A tribute to Dilip Kumar on his birth anniversary...

Dilip Kumar, the 'Tragedy King' of Indian cinema, continues to be remembered for his unmatched contributions to Bollywood. Born on December 11, 1922, as Muhammad Yusuf Khan in Peshawar, Pakistan, he ruled the silver screen with his impeccable acting skills, emotional depth and charisma. Dilip Kumar's career spanned over five decades and he played the lead role in about 60 films. On his birth anniversary, here’s a trip down memory lane to revisit some of the most iconic roles that made Dilip Kumar a cinematic legend, a man who left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.

Love triangle

'Andaz' (1949)

In 'Andaz', Dilip Kumar shared the screen with Nargis and Raj Kapoor. The film not only showcased his powerful acting range but also introduced him as the 'Tragedy King' to the world. His portrayal of a man caught in a love triangle was heart-wrenching, and his ability to balance romance with emotional turmoil set the stage for his future roles.

Iconic role

'Devdas' (1955)

No list of Dilip Kumar's most iconic roles would be complete without 'Devdas'. Based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's novel, Kumar's portrayal of the self-destructive, tragic hero struck a chord with audiences. His vulnerability, longing and tortured love story became a benchmark for future portrayals of the character and his performance remains unparalleled to this day.

Classic tale

'Naya Daur' (1957)

In 'Naya Daur', Dilip Kumar showcased his versatility by playing a man who fights against the forces of modernisation threatening traditional ways of life. His powerful portrayal of a man caught between the old and new, with a mix of resilience and compassion, made this film one of the defining movies of the 1950s.

Emotional depth

'Mughal-e-Azam' (1960)

In 'Mughal-e-Azam', Dilip Kumar played Prince Salim, a role that required both regal dignity and emotional depth. This film, one of the most celebrated in Indian cinema, saw him deliver a performance that was both commanding and deeply compassionate. The iconic song, ‘Jab pyar kiya toh darna kya’, continues to resonate in the hearts of Bollywood fans worldwide.

Nuanced portrayal

'Ganga Jamuna' (1961)

In 'Ganga Jamuna', Dilip Kumar played the role of Gangaram, a man caught between two worlds - the rural heartland and urban struggles. His nuanced portrayal of a man torn by loyalty to his brother and the law was a masterpiece of the 1960s, demonstrating his ability to carry films with emotional depth and complexity.

Intense performance

'Shakti' (1982)

In 'Shakti', Dilip Kumar starred alongside Amitabh Bachchan in a gripping tale of father-son conflict. The emotional struggle between the two, compounded by intense performances from both stars, is one of the defining moments in Kumar's career. The film remains a classic of its genre and further solidified his place as one of Bollywood's greatest actors.

Wide range

'Karma' (1986)

In the 1980s, Dilip Kumar still commanded the screen with his performances. 'Karma' saw him in a role showcasing his action-packed avatar while retaining his classic gravitas. The film combined action with drama, and Dilip Kumar's portrayal of both a compassionate doctor and a tough warrior was another testament to his acting range.

‘Saudagar' (1991)

Saudagar' was a film where Dilip Kumar and Raj Kumar came together after years to portray old foes whose rivalry transcends generations. As the elder statesman of Bollywood, Kumar delivered a performance that was both commanding and reflective, proving that even in his later years, he could hold audiences spellbound with his depth and charm.