View source for Dilip Kumar

{{Short description|Indian actor (1922–2021)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{EngvarB|date=July 2021}}
{{other uses|Dileep Kumar (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = 
| image              = DilipKumar1.jpg
| caption            = Kumar in 2011
| birth_name         = Muhammad Yusuf Khan
| birth_date         = {{birth date|1922|12|11|df=yes}}
| death_date         = {{death date and age|2021|7|7|1922|12|11|df=yes}}
| birth_place        = <!-- city, administrative region, country" (nothing below 'city'; no neighbourhoods or boroughs) -->[[Peshawar]], [[North-West Frontier Province]], [[British Raj|British India]]<br />{{small|(present-day [[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]], [[Pakistan]])}}<ref name="independent">{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/twitter-chief-hints-he-may-have-to-divulge-users-names-2289187.html|work=[[The Independent]] |location=UK |title=Twitter chief hints he may have to divulge users' names|date=May 26, 2011 |access-date=December 13, 2011 |first=Lewis |last=Smith}}</ref>
| death_place        = [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]], India
| resting_place      = Juhu Qabrastan, Mumbai<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/dilip-kumar-laid-to-rest-at-juhu-qabrastan-1825000-2021-07-07|title=Dilip Kumar laid to rest at Juhu Qabrastan|date=7 July 2021 |publisher=India Today|access-date=9 July 2021|archive-date=8 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210708001330/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/dilip-kumar-laid-to-rest-at-juhu-qabrastan-1825000-2021-07-07|url-status=live}}</ref>
| nationality        = {{plainlist|
*British Indian (1922–1947)
*Indian (1947–2021)
}}
| occupation         = {{hlist|Actor|writer|ghost director|film producer}}
| works              = [[Dilip Kumar filmography|Full list]]
| height             = 178 cm
| spouse             = {{ubl
  | {{marriage|[[Saira Banu]]|1966}}
  | {{marriage|Asma Rehman|1981|1983|reason=divorced}}
  }}
| relatives          = {{Ubl
  | [[Nasir Khan (actor)|Nasir Khan]] (brother)
  | [[Begum Para]] (sister-in-law)
  | [[Ayub Khan (actor)|Ayub Khan]] (nephew)
 | [[K. Asif]] (brother-in-law)
  | [[Naseem Banu]] (mother-in-law)
  | [[Sayyeshaa]] (grandniece)
  }}
| years_active       = 1944–1998
| awards             = {{ubl
  | [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor]] (8 times)
  | [[Dadasaheb Phalke Award]] (1994)
  }}
| honours            = {{ubl
  | [[Padma Bhushan]] (1991)
  | [[Nishan-e-Imtiaz|Nishan-E-Imtiaz]] (1998)
  | [[Padma Vibhushan]] (2015)
  }}
| signature          = Dilip Kumar signature.svg
| signature_alt      = Dilip Kumar's signature
| module             = {{Infobox officeholder
| embed        = yes
| office       = [[Member of Parliament]], [[Rajya Sabha]]
| constituency = [[Maharashtra]]
| termstart    = 3 April 2000
| termend      = 2 April 2006
}}
}}

'''Muhammad Yusuf Khan''' (11 December 1922 – 7 July 2021), known professionally as '''Dilip Kumar''', was an Indian actor and film producer best known for his work in [[Hindi cinema]]. Credited with pioneering [[method acting]] in cinema,<ref name=":1" /> he dominated Hindi cinema from the 1950s throughout the 1960s and is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in the history of [[Indian Cinema]].

In a career spanning over five decades, Kumar worked in [[Dilip Kumar filmography|57 films]].<ref name=":4" /> He debuted as an actor in the film ''[[Jwar Bhata (1944 film)|Jwar Bhata]]'' (1944), produced by [[Bombay Talkies]]. Following a series of unsuccessful ventures, he had his first box office hit in ''[[Jugnu (1947 film)|Jugnu]]'' (1947). He consistently starred in top–grossing Indian films from the late-1940s to the 1960s, such as ''[[Shaheed (1948 film)|Shaheed]]'', ''[[Andaz (1949 film)|Andaz]]'', ''[[Babul (1950 film)|Babul]]'', ''[[Deedar (1951 film)|Deedar]]'', ''[[Aan]]'', ''[[Uran Khatola (film)|Uran Khatola]]'', ''[[Insaniyat (1955 film)|Insaniyat]]'', ''[[Azaad (1955 film)|Azaad]]'', ''[[Naya Daur (1957 film)|Naya Daur]]'', ''[[Madhumati]]'', ''[[Paigham]]'', ''[[Kohinoor (1960 film)|Kohinoor]]'', ''[[Mughal-E-Azam]]'', ''[[Gunga Jumna]]'' and ''[[Ram Aur Shyam]]''.<ref name=":8"/> Some of his most acclaimed performances, include ''[[Nadiya Ke Paar (1948 film)|Nadiya Ke Paar]]'', ''[[Shabnam (1949 film)|Shabnam]]'', ''[[Jogan (film)|Jogan]]'', ''[[Tarana (1951 film)|Tarana]]'', ''[[Daag (1952 film)|Daag]]'', ''[[Sangdil]]'', ''[[Shikast]]'', ''[[Footpath (1953 film)|Footpath]]'', ''[[Amar (1954 film)|Amar]]'', ''[[Devdas (1955 film)|Devdas]]'', ''[[Musafir (1957 film)|Musafir]]'', ''[[Yahudi]]'', ''[[Leader (1964 film)|Leader]]'', ''[[Aadmi (1968 film)|Aadmi]]'' and ''[[Sunghursh]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/dilip-kumars-most-memorable-performances-25574.html|title=Dilip Kumar's most memorable performances|date=11 December 2017}}</ref>   

The 1970s saw Kumar's career take a downturn, with only one major success, ''[[Gopi (1970 film)|Gopi]]'' (1970).<ref name=":8"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=7570|title=Shahrukh Khan PASSES Where Amitabh Bachchan And Dilip Kumar Did Not|date=15 February 2023}}</ref> In 1976, he went on a brief hiatus from film performances and returned with the revolutionary drama ''[[Kranti]]'' (1981), which was the highest-grossing Indian film of the year.<ref>{{citation|url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=6155|title=Rewind - Forty Years Of Historic Blockbuster KRANTI|publisher=[[Box Office India]]|date=13 February 2021}}</ref> He continued to play leading roles in films such as ''[[Vidhaata]]'' (1982), ''[[Karma (1986 film)|Karma]]'' (1986), and ''[[Saudagar (1991 film)|Saudagar]]'' (1991). His last on-screen appearance was in the commercially unsuccessful ''[[Qila (film)|Qila]]'' (1998), which saw him in a dual role. Kumar later served as a member of the [[Rajya Sabha]], the upper house of India's parliament, from 2000 to 2006.

Kumar's personal life was the subject of much media attention, however, he himself had largely avoided media limelight and endorsements.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Lanba |first=Urmila |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_jOgDwAAQBAJ&dq=dilip+Kumar+undoubtedly+a+very+private+man+in+public+industry+life+and+films+of+dilip+kumar+urmila&pg=PT9 |title=The Thespian: Life and Films of Dilip Kumar |date=2019-06-30 |publisher=Vision Books |isbn=978-93-86268-31-0 |language=en}}
* {{Cite web |last=Pandya |first=Sonal |title=Dilip Kumar once sold pickles! |url=https://www.cinestaan.com/articles/2015/dec/11/290/dilip-kumar-once-sold-pickles |access-date=2022-12-06 |website=Cinestaan}}</ref> He was in a long-term relationship with actress and frequent co-star [[Madhubala]] that ended after the [[Naya Daur (1957 film)#Production|''Naya Daur'' court case]] in 1957. He married actress [[Saira Banu]] in 1966 and resided in [[Bandra]], a suburb of [[Mumbai]], until his death in 2021. For his contributions to film, the [[Government of India]] awarded him with the [[Padma Bhushan]] in 1991 and the [[Padma Vibhushan]] in 2015, the country's third and second-highest civilian awards respectively. He was also awarded India's highest accolade in the field of cinema, the [[Dadasaheb Phalke Award]] in 1994. In 1998, the [[Government of Pakistan]] conferred Kumar with [[Nishan-e-Imtiaz]], their highest civilian decoration, making him the only Indian to have received the honour. The [[House of Dilip Kumar|house that Kumar grew up in]], located in [[Peshawar]], was declared a national heritage monument in 2014 by the Pakistani government.

==Early life==
Dilip Kumar was born Muhammad Yusuf Khan<ref>{{Cite web|date=13 March 2020|title='Dilip Kumar doing fine, he had severe backache': Saira Banu on actor's health|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/dilip-kumar-doing-fine-he-had-severe-backache-saira-banu-on-actor-s-health/story-JFIPhTWB9OwG8rVnLWsimN.html|access-date=7 July 2021|website=Hindustan Times|agency=Press Trust of India|archive-date=15 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815170149/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/dilip-kumar-doing-fine-he-had-severe-backache-saira-banu-on-actor-s-health/story-JFIPhTWB9OwG8rVnLWsimN.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-03-29 |title=Here's why Dilip Kumar changed his name from Yusuf Khan |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/heres-why-dilip-kumar-changed-his-name-from-yusuf-khan/articleshow/108872595.cms |access-date=2024-06-29 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Here's Why Dilip Kumar Changed His Name From Muhammad Yusuf Khan {{!}} Filmfare.com |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/heres-why-dilip-kumar-changed-his-name-from-muhammad-yusuf-khan-49361.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |website=www.filmfare.com |language=en}}</ref> on 11 December 1922, into an [[Awan (tribe)|Awan]] [[Hindkowans|Hindkowan]] family at [[House of Dilip Kumar, Peshawar|his family home]] in the [[Qissa Khawani Bazaar]] neighbourhood of [[Peshawar]], a city in the [[North-West Frontier Province]] of [[British Raj|British India]].<ref name="NDTVOB">{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/dilip-kumar-the-grand-old-man-of-indian-cinemas-legendary-life-2480932|title=Dilip Kumar: The Grand Old Man Of Indian Cinema's Legendary Life|work=NDTV |access-date=7 July 2021|archive-date=7 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707060435/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/dilip-kumar-the-grand-old-man-of-indian-cinemas-legendary-life-2480932|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Web Team |first=WION |date=8 July 2021 |title=Pakistan mourns the loss of legendary Indian star Dilip Kumar, prayers offered outside ancestral home |url=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/pakistan-mourns-the-loss-of-legendary-indian-star-dilip-kumar-prayers-offered-outside-ancestral-home-396784 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712232953/https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/pakistan-mourns-the-loss-of-legendary-indian-star-dilip-kumar-prayers-offered-outside-ancestral-home-396784 |archive-date=12 July 2021 |access-date=13 July 2021 |work=WION |location=New Delhi, India |quote=For the uninitiated, Dilip Kumar, born as Muhammad Yusuf Khan was from an Awan family in Pakistan's Peshawar.}}</ref> He was one of the twelve children of Lala Ghulam Sarwar Ali Khan (1890–1950) and his wife Ayesha Begum (1897–1948). His father was a fruit merchant.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dilip Kumar, Bollywood's 'Tragedy King', dies aged 98|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/7/dilip-kumar-india-cinema-legend-dies-bollywood|access-date=7 July 2021|website=www.aljazeera.com|archive-date=7 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707025515/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/7/dilip-kumar-india-cinema-legend-dies-bollywood|url-status=live}}</ref>

Khan studied at the [[Barnes School]] in [[Deolali]] (now in [[Maharashtra]]), where his father owned orchards.<ref name="Renuka Vyavahare">{{cite web|author=Renuka Vyavahare|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Heres-why-Dilip-Kumar-speaks-Marathi-fluently/articleshow/11282015.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029204807/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-28/news-interviews/30564334_1_dilip-kumar-dilip-sahab-kanda-poha|archive-date=29 October 2013|title=Here's why Dilip Kumar speaks Marathi fluently!|date=28 December 2011|website=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=live|access-date=28 September 2013}}</ref><ref name="NDTVOB"/> He grew up in the same neighbourhood in Peshawar as [[Raj Kapoor]], his childhood friend, and later his colleague in the [[Cinema of India|film industry]].<ref name="indianexpress"/> In 1940, he moved to Pune and set up a dry fruit supply shop and a canteen.<ref name="NDTVOB"/> Despite hailing from Peshawar, Khan's family decided to remain in Bombay following the [[Partition of India]] in 1947.<ref name="ind569">{{Cite web |last=Shukla |first=Vivek |date=14 August 2017 |title=And then there were Muslims who chose India |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/comment/and-then-there-were-muslims-who-chose-india-451619 |access-date=2021-07-19 |website=The Indian Tribune |archive-date=19 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719125307/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/comment/and-then-there-were-muslims-who-chose-india-451619 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Khan never acted under his birth name, debuting in ''Jwar Bhata'' in 1944 under the [[stage name]] Dilip Kumar. In his autobiography, ''[[Dilip Kumar: The Substance and the Shadow]]'', he wrote that the name was a suggestion from [[Devika Rani]], who was one of the producers on ''Jwar Bhata''.<ref>{{cite news|title=This is why Dilip Kumar changed his name from Muhammad Yusuf Khan before movie debut |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/hindi/this-is-why-dilip-kumar-changed-his-name-from-muhammad-yusuf-khan-before-movie-debut/videoshow/84210775.cms|access-date=9 July 2021|newspaper=The Times of India|archive-date=11 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711232936/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/hindi/this-is-why-dilip-kumar-changed-his-name-from-muhammad-yusuf-khan-before-movie-debut/videoshow/84210775.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> In an interview in 1970, he said that he adopted this name out of fear of his father, who never approved of his acting career because of the general poor image of cinema back then.<ref>{{cite web|date=7 July 2021|title=RIP Dilip Kumar: Here's why the legendary actor changed his name|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/rip-dilip-kumar-heres-why-the-legendary-actor-changed-his-name-1005788.html|access-date=9 July 2021|website=Deccan Herald|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190411/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/rip-dilip-kumar-heres-why-the-legendary-actor-changed-his-name-1005788.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=BBC Asian Network - Ray Khan, Pyar, Ishq Aur Judai, Listen to Dilip Kumar's Interview from 1970.|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01614q8|access-date=9 July 2021|website=BBC|date=7 March 2013 |archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709201915/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01614q8|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Career==
{{further|Dilip Kumar filmography}}

===1940s: First film roles and initial success===
[[File:Dilip Kumar Jwar Bhata.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Kumar in ''[[Jwar Bhata (1944 film)|Jwar Bhata]]'', his first film.]]
Kumar's first film was ''[[Jwar Bhata (1944 film)|Jwar Bhata]]'' in 1944, which went unnoticed. After two more unsuccessful films, it was his fourth film ''[[Jugnu (1947 film)|Jugnu]]'' (1947), in which he starred alongside [[Noor Jehan]], that became his first major hit at the box office.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=Dilip Kumar Filmography, Movies List, Box Office Collection with HIT or Flop Verdict - Boxofficeindia, Box Office India, Box Office Collection, Bollywood Box Office, Bollywood Box Office|url=https://www.addatoday.com/2020/04/dilip-kumar-filmography-movies-list-box.html?m=1|access-date=2021-10-22|website=www.addatoday.com| date=17 April 2020 |archive-date=22 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022205139/https://www.addatoday.com/2020/04/dilip-kumar-filmography-movies-list-box.html?m=1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NDTVOB"/><ref name="web.archive.org">{{cite web|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=152&catName=MTk0Nw==|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206111551/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=152&catName=MTk0Nw==|archive-date=6 February 2009|title=BoxOffice India.com|date=6 February 2009|access-date=21 March 2019}}</ref> His next major hits were the 1948 films ''[[Shaheed (1948 film)|Shaheed]]'' and ''[[Mela (1948 film)|Mela]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=VERMA|first=SUKANYA|title=25 Memorable Dilip Kumar Films|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/special/25-memorable-dilip-kumar-films/20210707.htm|access-date=9 July 2021|website=Rediff|archive-date=8 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210708225526/https://www.rediff.com/movies/special/25-memorable-dilip-kumar-films/20210707.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Both ''Jugnu'' and ''Shaheed'' were the highest grossing Hindi films of their respective year of release.<ref name="web.archive.org" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=2009-02-06|title=BoxOffice India.com|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=153&catName=MTk0OA==|access-date=2021-10-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206111845/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=153&catName=MTk0OA==|archive-date=6 February 2009}}</ref>

He got his breakthrough role as an actor in 1949 with [[Mehboob Khan]]'s {{Lang|hi-latn|[[Andaz (1949 film)|Andaz]]}}, in which he starred alongside [[Raj Kapoor]] and [[Nargis]]. At the time of its release, {{Lang|hi-latn|Andaz}} was the [[List of highest-grossing Indian films|highest-grossing Indian film ever]], until its record was broken by Kapoor's ''[[Barsaat (1949 film)|Barsaat]]'' that same year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=154&catName=MTk0OQ==|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016234445/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=154&catName=MTk0OQ==|archive-date=16 October 2013|title=Box Office 1949|website=[[Box Office India]]|date=16 October 2013|access-date=26 November 2019}}</ref> ''[[Shabnam (1949 film)|Shabnam]]'' was another box office hit that was also released in 1949.<ref name="web.archive.org"/>

===1950s and 1960s: Superstardom===
The 1950s was Kumar's most successful and prolific decade with him playing leading roles in several box office hits such as ''[[Jogan (film)|Jogan]]'' (1950), ''[[Babul (1950 film)|Babul]]'' (1950), ''[[Deedar (1951 film)|Deedar]]'' (1951), ''[[Tarana (1951 film)|Tarana]]'' (1951), ''[[Daag (1952 film)|Daag]]'' (1952), ''[[Aan (1952 film)|Aan]]'' (1952), ''[[Uran Khatola (film)|Uran Khatola]]'' (1955), ''[[Insaniyat (1955 film)|Insaniyat]]'' (1955), ''[[Devdas (1955 film)|Devdas]]'' (1955), {{Lang|hi-latn|[[Naya Daur (1957 film)|Naya Daur]]}} (1957), ''[[Yahudi]]'' (1958), ''[[Madhumati]]'' (1958) and ''[[Paigham]]'' (1959).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/birthday-special-dilip-kumars-top-25-films/20141211.htm|title=Dilip Kumar's Top 25 Films|website=Rediff.com|access-date=21 March 2019|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011133844/https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/birthday-special-dilip-kumars-top-25-films/20141211.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> He formed popular on-screen pairings with many of the top actresses at the time including [[Vyjayanthimala]], [[Madhubala]], [[Nargis]], [[Nimmi]], [[Meena Kumari]] and [[Kamini Kaushal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cinestaan.com/articles/2016/dec/11/3305/dilip-kumar-and-his-leading-ladies|title=Dilip Kumar and his leading ladies|first=Sonal|last=Pandya|website=Cinestaan.com|access-date=21 March 2019|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011133910/https://www.cinestaan.com/articles/2016/dec/11/3305/dilip-kumar-and-his-leading-ladies|url-status=live}}</ref> Together with fellow contemporaries [[Raj Kapoor]] and [[Dev Anand]], he dominated the 1950s which is considered a part of the golden era of Hindi cinema. Though the three did not appear in any one film together, Kumar did appear with Raj Kapoor in {{Lang|hi-latn|Andaz}} (1949) and Dev Anand in ''Insaniyat'' (1955).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/viral/the-golden-trio-as-dilip-kumar-leaves-for-heavenly-abode-netizens-remember-his-contemporaries-and-friends-raj-kapoor-and-dev-anand |title='The golden trio': As Dilip Kumar leaves for heavenly abode, netizens remember his contemporaries and friends Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand |date=July 7, 2021 |newspaper=[[The Free Press Journal]] |place=Mumbai}}</ref>

Several of his films established his screen image as the "Tragedy King".<ref name="Rediff.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2002/may/27dinesh.htm |title=rediff.com, Movies: Tragedy King Dilip Kumar |work=Rediff.com |access-date=6 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531073053/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2002/may/27dinesh.htm |archive-date=31 May 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> Kumar briefly suffered from depression due to portraying many tragic roles and on the advice of his psychiatrist, he also took on light-hearted roles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/books/book-review-the-actor-among-stars/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328051144/http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/books/book-review-the-actor-among-stars/|archive-date=28 March 2017|title=Dilip Kumar's autobiography reveals his journey from Peshawar to Bombay - The Indian Express|date=28 March 2017|access-date=21 March 2019}}</ref> [[Mehboob Khan]]'s big-budget 1952 swashbuckling musical ''[[Aan]]'' featured him in one of his first lighter roles<ref name="filmfare.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/dilip-kumars-most-memorable-performances-25574.html|title=Dilip Kumar's most memorable performances|website=Filmfare.com|access-date=21 March 2019|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011133843/https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/dilip-kumars-most-memorable-performances-25574.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and marked his first film to be shot in [[technicolor]]. ''Aan'' was the first Indian film to have a wide release across Europe with a lavish premiere in London.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://moviemahal.net/2017/01/11/mehboobs-aan-1952-indian-cinemas-entry-into-europe/|title=Mehboob's AAN (1952) – Indian Cinema's entry into Europe|date=11 January 2017|website=Moviemahal.com|access-date=21 March 2019|archive-date=21 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321214403/https://moviemahal.net/2017/01/11/mehboobs-aan-1952-indian-cinemas-entry-into-europe/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Aan'' was the highest-grossing Indian film ever at the time, domestically<ref name="boi50s">{{cite web|title=Top Earners 1950-1959 (Figures in Ind Rs)|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=122&catName=MTk1MC0xOTU5|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919200259/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=122&catName=MTk1MC0xOTU5|archive-date=19 September 2012|website=[[Box Office India]]|date=19 September 2012|access-date=21 November 2019}}</ref> and overseas.<ref name="Rajinder">{{cite book|last1=Rajinder|first1=Dudrah|last2=Jigna|first2=Desai|title=The Bollywood Reader|date=2008|publisher=[[McGraw-Hill Education]]|isbn=9780335222124|pages=65|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4Wz4AAAAQBAJ&pg=PA65|access-date=10 July 2021|archive-date=27 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727122053/https://books.google.com/books?id=4Wz4AAAAQBAJ&pg=PA65|url-status=live}}</ref> He had further success with lighter roles as a thief in the hit comedy ''[[Azaad (1955 film)|Azaad]]'' (1955). In 1957, he appeared in the third segment of the [[anthology film]] ''[[Musafir (1957 film)|Musafir]]'', which was the directorial debut of [[Hrishikesh Mukherjee]]. He also did playback singing for a song in the film with [[Lata Mangeshkar]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/hrishikesh-mukherjee-hindi-film-anthology-musafir-dilip-kumar-7677841/lite | title=Way before OTTs, Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Musafir starring Dilip Kumar was the gold standard of anthologies | date=18 December 2021 }}</ref>

By this time, he had developed his distinct, signature style of understated acting of mumbling his dialogues while giving myriad expressions and meanings to lines that his characters uttered.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Vedam|first=V.|title=The Puffin Book of 100 Extraordinary Indians|publisher=Penguin Random House India Private Limited|year=2022|isbn=9789354923616|location=India|language=English}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Sharda|first=Anjali|title=Leadership Gotcha|publisher=Blue Rose Publishers|year=2021|pages=7|language=English}}</ref>

He was the first actor to win the [[Filmfare Best Actor Award]] (for ''Daag'') and went on to win it a further seven times.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indicine.com/movies/bollywood/history-filmfare-best-actor-awards|title=Filmfare Best Actor Awards - History|website=Indicine.com|date=4 March 2009 |access-date=9 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414221811/http://www.indicine.com/movies/bollywood/history-filmfare-best-actor-awards/|archive-date=14 April 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foraywhile.com/10-bollywood-actors-who-have-won-the-highest-filmfare-awards/|title=10 Bollywood Actors who Have Won the Highest Filmfare Awards|date=3 September 2013|website=Foraywhile.com|access-date=21 March 2019|archive-date=11 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611235539/http://www.foraywhile.com/10-bollywood-actors-who-have-won-the-highest-filmfare-awards/}}</ref> 9 of his 21 films in the 1950s were ranked in the Top 30 highest-grossing films of the decade.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=122&catName=MTk1MC0xOTU5&PHPSESSID=fa099368a445f18621d13fc8406a0f74 |title=Top Earners 1950-1959 (Figures in Ind Rs) |work=Box Office India |access-date=17 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080117081648/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=122&catName=MTk1MC0xOTU5&PHPSESSID=fa099368a445f18621d13fc8406a0f74 |archive-date=17 January 2008 }}</ref>

In the 1950s, Kumar became the first Indian actor to charge 1.5 lakh per film.(equal to 60 cr or above of 2024)<ref>{{cite news|title=B-Town rewind: The tale of the first Bollywood crore|url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/b-town-rewind-the-tale-of-the-first-bollywood-crore/15162064|work=[[Mid-Day]]|date=16 March 2014|access-date=16 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316114251/http://www.mid-day.com/articles/b-town-rewind-the-tale-of-the-first-bollywood-crore/15162064|archive-date=16 March 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> 

In 1960, he portrayed [[Prince Salim]] in [[K. Asif]]'s big-budget epic [[historical film]] ''[[Mughal-e-Azam]]'', which was the [[List of highest-grossing Indian films|highest-grossing film]] in Indian film history for 15 years until it was surpassed by the 1975 film ''[[Sholay]]''.

''Mughal-e-Azam'' was in the making for over a decade and was originally shot in black and white, with only two songs and the climax scenes shot in colour. 44 years after its original release, it was fully [[colourised]] and theatrically re-released in 2004 and was once again a box office success.<ref>{{cite web|date=14 February 2017|title=Madhubala birthday: Madhubala's real story is as tragic as her iconic character, Mughal-E-Azam's Anarkali|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/madhubala-birthday-madhubala-real-story-as-tragic-as-her-iconic-character-mughal-e-azam-anarkali4523840/|access-date=9 July 2021|website=The Indian Express|archive-date=1 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501074351/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/madhubala-birthday-madhubala-real-story-as-tragic-as-her-iconic-character-mughal-e-azam-anarkali4523840/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=22 December 2011|title=Epic movie Mughale-Azam returns in colour cinemascope, digital sound|work=India Today|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-the-arts/films/story/20040719-epic-movie-mughale-azam-returns-in-colour-digital-sound-789831-2004-07-19|access-date=9 July 2021|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195229/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-the-arts/films/story/20040719-epic-movie-mughale-azam-returns-in-colour-digital-sound-789831-2004-07-19|url-status=live}}</ref> That same year he played another lighter role in the musical comedy ''[[Kohinoor (1960 film)|Kohinoor]]'' which was also among the highest grossers of the year.<ref name="Rediff.com"/>

In 1961, Kumar wrote, produced, and starred in the dacoit drama ''[[Ganga Jamuna]]'' opposite his brother [[Nasir Khan (actor)|Nasir Khan]], playing the title roles. Kumar produced the film under his production company '''Citizen Films''' and despite it being the highest-grossing film of the year, it would be the only film he produced. Though the directing credit went to the veteran director [[Nitin Bose]], it was rumoured that Kumar had ghost directed the film as well as being involved in every aspect of its production. He chose the shade of saree that his co-star [[Vyjayanthimala]] would wear in every scene. The film received the [[National Film Award]] for [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi|Second Best Feature Film in Hindi]], the [[Paul Revere]] Silver Bowl at the [[Boston International Film Festival]], the Special Honour Diploma from the [[Czechoslovakia|Czechoslovak]] Academy of Arts in [[Prague]], and the Special Prize at the [[Karlovy Vary International Film Festival]].<ref>{{cite news|title=The Last of the legends, goodbye Dilip saab|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/the-last-of-the-legends-goodbye-dilip-saab/articleshow/84192807.cms|access-date=7 July 2021|website=The Times of India|date=7 July 2021 |archive-date=7 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707080920/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/the-last-of-the-legends-goodbye-dilip-saab/articleshow/84192807.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1962, British director [[David Lean]] offered him the role of "Sherif Ali" in his film  ''[[Lawrence of Arabia (film)|Lawrence of Arabia]]'' (1962), but Kumar declined to perform in the movie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/did-you-know-/Dilip-Dilip-Kumars-Hollywood-dis-connection/articleshow/4138036.cms |title=Dilip Kumar's Hollywood dis-connection |access-date=2 December 2010 |work=The Times Of India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810012123/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/did-you-know-/Dilip-Dilip-Kumars-Hollywood-dis-connection/articleshow/4138036.cms |archive-date=10 August 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> The role eventually went to [[Omar Sharif]], the Egyptian actor. Kumar commented in his much later released autobiography, "he thought Omar Sharif had played the role far better than he himself could have".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/Dilip-of-Arabia/articleshow/48128020.cms|title=Dilip of Arabia?|work=The Times of India|date=19 July 2015 |access-date=21 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130214332/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/Dilip-of-Arabia/articleshow/48128020.cms|archive-date=30 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Kumar was also being considered for a leading role opposite [[Elizabeth Taylor]] in a film that Lean was working on called ''Taj Mahal'', before the project was cancelled.<ref>{{cite news |title=Idea of Dilip Kumar, Elizabeth Taylor pairing scared Saira |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/pti-feed/story/idea-of-dilip-kumar-elizabeth-taylor-pairing-scared-saira-530126-2015-12-13 |work=[[India Today]] |date=13 December 2015 |access-date=15 January 2019 |archive-date=11 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011133852/https://www.indiatoday.in/pti-feed/story/idea-of-dilip-kumar-elizabeth-taylor-pairing-scared-saira-530126-2015-12-13 |url-status=live }}</ref>

After a three-year hiatus, he returned in 1964 with his next film ''[[Leader (1964 film)|Leader]]'', which underperformed at the box office and ended up being only an average grosser. Kumar was also credited with writing the story of this film.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=170&catName=MTk2NA== |title=Box Office 1964|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210134213/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=170&catName=MTk2NA== |archive-date=10 February 2012|work=Box Office India|date=31 July 2011}}</ref> His next film ''[[Dil Diya Dard Liya]]'' (1966), opposite [[Waheeda Rehman]] was a box office flop. It was rumoured that he had ghost directed the film but the final credit was given to [[Abdul Rashid Kardar]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Dilip Kumar's 100th birth anniversary: The films that he ghost-directed | work=The Times of India | date=11 December 2022 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/dilip-kumar-at-100-the-films-that-he-ghost-directed/articleshow/96138635.cms }}</ref>

That same year, he made his debut in [[Cinema of West Bengal|Bengali cinema]] with a guest appearance in ''[[Paari (1966 film)|Paari]]'', which starred [[Dharmendra]] in the lead role.<ref>{{cite web | title=When Dilip Kumar impressed in Bengali cinema | work=The Hindu | date=7 July 2021 | url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/when-dilip-kumar-impressed-in-bengali-cinema/article35185294.ece/amp }}</ref> In 1967, Kumar played a [[dual role]] of [[twins]] separated at birth in the hit film ''[[Ram Aur Shyam]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kotru|first=Nirupama|title=Films that are 50: A Dilip Kumar double treat in 'Ram Aur Shyam'|url=https://scroll.in/reel/827904/films-that-are-50-a-dilip-kumar-double-treat-in-ram-aur-shyam|access-date=9 July 2021|website=Scroll.in|date=8 February 2017 |archive-date=13 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713212400/https://scroll.in/reel/827904/films-that-are-50-a-dilip-kumar-double-treat-in-ram-aur-shyam|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1968, he starred alongside [[Manoj Kumar]] in ''[[Aadmi (1968 film)|Aadmi]]'' and opposite [[Sanjeev Kumar]] and [[Balraj Sahni]] in ''[[Sunghursh]]'', which were both average grossers at the box office.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mahaan|first=Deepak|date=18 March 2010|title=Aadmi (1968)|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Aadmi-1968/article16576648.ece|access-date=9 July 2021|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=30 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730070109/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Aadmi-1968/article16576648.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Upadhyaya|first=Amit|date=7 October 2018|title=Superstar Dilip Kumar was the 'Thug of Hindostan' in 1968 hit film Sunghursh|url=https://theprint.in/features/reel-take/superstar-dilip-kumar-was-the-thug-of-hindostan-in-1968-hit-film-sunghursh/130656/|access-date=9 July 2021|website=ThePrint|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190719/https://theprint.in/features/reel-take/superstar-dilip-kumar-was-the-thug-of-hindostan-in-1968-hit-film-sunghursh/130656/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===1970s: Slump and hiatus===
In 1970, Kumar played the title role in the Bengali film ''[[Sagina Mahato]]'', which marked his first onscreen pairing with his wife Saira Banu.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://scroll.in/reel/846052/when-dilip-kumar-got-caught-between-leftist-and-capitalist-forces-as-mass-leader-sagina-mahato | title=Dilip Kumar's Bengali film as a hero was a noble failure | date=9 July 2021 }}</ref> In the same year, he starred alongside Banu again in ''[[Gopi (1970 film)|Gopi]]'', which was a box office success. In 1972, he once again played dual roles as twin brothers in ''[[Dastaan (1972 film)|Dastaan]]'', which was a box office flop and began a decline in Kumar's career as a leading man. A Hindi remake of ''Sagina Mahato'', simply titled ''[[Sagina (film)|Sagina]]'' was made in 1974 with both Kumar and Banu reprising their roles which also failed to do well at the box office. In 1976, he played triple roles as a father and twin sons in ''[[Bairaag]]''. Though his performance in triple roles was acclaimed, the film was his third consecutive failure at the box office.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=178&catName=MTk3Mg== |title=Box Office 1972|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070610225320/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=178&catName=MTk3Mg== |archive-date=10 June 2007|work=Box Office India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=182&catName=MTk3Ng== |title=Box Office 1976|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020100250/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=182&catName=MTk3Ng== |archive-date=20 October 2013|work=Box Office India|date=31 July 2011}}</ref> He personally regarded [[M. G. Ramachandran]]'s performance in ''[[Enga Veettu Pillai]]'' better than his role in ''Ram Aur Shyam''. He regards his performance in ''Bairaag'' much higher than that of ''Ram Aur Shyam''. The rise of actors like [[Rajesh Khanna]], [[Amitabh Bachchan]] and [[Sanjeev Kumar]] led to Kumar losing film offers from 1970 to 1980. He took a five-year hiatus from films from 1976 to 1981.<ref name="desai">[[Meghnad Desai, Baron Desai]] (2004), ''Nehru's hero Dilip Kumar in the life of India'', Lotus Collection, Roli Books, {{ISBN|978-81-7436-311-4}}.</ref>

===1980s: Return to success===
In 1981, he returned to films, reinventing himself in elderly character roles. His comeback film was the star-studded historical epic ''[[Kranti]]'' which was the biggest hit of the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=187&catName=MTk4MQ==|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201143714/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=187&catName=MTk4MQ==|archive-date=1 February 2009|title=BoxOffice India.com|date=1 February 2009|access-date=21 March 2019}}</ref> Appearing alongside an ensemble cast including [[Manoj Kumar]], [[Shashi Kapoor]], [[Hema Malini]] and [[Shatrughan Sinha]], he played the title role as revolutionary fighting for India's independence from British rule.<ref name="hits">[https://web.archive.org/web/20080118013258/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=125 Top Earners 1980–1989 (Figures in Ind Rs)]. Box Office India. Retrieved 31 July 2011.</ref> In the post-''Kranti'' phase, Kumar reinvented himself to play the "Angry Old Man" <ref>{{Cite book|last=Patel|first=Bhaichand|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6yQYcxZ8wmsC&dq=angry+old+man+in+bollywood&pg=PT85|title=Bollywood's Top 20: Superstars of Indian Cinema|date=2016-01-15|publisher=Penguin UK|isbn=978-81-8475-598-5|language=en|access-date=16 November 2021|archive-date=17 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217130117/https://books.google.com/books?id=6yQYcxZ8wmsC&dq=angry+old+man+in+bollywood&pg=PT85|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1982, he collaborated with director [[Subhash Ghai]] for the first time with ''Vidhaata'', in which he starred alongside [[Sanjay Dutt]], [[Sanjeev Kumar]] and [[Shammi Kapoor]]. ''Vidhaata'' was the highest-grossing film of the year. Later that year he starred alongside [[Amitabh Bachchan]] in [[Ramesh Sippy]]'s ''[[Shakti (1982 film)|Shakti]]'', which was an average grosser at the box office, but won him critical acclaim and his eighth and final Filmfare Award for Best Actor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=188&catName=MTk4Mg==|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201143719/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=188&catName=MTk4Mg==|archive-date=1 February 2009|title=BoxOffice India.com|date=1 February 2009|access-date=21 March 2019}}</ref> In 1984, he starred in [[Yash Chopra]]'s social crime drama ''[[Mashaal]]'' opposite [[Anil Kapoor]], which failed at the box office, but his performance was critically acclaimed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.glamsham.com/en/when-thespian-dilip-kumar-floored-yash-chopra-with-his-performance|title=When thespian Dilip Kumar floored Yash Chopra with his performance!|website=Glamsham.com|access-date=21 March 2019|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011133900/https://www.glamsham.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> He also appeared alongside [[Rishi Kapoor]] in ''[[Duniya (1984 film)|Duniya]]'' (1984) and [[Jeetendra]] in ''[[Dharm Adhikari]]'' (1986).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Duniya > Film > Dilip Kumar {{!}} @kavi {{!}} MrOwl|url=https://www.mrowl.com/user/kavi/dilip_kumar/movies/duniya|access-date=9 July 2021|website=www.mrowl.com|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190811/https://www.mrowl.com/user/kavi/dilip_kumar/movies/duniya|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Dharm Adhikari (1986) - Review, Star Cast, News, Photos|url=https://www.cinestaan.com/movies/dharm-adhikari-6241|access-date=9 July 2021|website=Cinestaan|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709191812/https://www.cinestaan.com/movies/dharm-adhikari-6241|url-status=live}}</ref>

His second collaboration with Subhash Ghai came with the 1986 ensemble action film ''[[Karma (1986 film)|Karma]]''. ''Karma'' marked the first film which paired him opposite fellow veteran actress [[Nutan]], although they were previously paired in an incomplete and unreleased film in the 1950s titled ''Shikwa''.<ref name="hits" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://upperstall.com/features/incomplete-films-shikwa/|title=Incomplete Films: Shikwa|first=Karan|last=Bali|date=16 September 2017|website=Upperstall.com|access-date=21 March 2019|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011133854/https://upperstall.com/features/incomplete-films-shikwa/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2002/feb/05din.htm|title=rediff.com, Movies: Forever Nutan|website=Rediff.com|access-date=9 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220132237/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2002/feb/05din.htm|archive-date=20 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> He acted opposite Nutan again in the 1989 action film ''[[Kanoon Apna Apna]]'' which also reunited him with Sanjay Dutt.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kanoon Apna Apna (1989) - Review, Star Cast, News, Photos|url=https://www.cinestaan.com/movies/kanoon-apna-apna-6704|access-date=9 July 2021|website=Cinestaan|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709200656/https://www.cinestaan.com/movies/kanoon-apna-apna-6704|url-status=live}}</ref>

===1990s: Directorial debut and final works===
In 1990, he co-starred with [[Govinda (actor)|Govinda]] in the action thriller ''[[Izzatdaar]]''. In 1991, Kumar starred alongside fellow veteran actor [[Raaj Kumar]] in ''[[Saudagar (1991 film)|Saudagar]]'', his third and last film with director Subhash Ghai. This was his second film with Raaj Kumar after 1959's ''[[Paigham]]''. ''Saudagar'' was to be Kumar's penultimate film and last box office success.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090131152326/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=197&catName=MTk5MQ== Top grossers of 1991 (Figures in Ind Rs)]. Box Office India. Retrieved 31 July 2011.</ref> In 1994, he won the [[Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award]] for his contributions to the industry.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|title=Filmfare Awards Winners From 1953 to 2020|url=https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards/winners|access-date=7 July 2021|website=filmfare.com|archive-date=4 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204095338/https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards/winners|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1991, producer [[Sudhakar Bokade]] who had previously worked with Kumar in ''Izzatdaar'' announced a film titled ''Kalinga'' which would officially mark Kumar's directorial debut after he had allegedly previously ghost-directed ''[[Ganga Jamuna]]'' (1961) and ''[[Dil Diya Dard Liya]]'' (1967).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailyo.in/arts/dilip-kumar-bollywood-hindi-films-raj-kapoor-omar-sharif-saira-banu-guru-dutt/story/1/7897.html|title=Revealing Dilip Kumar's unfulfilled dreams|website=Dailyo.in|access-date=21 March 2019|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011133903/https://www.dailyo.in/arts/dilip-kumar-bollywood-hindi-films-raj-kapoor-omar-sharif-saira-banu-guru-dutt/story/1/7897.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Kumar was also set to star in the title role with the cast including [[Raj Babbar]], [[Raj Kiran (Hindi film actor)|Raj Kiran]], [[Amitoj Mann]] and [[Meenakshi Seshadri]]. After being delayed for several years, ''Kalinga'' was eventually shelved with only 70% filming completed.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-the-arts/films/story/19930531-movie-preview-vidhu-vinod-chopra-1942-a-love-story-and-dilip-kumar-kalinga-811112-1993-05-31|title=Movie preview: Vidhu Vinod Chopra's '1942 - A Love Story and Dilip Kumar's 'Kalinga'|first1=Amit|last1=Agarwal|date=31 May 1993|website=India Today|access-date=21 March 2019|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011133907/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-the-arts/films/story/19930531-movie-preview-vidhu-vinod-chopra-1942-a-love-story-and-dilip-kumar-kalinga-811112-1993-05-31|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Asif Noorani |url=http://dawn.com/2012/12/11/dilip-kumar-90-fruitful-years |title=Dilip Kumar: 90 fruitful years &#124; Entertainment |website=Dawn.com |date=11 December 2012 |access-date=9 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230044802/http://dawn.com/2012/12/11/dilip-kumar-90-fruitful-years/ |archive-date=30 December 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1998, Kumar made his last film appearance in the box office flop ''[[Qila (film)|Qila]]'', where he played dual roles as an evil landowner who is murdered and as his twin brother who tries to solve the mystery of his death.<ref>{{cite news|title=Qila Movie: Showtimes, Review, Trailer, Posters, News & Videos {{!}} eTimes|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-details/qila/movieshow/61325247.cms|access-date=9 July 2021|work=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=11 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711212916/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-details/qila/movieshow/61325247.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Celebrating The Tragedy King |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/01/08/stories/2004010800700100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040122053725/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/01/08/stories/2004010800700100.htm |archive-date=22 January 2004 |access-date=30 January 2012 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=8 January 2004 |author=Suresh Kohli |location=Delhi, India}}</ref>

===2000s–2021: Shelved projects and political career===
In 2001, Kumar was set to appear in a film titled ''Asar&nbsp;– The Impact'' alongside [[Ajay Devgan]] and [[Priyanka Chopra]], which was shelved due to Kumar's declining health.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2001/aug/14759.htm |title=Dilip Kumar in a new film |work=[[Mid-Day]] |access-date=19 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214000820/http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2001/aug/14759.htm |archive-date=14 December 2013 }}</ref> He was also set to appear in [[Subhash Ghai]]'s war film ''Mother Land'', alongside [[Amitabh Bachchan]] and [[Shah Rukh Khan]], but this film was shelved after Khan decided to leave the project.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/when-shah-rukh-khan-backed-out-of-a-film-starring-dilip-kumar-and-amitabh-bachchan/articleshow/61561451.cms|title=When Shah Rukh Khan backed out of a film starring Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan!|website=The Times of India|date=8 November 2017 |access-date=15 February 2020|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011133910/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/when-shah-rukh-khan-backed-out-of-a-film-starring-dilip-kumar-and-amitabh-bachchan/articleshow/61561451.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

His classic films ''[[Mughal-e-Azam]]'' and {{Lang|hi-latn|[[Naya Daur (1957 film)|Naya Daur]]}} were fully colourised and re-released in cinemas in 2004 and 2008 respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041003/spectrum/main1.htm|title=The Sunday Tribune - Spectrum|website=Tribuneindia.com|access-date=9 April 2017|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011133912/https://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041003/spectrum/main1.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> An unreleased film he had shot and completed titled ''Aag Ka Dariya'' was set for a theatrical release in 2013 but has not been released to date.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/unreleased-23-year-old-dilip-kumar-starrer-set-to-hit-theatres-soon/story-8jCHAc0WvOSqCH5SHHuMLJ.html|title=Unreleased 23-year-old Dilip Kumar starrer set to hit theatres soon|date=26 December 2013|website=Hindustantimes.com/|access-date=21 March 2019|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011133910/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/unreleased-23-year-old-dilip-kumar-starrer-set-to-hit-theatres-soon/story-8jCHAc0WvOSqCH5SHHuMLJ.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Kumar was a member of the [[Rajya Sabha]], the upper house of India's parliament, from 2000 to 2006.<ref>{{Cite web|title=A look at Dilip Kumar's political career: Did you know, he was nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha?|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/bollywood/a-look-at-dilip-kumars-political-career-did-you-know-he-was-nominated-as-a-member-of-the-rajya-sabha|date=7 July 2021|access-date=7 July 2021|website=Free Press Journal|archive-date=7 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707072048/https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/bollywood/a-look-at-dilip-kumars-political-career-did-you-know-he-was-nominated-as-a-member-of-the-rajya-sabha|url-status=live}}</ref> He was nominated by the [[Indian National Congress]] to represent [[Maharashtra]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2018/sep/05/veteran-hindi-actor-dilip-kumar-admitted-in-hospital-1867953.html|title=Veteran Hindi actor Dilip Kumar admitted in hospital|website=The New Indian Express|date=5 September 2018 |access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=10 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310130746/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2018/sep/05/veteran-hindi-actor-dilip-kumar-admitted-in-hospital-1867953.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rajyasabha.nic.in/rsnew/member_site/alphabeticallist_all_terms.aspx|title=Alphabetical List Of Former Members Of Rajya Sabha Since 1952|website=rajyasabha.nic.in|access-date=6 May 2021|archive-date=19 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719091406/https://rajyasabha.nic.in/rsnew/member_site/alphabeticallist_all_terms.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> Kumar utilised a significant portion of his [[MPLADS]] fund towards the construction and improvement of the Bandstand Promenade and the gardens at Bandra Fort at Lands End in Bandra.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bbrtbandra.org/information-issues/|title=BBRT - Information & Issues|website=Bbrtbandra.org|access-date=21 March 2019|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011133912/http://bbrtbandra.org/information-issues/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Personal life==
[[File:Dilip_Kumar_Saira_Banu_still7.jpg|thumb|right|260px|Kumar with his wife [[Saira Banu]] in 2007]]

Kumar and [[Madhubala]] were drawn to each other during the shooting of ''[[Tarana (1951 film)|Tarana]]'' (1951). They were in a relationship for seven years until the [[Naya Daur (1957 film)#Production|Naya Daur court case]], during which Kumar testified against Madhubala and her father, ending their relationship.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/flashback-when-dilip-kumar-and-madhubala-dragged-each-other-to-court/17052172|title=Flashback! When Dilip Kumar and Madhubala dragged each other to court|date=18 March 2016|website=mid-day|access-date=16 April 2020|archive-date=19 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219130254/https://www.mid-day.com/articles/flashback-when-dilip-kumar-and-madhubala-dragged-each-other-to-court/17052172|url-status=live}}</ref> They never worked together again after ''[[Mughal-e-Azam]]'' (1960).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/madhubala-a-screen-goddess-who-was-unlucky-in-matters-of-the-heart/story-SvuqR30Tg7kmjhEJ9JePcP.html|title=Madhubala: A screen goddess who was unlucky in matters of the heart|last=Mishra|first=Nivedita|date=14 February 2019|website=Hindustan Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314193333/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/madhubala-a-screen-goddess-who-was-unlucky-in-matters-of-the-heart/story-SvuqR30Tg7kmjhEJ9JePcP.html|archive-date=14 March 2020|access-date=16 April 2020}}</ref> Kumar later expressed in his autobiography, "Was I in love with Madhubala as the newspapers and magazines reported at that time? As an answer to this oft-repeated question straight from the horse's mouth, I must admit that I was attracted to her both as a fine co-star and as a person who had some of the attributes I hoped to find in a woman at that age and time...She, as I said earlier, was very sprightly and vivacious and, as such, she could draw me out of my shyness and reticence effortlessly."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-07-08 |title=When Dilip Kumar revealed his feelings for Madhubala in his autobiography: 'Must admit I was attracted to her' |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/when-dilip-kumar-revealed-his-feelings-for-madhubala-in-his-autobiography-must-admit-i-was-attracted-to-her-101625724981161.html |access-date=2022-11-17 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> However, Kumar shared in his biography that contrary to popular notion, Madhubala's father Ataullah Khan wasn't opposed to their match but instead, wanted to turn this marriage into a business venture which did not land well with him.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-14 |title=The triumph and tragedy of being Madhubala: How a nation's beloved icon died of a broken heart |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/the-legend-of-madhubala-why-the-magic-still-perseveres-7771971/ |access-date=2022-11-17 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

In the late 1950s, [[Vyjayanthimala]] was linked by gossip magazines to Kumar, who has acted with her the most compared to any other actress, which resulted in great on-screen chemistry between them. While working for his home production ''[[Gunga Jumna]]'' (1961), Kumar reportedly handpicked the shade of [[sari]] that Vyjayanthimala would wear in every scene.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dilip Kumar, and his women|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/jul/02sl4.htm|date=2 July 2008|access-date=7 July 2021|website=Rediff.com|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184749/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/jul/02sl4.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1966, Kumar married actress [[Saira Banu]], who was 22 years younger than him. He later married [[Hyderabad]] socialite Asma Rahman, taking her as a second wife in 1981.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/dilip-kumar-makes-public-declaration-about-his-second-marriage-to-socialite-asma-sahiba/1/392464.html|title=Eyecatchers|website=Indiatoday.intoday.in|date=18 October 2013 |access-date=3 August 2017|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011133911/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/eyecatchers/story/19820331-dilip-kumar-makes-public-declaration-about-his-second-marriage-to-socialite-asma-sahiba-772561-2013-10-18|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/slide-show-1-when-dilip-kumar-married-asma/20140630.htm|title=When Dilip Kumar Married Asma|newspaper=Rediff|access-date=3 August 2017|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011133912/https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/slide-show-1-when-dilip-kumar-married-asma/20140630.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> That marriage ended in January 1983.<ref>{{cite magazine | url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/age-difference-between-bollywood-couples/1/215735.html | title=Don't mind the (age) gap | magazine=[[India Today]] | date=2 September 2012 | access-date=16 September 2013 | author=Bhatia, Ritu | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906143235/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/age-difference-between-bollywood-couples/1/215735.html | archive-date=6 September 2013 | url-status=live }}</ref> Banu and he lived in [[Bandra]]. They did not have any children. In his autobiography, ''Dilip Kumar: The Substance and the Shadow'', he revealed that Banu had conceived in 1972, but developed complications in the pregnancy, leading to a miscarriage. Following this, they did not try to have children again, believing it to be God's will.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Kumar|first=Dilip|title=Dilip Kumar: The Substance and the Shadow|publisher=Hay House India|year=2014|isbn=9789381398869}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Dilip Kumar Death: Why does the actor not have any children?|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/bollywood/dilip-kumar-death-why-does-the-actor-not-have-any-children|access-date=7 July 2021|website=Free Press Journal|archive-date=7 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707052918/https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/bollywood/dilip-kumar-death-why-does-the-actor-not-have-any-children|url-status=live}}</ref>

Kumar was fluent in his native [[Hindko]], in his later years aiming to establish a Hindko Academy in Peshawar in order to safeguard the language,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Dr. Sayed Amjad |date=16 July 2021 |title=Conversations with Dilip Kumar |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/16-Jul-2021/conversations-with-dilip-kumar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250215142938/https://thefridaytimes.com/16-Jul-2021/conversations-with-dilip-kumar |archive-date=15 February 2025 |website=[[The Friday Times]]}}</ref> as well as [[Urdu]], [[Hindi]], [[English language|English]], [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], [[Marathi language|Marathi]], [[Pashto]] and [[Farsi]]. He was also a great music enthusiast and also learnt how to play the [[sitar]] for a film.<ref name=":9">{{cite news|last=Rangan|first=Baradwaj|date=7 July 2021|title=Dilip Kumar, Indian Film Star Who Brought Realism to Bollywood, Dies at 98|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/06/world/asia/dilip-kumar-dead.html|access-date=7 July 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=7 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707033809/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/06/world/asia/dilip-kumar-dead.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He loved cricket and played it often.<ref>{{cite web|last=Debnath|first=Diganda|date=7 July 2021|title=Throwback: When Bollywood legends Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor had a cricketing encounter!|url=https://tv9news.com/sports/cricket-news/throwback-when-bollywood-legends-dilip-kumar-and-raj-kapoor-had-a-cricketing-encounter-43919.html|access-date=7 July 2021|website=TV9News|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185148/https://tv9news.com/sports/cricket-news/throwback-when-bollywood-legends-dilip-kumar-and-raj-kapoor-had-a-cricketing-encounter-43919.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He led a cricket team against [[Raj Kapoor]] in a friendly cricket match held for charity.<ref>{{cite web|first=Priyanka|last=Sharma|date=20 September 2020|title=Throwback to ultimate Bollywood face-off: Dilip Kumar vs Raj Kapoor on cricket pitch|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/throwback-video-dilip-kumar-raj-kapoor-on-cricket-pitch-6588437/|access-date=12 July 2021|website=The Indian Express|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712163803/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/throwback-video-dilip-kumar-raj-kapoor-on-cricket-pitch-6588437/|url-status=live}}</ref> Both growing up in [[Peshawar]] and in [[Bombay]], Dilip Kumar and his family had a close relationship with the [[Kapoor family]].<ref>{{cite web|date=4 October 2020|first=Shaikh|last=Ayaz|title=Bollywood's Pak Connection: Not just Dilip Kumar, many Hindi stars had their origins across the border|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/bollywood-pakistan-connection-many-hindi-stars-had-their-origins-across-the-border-6667724/|access-date=12 July 2021|website=The Indian Express|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712163803/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/bollywood-pakistan-connection-many-hindi-stars-had-their-origins-across-the-border-6667724/|url-status=live}}</ref>

His younger brother [[Nasir Khan (actor)|Nasir Khan]] (1924–1974) was also a noted film actor.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nasir Khan – Profile – Cineplot.com|url=http://cineplot.com/nasir-khan-profile|access-date=7 July 2021|archive-date=3 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903133511/http://cineplot.com/nasir-khan-profile/|url-status=live}}</ref> Two of his younger brothers, Aslam Khan (1932 - 2020) and Ehsan Khan (1930 - 2020), died after testing positive for [[COVID-19]] in 2020, within a space of two weeks.<ref>{{cite news|title=Veteran actor Dilip Kumar's brother Aslam Khan, who tested positive for COVID-19, passes away |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/veteran-actor-dilip-kumars-brother-aslam-khan-who-tested-positive-for-covid-19-passes-away/articleshow/77667504.cms|access-date=7 July 2021|website=The Times of India|date=21 August 2020 |archive-date=21 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821070245/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/veteran-actor-dilip-kumars-brother-aslam-khan-who-tested-positive-for-covid-19-passes-away/articleshow/77667504.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=3 September 2020|title=Dilip Kumar's younger brother Ehsan Khan dies at 90, had tested positive for Covid-19|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/dilip-kumar-s-younger-brother-ehsan-khan-dies-at-90-had-tested-positive-for-covid-19/story-4TBXf3lcfNkN3ZS20XJLfL.html|access-date=7 July 2021|website=Hindustan Times|archive-date=3 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903162537/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/dilip-kumar-s-younger-brother-ehsan-khan-dies-at-90-had-tested-positive-for-covid-19/story-4TBXf3lcfNkN3ZS20XJLfL.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Death ==
Kumar died at [[Hinduja Hospital]], Mumbai, on 7 July 2021 at 7:30 am, aged 98,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rangan |first1=Baradwaj |title=Dilip Kumar, Film Star Who Brought Realism to Bollywood, Dies at 98 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/06/world/asia/dilip-kumar-dead.html |access-date=24 August 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=7 July 2021}}</ref><ref name="NDTV-PTI-Dies-21">{{Cite web|title=Film Legend Dilip Kumar Dies At 98|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/dilip-kumar-one-of-indias-finest-actors-dies-at-98-after-long-illness-2480910|agency=Press Trust of India|date=7 July 2021|access-date=7 July 2021|website=NDTV.com|archive-date=7 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707060443/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/dilip-kumar-one-of-indias-finest-actors-dies-at-98-after-long-illness-2480910|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Dilip Kumar (1922-2021): Life and Times of the 'Tragedy King' |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/dilip-kumar-1922-2021-life-and-times-of-the-tragedy-king-3934076.html |access-date=7 July 2021 |work=News18 |date=7 July 2021 |archive-date=7 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707060426/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/dilip-kumar-1922-2021-life-and-times-of-the-tragedy-king-3934076.html |url-status=live }}</ref> after a prolonged illness. He had been suffering from several age-related issues and was diagnosed with [[pleural effusion]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-07|title=Legendary Actor Dilip Kumar Passes Away at 98 After Prolonged Illness; Funeral at 5pm Today in Mumbai|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/dilip-kumar-passes-away-at-age-of-98-3934067.html|access-date=2021-07-26|website=News18|language=en|archive-date=26 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726163021/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/dilip-kumar-passes-away-at-age-of-98-3934067.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-07-07|title=Legendary actor Dilip Kumar dies at 98 due to prolonged illness|language=en-IN |newspaper=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/legendary-actor-dilip-kumar-dies-at-98-due-to-prolonged-illness/article35182970.ece|access-date=2021-07-26|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=26 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726163017/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/legendary-actor-dilip-kumar-dies-at-98-due-to-prolonged-illness/article35182970.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Government of Maharashtra]] approved his burial with state honours under [[COVID-19 pandemic|COVID-19]] restrictions at the Juhu Muslim Cemetery that same day.<ref>{{cite web|date=7 July 2021|title=Maharashtra approves state funeral for Dilip Kumar|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/dilip-kumar-state-funeral-maharashtra-7393008/|access-date=7 July 2021|website=The Indian Express|archive-date=7 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707064517/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/dilip-kumar-state-funeral-maharashtra-7393008/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/dilip-kumars-funeral-to-take-place-with-full-state-honors-film-fraternity-gathers-to-pay-respects-3934679.html|title=Dilip Kumar Funeral: Legendary Actor Buried at Juhu Kabristan; Bollywood Pays Tributes|date=7 July 2021|website=News18|access-date=11 July 2021|archive-date=11 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711210743/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/dilip-kumars-funeral-to-take-place-with-full-state-honors-film-fraternity-gathers-to-pay-respects-3934679.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Expressing their condolences, [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]] stated in a tweet that Kumar would be remembered as a cinematic legend, while the [[President of India|President]], [[Ram Nath Kovind]], stated that "he was loved across the subcontinent".<ref name="NDTV-PTI-Dies-21" /> The [[Prime Minister of Pakistan]], [[Imran Khan]], also expressed condolences for his death and remembered his efforts in raising funds for the [[Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre|Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital]] in a tweet.<ref>{{cite web |title=Imran Khan on Twitter |work=X (formerly Twitter) |url=https://mobile.twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1412666535131422723 |access-date=8 July 2021 |archive-date=15 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715061358/https://mobile.twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1412666535131422723 |url-status=live }}{{primary source inline|date=August 2021}}</ref> and the former [[President of Afghanistan]], [[Hamid Karzai]] also expressed condolences to Kumar and his family.

== Artistry and legacy ==
Kumar is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential actors in the history of [[Cinema of India|Indian cinema]],<ref name="sharma">{{cite book |last=Sharma |first=Vishwamitra |title=Famous Indians of the 21st Century |publisher=[[Pustak Mahal]] |year=2007 |isbn=978-81-223-0829-7 |pages=196}}

* <{{cite book |last=Dawar |first=Ramesh |title=Bollywood: yesterday, today, tomorrow |publisher=Star Publications |year=2006 |isbn=1-905863-01-2 |pages=8}}
* {{Cite web |title=Dilip Kumar (1922-2021): The legend who inspired generations of artists, Entertainment News {{!}} wionews.com |url=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-dilip-kumar-1922-2021-the-legend-who-inspired-generations-of-artists-396422/amp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726201213/https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-dilip-kumar-1922-2021-the-legend-who-inspired-generations-of-artists-396422/amp |archive-date=26 July 2021 |access-date=2021-07-26 |website=www.wionews.com|date=7 July 2021 }}</ref> and [[Film industry|cinema]] in general.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-07|title=Remembering Dilip Kumar: 7 evergreen classics that made him the 'Original King' of Hindi cinema|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/remembering-dilip-kumar-7-evergreen-classics-that-made-him-the-original-king-of-hindi-cinema-1005774.html|access-date=2021-07-13|website=Deccan Herald|language=en|archive-date=13 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713232313/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/remembering-dilip-kumar-7-evergreen-classics-that-made-him-the-original-king-of-hindi-cinema-1005774.html|url-status=live}}
* {{cite news |title=Dilip Kumar: Legendary Indian actor dies at 98 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-57383702 |access-date=11 July 2021 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=7 July 2021 |archive-date=11 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711004952/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-57383702 |url-status=live }}
* {{Cite web|title=Dilip Kumar was greatest actor on global scale, says biographer Lord Meghnad Desai {{!}} Entertainment|url=https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/entertainment/1642628-dilip-kumar-was-greatest-actor-on-global-scale-says-biographer-lord-meghnad-desai|access-date=2021-07-13|website=Devdiscourse|language=en|archive-date=13 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713232315/https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/entertainment/1642628-dilip-kumar-was-greatest-actor-on-global-scale-says-biographer-lord-meghnad-desai|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite web|last=Ajaz|first=Mahwash|title=Dilip Kumar was to India subcontinent, what Marlon Brando was to Hollywood: Humayun Saeed|url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/citytimes/bollywood/dilip-kumar-was-to-india-subcontinent-what-marlon-brando-was-to-hollywood-humayun-saeed|access-date=2021-07-26|website=Khaleej Times|language=en|archive-date=26 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726201214/https://www.khaleejtimes.com/citytimes/bollywood/dilip-kumar-was-to-india-subcontinent-what-marlon-brando-was-to-hollywood-humayun-saeed|url-status=live}}</ref> Kumar was a pioneer of [[method acting]], predating Hollywood method actors such as [[Marlon Brando]]. He inspired many great [[Cinema of India|Indian cinema]] actors from contemporaries like [[Balraj Sahni]] to succeeding generations of artists, including [[Rajendra Kumar]], [[Manoj Kumar]], [[Dharmendra]], [[Amitabh Bachchan]], [[Shah Rukh Khan]], [[Kamal Haasan]], [[Mammootty]], [[Aamir Khan]] and [[Naseeruddin Shah]] among others.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Mazumder|first=Ranjib|date=2015-12-11|title=Before Brando, There Was Dilip Kumar|url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/before-brando-there-was-dilip-kumar|access-date=2021-07-26|website=TheQuint|language=en|archive-date=26 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726201214/https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/before-brando-there-was-dilip-kumar|url-status=live}} 
* {{Cite web|last=Hegde|first=Rajul|title='Even actors of today have influences of Dilip Kumar'|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/javed-akhtar-even-actors-of-today-have-influences--of-dilip-kumar/20121111.htm|access-date=2021-07-26|website=Rediff|language=en|archive-date=10 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710060911/https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/javed-akhtar-even-actors-of-today-have-influences--of-dilip-kumar/20121111.htm|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite news|last=Kumar|first=Anuj|date=2021-07-07|title=Dilip Kumar, the pole star of a golden age of Hindi cinema, no more|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/remembering-dilip-kumar-the-pole-star-of-the-golden-age-of-hindi-cinema/article35182969.ece|access-date=2021-07-26|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=7 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707035142/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/remembering-dilip-kumar-the-pole-star-of-the-golden-age-of-hindi-cinema/article35182969.ece|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite web|date=2015-12-11|title='Best actor this country has produced': Kamal Haasan remembers Dilip Kumar on his 93rd birthday|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/best-actor-this-country-has-produced-kamal-haasan-remembers-dilip-kumar-on-his-93th-birthday-2540288.html|access-date=2021-07-26|website=Firstpost|archive-date=11 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711004952/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/best-actor-this-country-has-produced-kamal-haasan-remembers-dilip-kumar-on-his-93th-birthday-2540288.html|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite web |title=Dulquer Salmaan shares why Dilip Kumar was Mammootty's absolute favourite person |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/dulquer-salmaan-shares-why-dilip-kumar-was-mammootty-s-absolute-favourite-person-1824990-2021-07-07 |access-date=2022-11-16 |website=India Today |date=7 July 2021 |language=en}}</ref> Kumar, who pioneered his own form of method acting without any acting school experience,<ref>{{Cite book|last=Kumar|first=Dilip|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=J2UZBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT12|title=Dilip Kumar: The Substance and the Shadow|date=2014-07-28|publisher=Hay House, Inc|isbn=978-93-81398-96-8|language=en|access-date=10 July 2021|archive-date=10 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710060911/https://books.google.com/books?id=J2UZBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT12|url-status=live}}</ref> was described as "''the ultimate method actor''" by renowned filmmaker [[Satyajit Ray]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-02-08|title=The Hindu : Arts / Magazine: Unmatched innings|website=[[The Hindu]]|url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/magazine/article597902.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208164035/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/magazine/article597902.ece|archive-date=2012-02-08|access-date=2021-07-26}}</ref>

A part of the "Trinity – The Golden Trio" (along with [[Raj Kapoor]] and [[Dev Anand]]),<ref>{{cite news |last1=Basu |first1=Nilanjana |title="Legendary Trio" Of Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor And Dev Anand Make A Comeback Via Karisma's Instagram |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/legendary-trio-of-dilip-kumar-raj-kapoor-and-dev-anand-make-a-comeback-via-karismas-instagram-2481479 |access-date=27 August 2021 |work=NDTV |archive-date=17 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217130119/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/legendary-trio-of-dilip-kumar-raj-kapoor-and-dev-anand-make-a-comeback-via-karismas-instagram-2481479 |url-status=live }}</ref> Kumar was popularly referred to as "''Abhinay Samrat''" ([[Hindi]] for "Emperor of Acting") by the audience.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Nayar|first1=Udaytara|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e3FKDwAAQBAJ&dq=%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%AF+%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9F&pg=PA1|title=DILIP KUMAR: WAJOOD AUR PARCHHAIEN|last2=Ranjan|first2=Prabhat|last3=Dhir|first3=Yugank|date=2018-02-01|publisher=Vāṇī Prakāśana|isbn=978-93-86799-68-5|language=hi|access-date=16 November 2021|archive-date=17 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217130117/https://books.google.com/books?id=e3FKDwAAQBAJ&dq=%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%AF+%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9F&pg=PA1|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite book|last=Padhye|first=Anitaa|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TaYEEAAAQBAJ&dq=dilip+kumar+abhinay+samrat+google+book&pg=PA164|title=Ek tha Goldie|date=2020|publisher=Manjul Publishing|isbn=978-93-90085-26-2|language=hi|access-date=16 November 2021|archive-date=17 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217130120/https://books.google.com/books?id=TaYEEAAAQBAJ&dq=dilip+kumar+abhinay+samrat+google+book&pg=PA164|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite web|title=Condolences expressed on the death of Dilip Kumar|url=https://m.punjabkesari.com/article/many-actors-including-amitabh-bachchan-expressed-grief-over-the-death-of-dilip-kumar/422218/amp|url-status=live|website=Punjab Kesari|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210708064111/https://m.punjabkesari.com/article/many-actors-including-amitabh-bachchan-expressed-grief-over-the-death-of-dilip-kumar/422218/amp |archive-date=8 July 2021 }}</ref> He was also dubbed in the media as "''Tragedy King''" because of the acclaimed dramatic roles he took early in his career and is also retrospectively known as "''[[Khans of Bollywood|The First Khan]]''" of Bollywood.<ref name="indianexpress">{{cite web |date=11 December 2016 |title=Happy Birthday Dilip Kumar: As Dilip Kumar turns 94, a look at his titanic reputation as India's finest method actor |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/dilip-kumar-happy-birthday-turns-94-a-look-at-his-journey-india-first-method-actor-4420625/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321214400/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/dilip-kumar-happy-birthday-turns-94-a-look-at-his-journey-india-first-method-actor-4420625/ |archive-date=21 March 2019 |access-date=21 March 2019 |website=Indianexpress.com}}
* {{Cite web |last=Bose |first=Mrityunjay |date=7 July 2021 |title=Dilip Kumar: The undisputed 'Tragedy King' |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/dilip-kumar-the-undisputed-tragedy-king-1005777.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707060424/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/dilip-kumar-the-undisputed-tragedy-king-1005777.html |archive-date=7 July 2021 |access-date=7 July 2021 |website=Deccan Herald}}</ref> Other than these, of recent, he is often referred in the media as "''The Kohinoor of Indian cinema''".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dilip Kumar last rites: The Kohinoor of Indian cinema laid to rest|url=https://www.etvbharat.com/english/national/sitara/cinema/dilip-kumar-last-rites-the-kohinoor-of-indian-cinema-laid-to-rest/na20210707173017208|access-date=2021-10-22|website=ETV Bharat News|date=7 July 2021 |archive-date=22 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022195848/https://www.etvbharat.com/english/national/sitara/cinema/dilip-kumar-last-rites-the-kohinoor-of-indian-cinema-laid-to-rest/na20210707173017208|url-status=live}}</ref> Kumar was the biggest Indian star of the 1950s and 1960s era,<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last1=Desk |first1=Wion Photo |title=Remembering Dilip Kumar: The most iconic films of the megastar of Bollywood - Entertainment News |url=https://www.wionews.com/photos/rise-of-indias-first-super-star-dilip-kumar-from-mughal-e-azam-to-karma-386/amp |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=www.wionews.com}}
*{{Cite web|title=Dilip Kumar: Bollywood legend who narrowed India-Pakistan divide
|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2310492/dilip-kumar-bollywood-legend-who-narrowed-india-pakistan-divide
|access-date=2022-12-06
|website=tribune.com.pk|date=14 July 2021
}}

*See Dilip Kumar section, {{Cite book |last=Patel |first=Bhaichand |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6yQYcxZ8wmsC&q=Dilip+kumar+dominated+the+scene+through+the+50s |title=Bollywood's Top 20: Superstars of Indian Cinema |date=2016-01-15 |publisher=Penguin UK |isbn=978-81-8475-598-5 |language=en}}
*{{Cite book |last=Kumar |first=Dilip |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=J2UZBAAAQBAJ&q=dilip+kumar+biggest+star |title=Dilip Kumar: The Substance and the Shadow |date=2014-07-28 |publisher=Hay House, Inc |isbn=978-93-81398-96-8 |language=en}}
*{{Cite book |last=Bond |first=Ruskin |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CBrpDAAAQBAJ&dq=dilip+kumar+biggest+star+of+the+era&pg=PT106 |title=Whispers in the Dark: A Book of Spooks |date=2016-09-20 |publisher=Penguin UK |isbn=978-93-86057-96-9 |language=en}}</ref> a national icon and the country's highest paid actor during this period.<ref name=":6">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cg1uAAAAMAAJ&q=dilip+kumar+national+icon |title=Data India |date=2004 |publisher=Press Institute of India |pages=119 |language=en}}
*{{Cite web |date=2021-07-07 |title=Five reasons why Dilip Kumar was the 'icon of icons' |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/five-reasons-why-dilip-kumar-was-the-icon-of-icons-1005955.html |access-date=2022-11-16 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}
*{{Cite book |last=Britannica |first=Encyclopedia |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8y8vN9A14nkC&pg=PA137 |title=Encyclopaedia of Hindi Cinema |date=2003 |publisher=Popular Prakashan |isbn=978-81-7991-066-5 |pages=137 |language=en}}
*{{Cite book |last=Menon |first=Nikhil |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RxhdEAAAQBAJ&dq=dilip+kumar+matinee+idol+and+country%27s+highest+paid+actor&pg=PA153 |title=Planning Democracy |date=2022-03-31 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-1-316-51733-8 |pages=153 |language=en}}</ref> His prolific period as a leading artist coincides with what retrospectively came to be known as the "''Golden Age of Hindi cinema''", with him playing a key role in its legacy.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=Anuj |date=2021-07-07 |title=Dilip Kumar, the pole star of a golden age of Hindi cinema, no more |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/remembering-dilip-kumar-the-pole-star-of-the-golden-age-of-hindi-cinema/article35182969.ece |access-date=2022-11-16 |issn=0971-751X}}
* See Foreword section, {{Cite book |last=U |first=Saiam Z. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JSVCCwAAQBAJ&q=golden+age+of+hindi+cinema |title=Houseful The Golden Years of Hindi Cinema |date=2012 |publisher=Om Books International |isbn=978-93-80070-25-4 |language=en}}</ref> Film historian [[Maithili Rao]] states, "He towered like a mountain in the middle of Hindi film history, obscuring his predecessors and dwarfing his contemporaries."<ref>{{Cite book |last=Patel |first=Bhaichand |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6yQYcxZ8wmsC&q=Dilip+kumar+dominated+the+scene+through+the+50s |title=Bollywood's Top 20: Superstars of Indian Cinema |date=2016-01-15 |publisher=Penguin UK |isbn=978-81-8475-598-5 |language=en}}</ref>

He is retrospectively recognised as "''The First Superstar of Indian cinema''".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dilip Kumar Filmography, Movies List, Box Office Collection with HIT or Flop Verdict - Boxofficeindia, Box Office India, Box Office Collection, Bollywood Box Office, Bollywood Box Office |url=https://www.addatoday.com/2020/04/dilip-kumar-filmography-movies-list-box.html?m=1 |access-date=2022-11-17 |website=www.addatoday.com| date=17 April 2020 }}
* {{Cite web |last1=Desk |first1=Wion Photo |title=Remembering Dilip Kumar: The most iconic films of the megastar of Bollywood - Entertainment News |url=https://www.wionews.com/photos/rise-of-indias-first-super-star-dilip-kumar-from-mughal-e-azam-to-karma-386/amp |access-date=2022-11-16 |website=www.wionews.com}}
* {{Cite web |date=2021-07-07 |title=A Look At The Unparalleled Brilliance Of Dilip Kumar, The First Superstar Of Indian Film Industry |url=https://www.scoopwhoop.com/entertainment/dilip-kumar-the-first-superstar-of-indian-cinema-passes-away/ |access-date=2022-11-16 |website=Scoopwhoop |language=en}}
* {{Cite web |title=Dilip Kumar: Bollywood star and 'tragedy king' dies aged 98 |url=https://news.sky.com/story/dilip-kumar-bollywood-star-and-tragedy-king-dies-aged-98-12350601 |access-date=2022-11-16 |website=Sky News |language=en}}
* {{Cite news |date=2021-07-07 |title=Interview {{!}} Dilip Kumar: I don't believe in stardom |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/interview-dilip-kumar-i-dont-believe-in-stardom/article61445343.ece |access-date=2022-11-17 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> He became one of the earliest and most revered stars in the history of Indian cinema having legions of fans across the [[Indian subcontinent|subcontinent]] and among the [[South Asian diaspora]] worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nannar |first=Nina |date=2021-07-07 |title=South Asian diaspora grieve 'tragedy king' Dilip Kumar |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2021-07-07/dilip-kumar-india-and-its-diaspora-grieve-the-tragedy-king |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=ITV News |language=en}}
* {{Cite web |date=2021-07-08 |title=Dilip Kumar: An actor who rose to top by breaking conventions |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/dilip-kumar-an-actor-who-rose-to-top-by-breaking-conventions-1006180.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726201213/https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/dilip-kumar-an-actor-who-rose-to-top-by-breaking-conventions-1006180.html |archive-date=26 July 2021 |access-date=2021-07-26 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}
* {{Cite web |last=Grater |first=Tom |date=2021-07-07 |title=Dilip Kumar Dies: Indian Megastar Was 98; Tributes From Amitabh Bachchan, Narendra Modi & More |url=https://deadline.com/2021/07/dilip-kumar-indian-megastar-98-tributes-amitabh-bachchan-narendra-modi-more-1234787363/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716031543/https://deadline.com/2021/07/dilip-kumar-indian-megastar-98-tributes-amitabh-bachchan-narendra-modi-more-1234787363/ |archive-date=16 July 2021 |access-date=2021-07-26 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}
* {{Cite web |title=Dilip Kumar: People across the subcontinent pay tributes to Bollywood icon |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/7/dilip-kumar-indians-pakistanis-pay-tributes-the-bollywood-icon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726223143/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/7/dilip-kumar-indians-pakistanis-pay-tributes-the-bollywood-icon |archive-date=26 July 2021 |access-date=2021-07-26 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en}}</ref> In 2013, on the occasion of the centenary of Indian cinema, he was declared the "Biggest superstar of all time" by [[Filmfare]] in its poll of the same title.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Poll: Biggest superstar of all time |url=https://www.filmfare.com//features/poll-biggest-superstar-of-all-time-2987.html |access-date=2022-12-10 |website=filmfare.com |language=en}}</ref>

As of 2020, he is by far, the most successful [[Hindi cinema|Bollywood]] star of all time with over 80% box-office successes and numerous gross records.<ref name=":2">"The best box office record for a star(male or female) in Hindi films is held by the legendary Dilip Kumar." {{Cite web |date=2005-06-03 |title=Welcome to your web site |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/ |access-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050603002355/http://boxofficeindia.com/ |archive-date=3 June 2005 }}
*"Based on purely box office record Dilip Kumar stands way ahead as he is by far the best box office record with 80% of his films being successes and nearly 50% outright hits." {{Cite web |date=2006-10-14 |title=BoxOfficeIndia.Com-The complete Hindi film box office site |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/sept2006youaskedit.htm |access-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061014183630/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/sept2006youaskedit.htm |archive-date=14 October 2006 }}
*{{Cite web |title=Top Hit and Success Ratio of Bollywood Actors - All Time List - Boxofficeindia, Box Office India, Box Office Collection, Bollywood Box Office, Bollywood Box Office |url=https://www.addatoday.com/2020/05/top-hit-and-success-ratio-of-bollywood.html?m=1 |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=www.addatoday.com| date=18 May 2020 }}</ref> Kumar appeared in ''[[Box Office India]]''{{'}}s "Top Actors" list nineteen times from 1947 to 1965. He topped the list sixteen times (1948–1963).<ref>{{cite web |title=Top Actors |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=top_actors |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080219165002/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=top_actors |archive-date=19 February 2008 |access-date=24 April 2020 |work=Box Office India}}</ref> Trade analysts have acknowledged that many of his films were commercially successful despite their heavy theme and non-commercial nature because the masses gathered in [[cinemas]] across [[India]] only to see him act, a unique feat as anything such hasn't happened with any other actor. This had been particularly apparent in the late 1940s and early 1950s, a period in which he got the title of "''Tragedy King''" in [[media outlets]].<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=Legend Dilip Kumar Passes Away At 98 - Box Office India |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=6255 |access-date=2022-11-16 |website=www.boxofficeindia.com}}</ref> In the review of the last film of his initial phase, the 1976 musical ''[[Bairaag]]'', [[The Hindu]], remarked, "For more than 25 years Dilip Kumar was the king at the box office. His name was almost a guarantee of success not only at the time of the release of the film but even in re-runs his films made more money than fresh releases of many of his contemporaries."<ref>{{Cite news |date=2015-09-24 |title=Bairaag (1976) |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/bairaag-1976/article7684867.ece |access-date=2022-11-16 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Renowned director, [[Hrishikesh Mukherjee]], called him "a phenomenon at the time", stating all his films had the hype, "he was absolutely a one-man industry".<ref>{{Citation |last=Divi |title=Hrishikesh Mukherjee talks about his first directorial and the craze of Dilip Kumar ( 360 P)( 1) |date=2022-11-17 |url=http://archive.org/details/hrishikesh-mukherjee-talks-about-his-first-directorial-and-craze-of-Dilip-Kumar-360-p-1 |access-date=2022-11-17}} "all this films, you know, there was Devdas; he was absolutely a one-man industry"</ref>

In the second phase of his career, which saw him playing mature roles that were the main leads of his films, often driving them to immense success, ''Box Office India'' notes, "This was the part of his illustrious career which sets him apart from all other actors as no one else has managed to such success as a character artist."<ref name=":8" /> Renowned actor [[Irrfan Khan]], remarked, "Till date, no other actor has had that kind of an impact on people's hearts. The kind of combination he brought along – of an actor and a star – was never seen before him. It started with him, and ended with him. His career, his working style, his personal lifestyle or his choice of films, nothing sets a wrong example. He is a true legend. These days, the word {{'}}''legend''{{'}} is used loosely, but I strongly believe that he is the only one who deserves to be called ''the legend''".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-07-07 |title='Dilip Kumar was an acting institution'; when Anil Kapoor, Irrfan Khan honoured his talents |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/dilip-kumar-was-an-acting-institution-when-anil-kapoor-irrfan-khan-honoured-his-talents-101625628152908.html |access-date=2022-11-16 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>

== Accolades ==
[[File:Rajnath Singh presented the Padma Vibhushan Award to Shri Dilip Kumar, at his residence, in Pali Hill, Mumbai. The Governor of Maharashtra, Shri C. Vidyasagar Rao and the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Kumar being awarded [[Padma Vibhushan]] by [[Rajnath Singh|Home Minister Rajnath Singh]] (right), [[Chief Minister of Maharashtra]] [[Devendra Fadnavis]] (extreme left) and governor [[C. Vidyasagar Rao]] (extreme right) ({{circa|2015}}).]]

Kumar, Raj Kapoor and [[Dev Anand]] together formed "the golden trio" of Indian cinema in the 1950s and 1960s, with the camaraderie between the three contemporary actors, all renowned for their own style.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dilip Kumar (1922-2021): The legend who inspired generations of artists - Entertainment News |url=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-dilip-kumar-1922-2021-the-legend-who-inspired-generations-of-artists-396422/amp |access-date=2022-11-02 |website=www.wionews.com|date=7 July 2021 }}
* {{Cite web |title=Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand: Hindi cinema's golden trio - The Week |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2021/07/07/dilip-kumar-raj-kapoor-dev-anand-hindi-cinema-golden-trio.html |access-date=2022-11-02 |website=www.theweek.in}}</ref> Kumar was the biggest Indian star of this era,<ref name=":5">{{Cite book |last=Bond |first=Ruskin |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CBrpDAAAQBAJ&dq=dilip+kumar+biggest+star+of+the+era&pg=PT106 |title=Whispers in the Dark: A Book of Spooks |date=2016-09-20 |publisher=Penguin UK |isbn=978-93-86057-96-9 |language=en}}
*{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Shabir |title=How Bollywood legend Dilip Kumar became India's biggest star |url=https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/bollywood/how-bollywood-legend-dilip-kumar-became-indias-biggest-star-1.75765994 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016001419/https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/bollywood/how-bollywood-legend-dilip-kumar-became-indias-biggest-star-1.75765994 |archive-date=16 October 2021 |access-date=2021-10-15 |website=Gulf News |date=9 December 2020 |language=en}}
*{{Cite web |last=An |first=Gautam |date=2019-01-03 |title=Here's the Full List of Best and Greatest Bollywood Actors of All Time |url=https://thecinemaholic.com/best-greatest-bollywood-actors-of-all-time/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016001422/https://thecinemaholic.com/best-greatest-bollywood-actors-of-all-time/ |archive-date=16 October 2021 |access-date=2021-10-15 |website=The Cinemaholic |language=en-US}}</ref> a national icon, holding the status of a  [[matinée idol]]. He was the country's highest-paid actor during this period.<ref name=":6" />

From the independence of India in 1947 to the late 2010s, Kumar held the record of performing in the highest number of highest-grossing films of the year (9 films), until his record was broken by [[Salman Khan]], who performed in 10 such films. However, as per new reports from [[Box Office India]], highest grossing Indian film in 1991 was Kumar's [[Saudagar (1991 film)|''Saudagar'']] (1991) instead of Khan's ''[[Saajan]]'' (1991), thus perhaps re-establishing his record.<ref>{{cite news |last=Thombare |first=Suparna |date=23 July 2019 |title=Which is the Highest Grossing Indian Film of All Time? |website=TheQuint |url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/bollywood/ten-highest-grossing-bollywood-films-of-all-time-inflation |url-status=live |access-date=4 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604190505/https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/bollywood/ten-highest-grossing-bollywood-films-of-all-time-inflation |archive-date=4 June 2021}}

* {{Cite web |title=The Top Actor Of 2020 - Box Office India |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=6153 |access-date=2022-11-02 |website=boxofficeindia.com}}</ref>

He is the only actor in India to have delivered at least one bonafide "hit" at the box office for 15 years straight, from 1947 to 1961.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-07 |title=Dilip Kumar death anniversary: The legend held THIS box office records for 15 years; beat SRK, Salman |url=https://www.bollywoodlife.com/box-office/dilip-kumar-death-anniversary-the-legend-holds-this-box-office-records-for-15-years-beats-shah-rukh-khan-salman-khan-and-more-entertainment-news-2121265/ |access-date=2022-11-17 |website=Bollywood Life |language=en}}</ref> He also did not give a single flop in a period of 15 years from 1952 to 1965.<ref name=":4" /> According to many sources, he is the only Indian actor to have more than one film (3 or 4) among the top 10 [[List of highest-grossing films in India|highest-grossing films of Indian cinema]] when adjusted for ticket-price inflation. These films are {{Lang|hi-latn|[[Naya Daur (1957 film)|Naya Daur]]}} (1957), ''[[Mughal-e-Azam]]'' (1960), ''[[Gunga Jumna]]'' (1961), and ''[[Kranti]]'' (1981).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thombare |first=Suparna |date=2019-07-23 |title=Which is the Highest Grossing Indian Film of All Time? |url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/bollywood/ten-highest-grossing-bollywood-films-of-all-time-inflation |access-date=2022-12-06 |website=TheQuint |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Srivastava |first=Himani |date=2018-03-09 |title=Highest Grossing Films of Indian Cinema, Ever |url=https://www.indianfilminstitute.org/post/2018/02/21/highest-grossing-films-in-india-inflation-adjusted |access-date=2022-12-06 |website=IndianFilmInstitute |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rewind - Forty Years Of Historic Blockbuster KRANTI - Box Office India |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=6155 |access-date=2022-12-06 |website=boxofficeindia.com}}</ref>

Over his career, Kumar received eight [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Filmfare Awards for Best Actor]] (with 19 total nominations), the most of any actor (and was also its inaugural recipient),<ref>{{cite web|title=Most best actor Filmfare awards|url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/most-best-actor-filmfare-awards|access-date=7 July 2021|website=Guinness World Records|archive-date=7 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707033932/https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/most-best-actor-filmfare-awards/|url-status=live}}</ref> and a [[Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award]] (1993).<ref>{{cite news|date=27 February 2007|title=Things that u don't know about Filmfare Awards...(Part IV)|newspaper=Sify Movies|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/things-that-u-don-t-know-about-filmfare-awards-part-iv-news-bollywood-kkfv7Sahcih.html|access-date=14 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110218150651/http://www.sify.com/movies/things-that-u-don-t-know-about-filmfare-awards-part-iv-news-bollywood-kkfv7Sahcih.html|archive-date=18 February 2011}}</ref>  He holds the record for most consecutive [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor#Superlatives|Filmfare award for Best Actor]] wins. He also received a Special Recognition Filmfare Award at the [[50th Filmfare Awards]] for being one of the first recipients of Filmfare Awards along with [[Lata Mangeshkar]] and [[Naushad|Naushad Ali]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name="Lifetime">{{cite news|title=Lifetime Achievement (Popular)|publisher=Filmfare Awards|url=http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/articleshow?artid=33782146|access-date=14 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080212082935/http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/articleshow?artid=33782146|archive-date=12 February 2008}}</ref> and a cine icon for his enduring legacy at the 70th Filmfare Awards along with [[Bimal Roy]], [[Nutan (actress)|Nutan]] and [[Meena Kumari]].<ref name="CineIcon">{{cite news|title=CineIcon|publisher=Filmfare Awards|url=https://x.com/filmfare/status/1977057382824870130|access-date=11 October 2025}}</ref>

Kumar was appointed [[Sheriff of Mumbai]] (an honorary position) in 1980.<ref>{{cite web|date=30 November 1979|title=Film star Dilip Kumar appointed Sheriff of Bombay by Maharashtra Governor Sadiq Ali|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/signposts/story/19791130-film-star-dilip-kumar-appointed-sheriff-of-bombay-by-maharashtra-governor-sadiq-ali-822398-2014-02-22|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011133914/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/signposts/story/19791130-film-star-dilip-kumar-appointed-sheriff-of-bombay-by-maharashtra-governor-sadiq-ali-822398-2014-02-22|archive-date=11 October 2020|access-date=2 March 2021|website=India Today}}</ref> The [[Government of India]] honoured Kumar with the [[Padma Bhushan]] in 1991, the [[Dadasaheb Phalke Award]] in 1994 and the [[Padma Vibhushan]] in 2015.<ref>{{cite news|title=Padma Awards 2015|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=114952|access-date=26 January 2015|agency=Press Information Bureau, Government of India|date=25 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128022143/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=114952|archive-date=28 January 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Government of Andhra Pradesh]] honoured Kumar with [[NTR National Award]] in 1997. He was honoured with [[CNN-IBN]]'s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|date=3 February 2009|title=IOTY 2008: ISRO boss, team Chandrayaan|work=IBNLive |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/ioty-2008-isro-boss-team-chandrayaan/84310-19.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102111126/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/ioty-2008-isro-boss-team-chandrayaan/84310-19.html|archive-date=2 January 2014|access-date=16 September 2013|publisher=CNN IBN}}</ref> The Government of Madhya Pradesh honoured Kumar with Rashtriya Kishore Kumar Samman in 2015.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2015/oct/16/dilip-kumar-sai-paranjpye-to-be-honored-with-kishore-kumar-award-830243.html |date=16 October 2015 |title=Dilip Kumar, Sai Paranjpye to be honoured with National Kishore Kumar Award |newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210211127/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2015/oct/16/Dilip-Kumar-Sai-Paranjpye-to-Be-Honored-With-Kishore-Kumar-Award-830243.html |archive-date=10 December 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Government of Pakistan]] conferred Kumar with the [[Nishan-e-Imtiaz]], the highest civilian award in [[Pakistan]], in 1998.<ref name="Dilip Kumar, Nishan-e-Imtiaz1">{{cite web|work=The Indian Express|first1=Meghnad|last1=Desai|date=17 September 2014|title=Dilip Kumar's autobiography reveals his journey from Peshawar to Bombay|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/books/book-review-the-actor-among-stars/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328051144/http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/books/book-review-the-actor-among-stars/|archive-date=28 March 2017|access-date=28 March 2017|page=1}}</ref><ref name="Dilip Kumar, Nishan-e-Imtiaz2">{{cite news|location=India|year=2014|title=Indian media: Dilip Kumar's Pakistan home a heritage site|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-28289542|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328051932/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-28289542|archive-date=28 March 2017|access-date=28 March 2017|pages=1}}</ref> The ruling political party of [[Shiv Sena (1966–2022)|Shiv Sena]] in [[Maharashtra]], [[India]], had objected to this award and questioned Kumar's patriotism. However, in 1999, in consultation with the then [[Prime Minister of India]] [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]], Kumar retained the award. Vajpayee declared, "There is no doubt about film star Dilip Kumar's patriotism and commitment to the nation."<ref>{{cite web |date=11 July 1999 |title=Dilip Kumar decides to retain Nishan-e-Imtiaz |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/1999/jul/11dilip.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328173830/http://www.rediff.com/news/1999/jul/11dilip.htm |archive-date=28 March 2014 |access-date=16 September 2013 |work=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> Kumar later said in his autobiography that returning it "could have only soured relations further and produced bad vibes between India and Pakistan."<ref name=":9" /> Many believe this incident prolonged his wait for [[Bharat Ratna]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=Anuj |date=2021-07-07 |title=Dilip Kumar, the pole star of a golden age of Hindi cinema, no more |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/remembering-dilip-kumar-the-pole-star-of-the-golden-age-of-hindi-cinema/article35182969.ece |access-date=2022-11-19 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

The [[House of Dilip Kumar]] in [[Peshawar]], [[Pakistan]], was declared a national heritage monument in 2014 by the then [[Pakistani Prime Minister]] [[Nawaz Sharif]].<ref>{{Cite web|agency=PTI|date=14 July 2014|title=Dilip Kumar's ancestral home in Pakistan declared national heritage|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/archive/dilip-kumars-ancestral-home-in-pakistan-declared-national-heritage/1269577/|access-date=12 July 2021|website=The Financial Express|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712162835/https://www.financialexpress.com/archive/dilip-kumars-ancestral-home-in-pakistan-declared-national-heritage/1269577/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Kumar was voted the "Greatest Indian Actor of All Time" in a [[Rediff.com|Rediff]] Readers poll in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sen|first=Raja|date=June 27, 2011|title=Readers Choice: The Greatest Indian actors of all time|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-readers-choice-the-finest-indian-actors-of-all-time/20110627.htm|access-date=2021-07-26|website=Rediff|location=Mumbai|language=en|archive-date=14 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614040357/https://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-readers-choice-the-finest-indian-actors-of-all-time/20110627.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> He holds the [[Guinness World Records|Guinness World Record]] for having received the most awards by an Indian actor.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-07-07|title=Obituary: Dilip Kumar|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-24140485|access-date=2021-07-26|archive-date=26 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726063733/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-24140485|url-status=live}}</ref> He was honoured by the ''World Book of Records'' on his 97th birthday for his "matchless contribution to Indian cinema and promoting social causes".<ref>{{Cite web|date=December 14, 2019|title=Dilip Kumar honoured by World Book of Records, wife Saira Banu receives certificate on his behalf|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/dilip-kumar-honoured-by-world-book-of-records-wife-saira-banu-receives-certificate-on-his-behalf-1628203-2019-12-14|access-date=2021-07-26|website=India Today|location=Mumbai|language=en|agency=Indo-Asian News Service|archive-date=26 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726201213/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/dilip-kumar-honoured-by-world-book-of-records-wife-saira-banu-receives-certificate-on-his-behalf-1628203-2019-12-14|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{clear}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{IMDb name}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes}}
* {{BH person}}

{{Navboxes
| title = Awards by Dilip Kumar
| list =
{{Dadasaheb Phalke Award}}
{{IFFI - Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award}}
{{NTR National Award}}
{{Padma Vibhushan Awards}}
{{PadmaBhushanAwardRecipients 1990–99}}
{{FilmfareBestActorAward}}
{{FilmfareLifetimeAchievementAward}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
{{portalbar|Biography|Film|India}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kumar, Dilip}}
[[Category:1922 births]]
[[Category:2021 deaths]]
[[Category:Indian male film actors]]
[[Category:Film directors from Mumbai]]
[[Category:Film producers from Mumbai]]
[[Category:Indian male voice actors]]
[[Category:Recipients of Nishan-e-Imtiaz]]
[[Category:Hindi-language film directors]]
[[Category:Male actors in Hindi cinema]]
[[Category:Sheriffs of Mumbai]]
[[Category:Rajya Sabha members from Maharashtra|Kumar Dilip]]
[[Category:Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipients]]
[[Category:Indian actor-politicians]]
[[Category:Male actors from Mumbai]]
[[Category:People from Peshawar]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Vibhushan in arts]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Bhushan in arts]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards winners]]
[[Category:Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award winners]]
[[Category:Method actors]]
[[Category:People from British India]]
[[Category:Dilip Kumar| ]]