
• “I had dreamt of only two things in life; to become famous like my mother and marry Dilip Sahab. Allah granted me both, what more could I ask for?” - Saira Banu said in an interview
• Saira Banu was attracted to Dilip Kumar for the first time at the age of 12, when he was 34.

Recommended Reading

The Dilip Kumar - Saira Banu Love Story

10 Things to know about Dilip Kumar, Saira Bano relationship