Legendary Indian actor Dilip Kumar turned 98 yesterday. Though messages poured in from well wishers and friends across the globe, the tragedy king had a quiet birthday in the company of his wife, who in a press statement said, “ Having lost both his younger brothers few months ago due to Covid 19, we have decided not to celebrate his birthday.” She however thanked the Lord for the gift of life and health.
It was interesting watch the progress of Dilip Kumar as a lead hero in Hindi films, right from the time of his debut in 1944 as a 22 year old youngster till 1976 when he appeared in ‘Bairaag’ at the age of 54. He was popularly known as ‘Tragedy King’ for the kind of roles he portrayed through many of his films filled with tragedy. After 1976 he took a break for few years and made his comeback as a character actor through multi starrer ‘Kranti’ in 1981. And his well wishers accepted him in this new avatar through variety of roles for the next 17 years, till he appeared in ‘Qila’ in 1998. ‘Saudagar’ released in 1991 had presented him opposite another legendary actor Raaj Kumar after 32 years. This Subhash Ghai film had presented the clash of two titans with forceful dialogues. After 1998 , Dilip Kumar switched over to his social commitments, besides his involvement as a Rajya Sabha member from year 2000- to 2006.
It was my privilege to interact with this legendary person on 16th March 2002. Once again my Event Management Course which I pursued around that period, offered me this opportunity. Having also studied my Journalism, I was looking after the Media management work at this event, which enabled me to interact with many prominent people connected with media and entertainment. On the first day, it was Ms. Sushma Swaraj, who was then Minister for Information and Broadcasting, who was invited as chief guest for the inaugural session. On the second day evening I interacted with Mr. Dilip Kumar who was smartly dressed for the occasion and impressed all those present with his short and sweet speech. To share this award with him was Lata Mangeshkar, whom he addressed as his younger sister. Both were honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement awards by the newly appointed President of Entertainment Committee of FICCI- Mr. Yash Chopra with Ms. Sushma Swaraj also there to greet them. Capturing these four legends together in my mini Olympus camera was another memorable moment.
Wishing legendary Dilip Kumar ji happiness and good health.