In the aftermath of a lengthy illness, legendary actor, philanthropist, and politician Dilip Kumar died at the age of 98 on 7th July, 2021. While the renowned actor has appeared in more than 65 films during his five-decade career, here is a look back at the movies that will go down in cinema history as his most memorable work. Take a read!
Devdas: Based on an award-winning novel by Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay, this saga of love and romance has been regarded as one of the best works of the superstar. A star-studded cast led by Dilip Kumar portrayed the role of a die-hard lover whose love and alcoholism lead him down a road of destruction.
Babul: The dramatic song-and-dance musical was the second highest-grossing film of the 1950s and portrayed a tragic love triangle between his character and the late Nargis. The film, which featured Dilip Kumar in the role of a postmaster from a rich family, was directed by SU Sunny.
Daag: In its main category, Dilip Kumar won his first Filmfare Award in the main category for his performance in “Daag”, produced and directed by Amiya Chakravarty. During the film, Shankar undergoes a drastic life change going from a poor, alcoholic man to a wealthy man who is again headed towards self-destruction after his love’s family decided to marry her elsewhere. Nonetheless, the film ends on a positive note with Shankar marrying his love interest and quitting drinking.
Mughal-e-Azam: The tragic love story of Mughal prince Salim and court dancer Anarkali was the breakthrough film from the legendary actor. Awarded several accolades including the National Film Award in 1961 for Best Feature Film in Hindi for his portrayal of a spoiled, self-indulgent, and madly in love prince.
Deedar: One of the most notable tragedies in early Indian cinema, as it is about Dilip Kumar’s character and his unfulfilled love, which can only be expressed through class disparities. A popular film of the golden age with Kumar as the ‘King of tragedies’, the movie also stars Nargis and Nimmi in lead roles.
Naya Daur (1957): Written and directed by BR Chopra, this story of two best friends falling in love with the same woman (Vyjayanthimala) received a renewed lease of life thanks to the well-matched performance of the talented lead actors. Dilip Kumar sells it with his incredible on-screen charisma, even though the story may be as old as the hills. He received his third filmfare award for best actor after this film.
Madhumati (1958): One of the first reincarnation dramas in Hindi cinema, Dilip Kumar’s National Award-winning film makes for a memorable experience. The central storyline of this film follows the love story of a young boy named Anand (Kumar) and a young Indian tribal girl named Madhumati, played well by Vyjayanthimala. Among the top grosser in 1958, it had a gothic-noir feel.
Ram Aur Shyam (1967): Dilip Kumar plays both the dominant and supporting roles in the tale of twins who were separated at birth and who grow up in different worlds. A variety of movies were influenced by this film, including Waheeda Rehman and Mumtaz’s ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’ in 1972 and late actress Sridevi’s 1990 blockbuster “Chaal Baaz.”
Shakti (1982): When it comes to seeing two thespians on screen together for the first time, ‘Shakti’ is the perfect film for you. Ramesh Sippy directs and Salim Javed writes the movie, which depicts the struggles of a father and son who never agree on anything. In addition to Dilip Kumar’s overzealous and stoic portrayal of a police officer, Amitabh Bachchan – who plays his troubled son Vijay – performs well in his scenes as well. Actors Dilip Kumar and Amitabha Bachchan were supremely talented in this legendary film.
Ganga Jamuna: There is plenty of sibling rivalry in the rural drama Ganga Jamuna (1961), set in Awadh in Northern India and featuring two impoverished brothers (Dilip Kumar and Nasir Khan). A police officer plays the other role against Dilip Kumar’s desperate dacoit criminal character. This moving folk film is best known for its conflict between two brothers.
