Highlights
- Hindi cinema actor Dilip Kumar passes away at 98 after a prolonged illness in Mumbai
- Mr Kumar featured in over 65 films, considered among the greatest actors of India
- Indian-Australians mourn Dilip Kumar’s death, recall their meetings with him
Veteran actor Dilip Kumar who gave Indian cinema its gems like Mughal-e-Azam, Naya Daur, Devdas, Andaz, Karma, Jwar Bhata, Qila and Shakti, passed away in Mumbai after a prolonged illness on 7 July, aged 98. He was admitted to Hinduja Hospital last week after complaining of breathlessness.
Known for his method acting in Hindi cinema, Mr Kumar was considered to be the last of the Bollywood’s golden troika comprising Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand.
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Having featured in over 65 films, he was honoured with India’s highest and second-highest civilian honours, Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan. He is also the only Indian actor to be conferred one of Pakistan’s highest civilian honours, Nishan-e-Imtiaz.
Apart from several other film awards, Mr Kumar also won the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest award in the field of cinema, conferred by the government.
Sydney-based film maker Anupam Sharma told SBS Hindi that Mr Kumar was a “one-man acting institution”, an inspiration and a true legend.
Anupam Sharma with actor Dilip Kumar Source: Supplied by ICIC
Recalling his meeting with the actor, Mr Sharma said, “I still clearly remember how I froze when I met him. Mesmerised by his hypnotic voice and gaze, I pinched myself standing next to him and talking films”.
Listen about Mr Sharma's meeting in this podcast- SBS Hindi tribute by Anita Barar:-
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बेमिसाल दिलीप कुमार
SBS Hindi
08/07/202110:26
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“The Indian film industry will never be the same. Thankfully, the legacy of his talent and films will educate and inspire generations to come while reminding us why there is only one Dilip Kumar,” he added.
Director of Indian Film Festival of Melbourne Mitu Bhowmick described it as “a huge loss to Hindi cinema”.
“It is the end of an era for the film industry. A legend and one of India's most-loved and admired actors of all times is no more,” she told SBS Hindi.
Guruswamy Perumal, a Melbourne- based photographer, echoed the same sentiments and remembered the actor as "a true legend".
Bollywood actor Dilip Kumar's wife Saira Bano kissing him at Dadasaheb Phalke award function held in 1994. Source: Supplied by Guruswamy Perumal
Mr Perumal recalled his encounter with Mr Kumar in 1994 at New Delhi when he had gone to cover the Dadasaheb Phalke Award function as a press photographer, where the actor was conferred with the prestigious award.
“I had clicked several pictures of him with his wife Saria Banu when he was receiving the award. It’s sad to know he is no more,” Mr Perumal, an ardent fan of Mr Kumar, told SBS Hindi.
Stating that the actor will be sorely missed, former Labor senator Lisa Singh told SBS Hindi how her father remembered Mr Kumar as the “Charlton Heston of Indian cinema”.
