Mumbai: Born Mohammad Yusuf Sarwar Khan, Dilip Kumar made his acting debut at the age of 22 in 'Jwar Bhata' and allegedly never had any inclination to join films. Although he hasn't done a film since 'Qila', which released over a decade ago, the recipient of numerous awards and honours continues to be one of the most prized luminaries of Hindi cinema. On his 92nd birthday, a host of Bollywood icons, including megastar Amitabh Bachchan and songstress Lata Mangeshkar, as well as his wife Saira Banu went down memory lane to pick their favourite among the veteran actor's popular filmography.
Lata Mangeshkar: “He is my all-time favourite hero, maybe because he’s my Bade Bhaiyya and and I’ve been his Choti Bahen for years now. I love all his films. But 'Mughal-e-Azam' and 'Ganga Jumna' are my favourites.
Still from Mughal-e-Azam
Naseeruddin Shah: “My favourite Dilip Kumar film is 'Mughal-e-Azam'. It is certainly one of the greatest films made in India. Except for the wig which marred his look, his performance is exceptional for its understated intensity and dignity. His performance in 'Amar' is another favourite.”
Still from Shakti
Raakhee Gulzar: “I had the privilege of working with him in 'Shakti'. There is so much to learn from him. All his performances are masterclasses. But if you insist I pick favourites it would have to be 'Ganga Jumna' and 'Sagina'."
Still from Sagina
Javed Akhtar: "Dilip Kumar is to Indian film acting what Panini is to Sanskrit, Newton is to Science and Ghalib is to poetry. My favourite Dilip Kumar film? Tough to choose one. I like him equally in 'Ganga-Jumna', 'Madhumati' and 'Devdas'.
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Asha Parekh: “It’s very difficult to pick one favourite. He was so good in all. But I’d say 'Ganga Jumna' . He carried off the rustic look so effectively.”
Still from Devdas
Subhash Ghai: “I had the privilege, honour and pleasure of directing India’s greatest actor in three films. It’s hard to pick my favorites. But it would have to be 'Devdas', 'Ganga Jumna' and 'Mughal-e-Azam'.”
