In 1940, he went to Pune and opened a dry fruit supply shop and a canteen, displaying his entrepreneurial skills.
Despite his origins in Peshawar, after the partition of India in 1947, his family decided to remain in Bombay (now Mumbai), demonstrating their resilience during difficult times.
In an interview, he revealed that he adopted the stage name “Dilip Kumar” based on a suggestion from Devika Rani, one of the producers of “Jwar Bhata.” He explained that he made this decision out of fear of his father, who disapproved of his acting career due to the negative reputation of the film industry at the time.
Despite two more unsuccessful attempts, his fourth film, “Jugnu,” in 1947, starring alongside Noor Jehan, became his breakthrough hit, garnering attention at the box office.
Following this success, his next major hits were the 1948 films “Shaheed” and “Mela.”
“Jugnu” and “Shaheed” emerged as the highest-grossing Hindi films of their respective release years.
The 1950s marked his most successful and prolific decade, featuring him in leading roles in numerous box office hits. He played pivotal characters in acclaimed films such as “Jogan” (1950), “Babul” (1950), “Deedar” (1951), “Tarana” (1951), “Daag” (1952), “Aan” (1952), “Uran Khatola” (1955), “Insaniyat” (1955), “Devdas” (1955), “Naya Daur” (1957), “Yahudi” (1958), “Madhumati” (1958), and “Paigham” (1959).
He formed popular on-screen pairings with leading actresses of the time, including Vyjayanthimala, Madhubala, Nargis, Nimmi, Meena Kumari, and Kamini Kaushal.
Alongside fellow contemporaries Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand, he dominated the 1950s, considered a golden era of Hindi cinema. Though the trio never appeared together in a single film.
In the 1960 iconic film “Mughal-E-Azam,” he shines as Prince Salim, portraying the conflicted prince torn between love and duty with depth and emotion. His performance, alongside Madhubala, a court dancer named Anarkali in a movie, whom he falls in love with, captivated audiences and earned critical acclaim.
The movie garnered the National Film Award for “Best Feature Film” and the Filmfare Award for “Best Film.”
After a three-year hiatus, Kumar’s “Leader” (1964) met average success, followed by “Dil Diya Dard Liya” (1966), his first box office failure in years. Despite this, he found acclaim in “Ram Aur Shyam” (1967) but faced mixed results with subsequent releases like “Aadmi” (1968) and “Sunghursh.”
Iconic bollywood actors Saira Banu and Dilip Kumar tied the knot on October 11, 1966, marking the culmination of a remarkable love story. Despite the notable age gap, Saira Banu was 12 and he was 44 when they got married. Their bond grew stronger over time, the couple did not have children.
In 1981, Dilip Kumar made a remarkable comeback, transforming into elderly character roles, notably in the historical epic “Kranti,” which emerged as the year’s biggest hit. Portraying the titular revolutionary, it led an ensemble cast in India’s fight for independence, setting a new trajectory for his career.
In the 1982 film “Vidhaata,” Dilip Kumar shines as Shamsher Singh, a man of integrity navigating love, betrayal, and redemption amidst political turmoil, delivering a compelling performance in Subhash Ghai’s directorial venture.
With its captivating storyline and powerful portrayal, the movie emerges as a poignant exploration of familial bonds and societal values.
In the 1990 action thriller “Izzatdaar,” Dilip Kumar shared the screen with Govinda, showcasing his versatility alongside the rising star.
Transitioning into the next year, he reunited with fellow veteran Raaj Kumar in “Saudagar,” marking his third collaboration with director Subhash Ghai. This film proved to be his last box office success, signifying the celebrated culmination of his illustrious career.
In 1991, producer Sudhakar Bokade announced “Kalinga,” purportedly marking Dilip Kumar’s directorial debut. With a star-studded cast including Raj Babbar, Raj Kiran, and Meenakshi Seshadri, the film was eagerly anticipated. However, plagued by delays, “Kalinga” was ultimately shelved in 1996 despite 70% filming completion, leaving his directorial aspirations unfulfilled.
In 1998, Dilip Kumar bid farewell to the silver screen with “Qila,” a box office disappointment where he portrayed dual roles. Playing an evil landowner and his twin brother seeking justice, he delivered a memorable performance in his final film appearance, marking the end of a legendary career in Indian cinema.
In 1998, he was conferred with the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s highest civilian award, by the Government of Pakistan. This prestigious honor recognized his significant contributions to the arts and culture, cementing his status as an icon not only in India but also across the border.
Alongside his cinematic pursuits, he served as a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2000 to 2006, representing Maharashtra and utilizing his MPLADS (Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme) fund for public infrastructure projects, including the Bandstand Promenade and gardens at Bandra Fort in Mumbai.
He possessed diverse talents and interests, was fluent in numerous languages, and was passionate about music and cricket. Beyond his linguistic prowess, he showcased his love for cricket by leading a team in a charity match against Raj Kapoor, reflecting his multifaceted persona.
In a Rediff Readers poll conducted in 2011, Dilip Kumar was voted as the “Greatest Indian Actor of All Time,” a testament to his enduring legacy and unparalleled impact on Indian cinema.
This recognition highlights his widespread popularity and the timeless appeal of his performances.
He achieved unparalleled success in bollywood, receiving eight Filmfare Awards for “Best Actor,” the most by any actor, along with a prestigious Filmfare “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 1993. He holds the record for the most consecutive wins in the “Best Actor” category.
Additionally, he was honored with Special Recognition at the 50th Filmfare Award for his pioneering contributions to Indian cinema alongside legends like Lata Mangeshkar and Naushad Ali.
On his 97th birthday, he was honored by the World Book of Records for his “matchless contribution to Indian cinema and promoting social causes.”
This recognition celebrates his remarkable achievements and his efforts to use his influence for the betterment of society, further solidifying his status as a beloved figure in Indian cinema.
He holds a prestigious “Guinness World Record” for receiving the most awards by an Indian actor, a remarkable achievement that underscores his unparalleled talent and the universal acclaim he garnered throughout his illustrious career. This record is a testament to his unmatched contributions to the Indian film industry.
The legendary actor passed away at Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, on July 7, 2021, at the age of 98, after battling a prolonged illness including pleural effusion.
The Government of Maharashtra granted him a burial with state honors at the Juhu Muslim Cemetery, adhering to COVID-19 restrictions.