From being the first male actor to receive Filmfare Award for the Best Actor to receiving the Padma Vibhushan Award, the second highest civilian award of the country, the legendary actor Dilip Kumar turns 96 today.
Mohammad Yusuf Khan aka Dilip Kumar who marked his entry in Indian cinema at the age of 22 with his movie Jawar Bhatta did many iconic movies which made him an epitome of method acting. With his fine-tuned performance and subtle acting he stirred the emotions to its deepest level and became an inspiration for other big stars of his era and the period following his time.
The veteran actor has done a myriad of movies which are eternal and emblematic. Let’s celebrate his birthday through his 5 classic evergreen movies that are a must watch.
Mughal-e-azam
Mughal-e-Azam was not just an extravagant movie, but it was an era captured in motion. The grand vision of director K Asif in the movie was exemplary. Finding its substitute is more like finding a needle in a haystack.
Passionate love rebelling against the highest authority, the saga of Mughal-e-Azam took 10 years to complete and it became more like a monument, a monument of love, passion and patience. Through the authentic acting of Dilip Kumar and sublime Madhubala, the movie essays the story of Prince Salim who madly fell in love with Madhubala, a court dancer and a tragic end following their love story.
Devdas
Sarat Chandra Chattopadhaya’s novel adaptation Devdas is an all-time classic movie of Dilip Saab and a solid reason that brought him the reputation of ‘King of Tragedy’.
Directed by the visionary director Bimal Roy, Devdas was one of the finest book adapted movie of the time. Dilip saab had beautifully and passionately performed the character of Dev to its intricacies as an ego driven person who is extremely overtaken by his unrequited love and is in vehement denial to move on.
Madhumati
The duo of Bimal Roy and Dilip Kumar had always created a magic and Madhumati was no different. With an intriguing concept ‘Madhumati’ is a mystery romance following the story of reincarnation and suspense between Dilip Saab and Vyjayanthimala. The dream like cinematography and the soul touching songs made the movie the classic that it is today.
Naya Daur
Dilip kumar’s Naya Daur is a remarkable movie for its prominent message, brisk narrative and evocative performances.
Directed by BR Chopra, Dilp Saab plays a villager who rides a cart and takes on a challenge with the ones who rode on machines. The high spirited performance of Dilip Kumar evoked a sense of patriotism in audience.
Ram Aur Shyam
Ram Aur Shyam was a comedy drama of twins separated in childhood with contrasting personalities directed by Tapi Chanakya. Dilip Kumar very efficiently played the characters of Ram Aur Shyam who were poles apart from each other.