Let’s take a look at some masterpieces he's created in his career.
It would be wrong to say that a legendary actor’s life has been the one that dreams and film scripts are made of. A former fruit merchant, born as Yusuf Khan in Peshawar in 1922, turned out to be India’s greatest actor. It was Devika Rani who spotted him in Pune and offered him his debut film Jwar Bhata (1944), and there was no looking back. He went on to win 8 Filmfare Awards for Best Actor apart from a Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award given in 1994.
So let’s take a look at some of his memorable performances in Bollywood:
Jwar Bhata (1944)
Director Amiya Chakraborty’s melodrama didn’t do too well but being Dilip Kumar’s debut film; it made the good looking actor get noticed by everyone alike. Ashok Kumar, the reigning superstar of those times, finally had a competition. Nonetheless, no one could forget him again.
Andaz (1949)
The blockbuster multi-starrer, starring Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor along with Nargis, showcased a love triangle. Dilip Kumar’s tragedian onslaughts continued with this film, and he mastered it in projects to come.
Jogan (1950)
Dilip Kumar’s mannerisms, his hairstyle, and dialogue delivery in this film will certainly remind you of the Shah Rukh Khan of the 90s. While Nargis was seen as a jogan, Dilip Kumar played an atheist who lives for the moment. However, much to everyone’s surprise, this film had no happy ending.
Deedar (1951)
Raising his act as the king of tragedy, Dilip was seen as a blind singer who is cured by Ashok, a doctor. However, both of them love the same girl (Nargis), and when his love remains unrequited, he blinds himself in his grief.
Aan (1953)
Director Mehboob Khan’s film, made in colour, managed to woo the Western audience as well. One of the costliest films of those times, it saw Dilip Kumar as an alpha male, who rode horses and outwitted the villains. His popularity went on to be unmatched after Aan.
Devdas (1955)
How can you forget Bimal Roy’s direction and Dilip Kumar’s act in Devdas? The actor played a man who becomes a drunkard after an unrequited love with eloquence. He apparently got under the skin of the character, and it was palpable.
Mughal-E-Azam (1960)
Directed by K Asif, Mughal-e-Azam still remains Bollywood’s grandest epic starring Madhubala, Dilip Kumar and Prithviraj Kapoor. Dilip Kumar, playing the prince, spoke through his eyes and his brooding act is still remembered after so many years.