Dilip Kumar 100th Birth Anniversary: 'Aan' To 'Mughal-E-Azam', A Look At The Legend’s Impeccable Aura

December 11, 2022 marks the 100th birth anniversary of the legendary actor, Dilip Kumar, who continues to rule hearts as the 'First Khan' and the 'Tragedy King' of Bollywood.

New Delhi: Mohammad Yusuf Khan, popularly known by his screen name Dilip Kumar, needs no introduction. The thespian, who carved a niche for himself as a method actor, was an institution in himself. December 11, 2022 marks the 100th birth anniversary of the legendary actor, who continues to rule hearts as the 'First Khan' and the 'Tragedy King' of Bollywood.

As much as Dilip Saab, as he was fondly called by his industry folks, is famous for being the pioneer of method acting in Hindi cinema, he is equally revered for his iconic aura that he carried in his personal life.

Dilip Kumar made his acting debut with 'Jwar Bhata' in 1944. But recognition came to the actor three films later, with 'Jugnu' in 1947, in which he starred alongside Noor Jehan. His next major hits were 'Shaheed' and 'Mela'. Both 'Jugnu' and 'Shaheed' became the highest grossing films of the year in which they were released.

The breakthrough in Dilip Kumar's career came with 'Andaaz', in which he starred alongside his childhood friend Raj Kapoor and Nargis. It went on to become the highest-grossing Indian film ever, until its record got broken by another masterpiece of Raj Kapoor, 'Barsaat'.

Dilip Kumar reigned the Hindi film industry in the 1950s with his exemplary performances, proving his acting prowess and making a mark for himself in the industry. He played the protagonist in several blockbuster hits including 'Jogan', 'Babul', 'Deedar', 'Tarana', 'Naya Daur' and 'Madhumati' among others. His one of the most iconic performances in and as 'Devdas' also released in the 1950s.

His portrayal as a grief-stricken tragic hero in most of his films during the early phase of his career established him as the 'Tragedy King'. The contant portrayal of a tragic hero also took a toll on the actor's life who was later advised by his psychiatrist to take up light-hearted roles as well, in order to strike a balance. Taking a break from his image as the 'Tragedy King', Dilip Saab went on to star in 'Aan', 'Azaad' and 'Kohinoor' among others, all of which turned out to be blockbusters.

In 1960, Dilip Kumar broke all records with his portrayal of Prince Salim in K Asif's epic historical drama 'Mughal-e-Azam'. It maintained its position as the highest grossing film ever, till 1975 when the record got broken by 'Sholay'.

Dilip Kumar was the first actor to win the Filmfare Award in the Best Actor category for his film 'Daag', thereafter going on to win the title for another seven times.

If one sits down to write about the exceptional artist and an equally exceptional human-being, Dilip Kumar, it would take a long time. The legendary actor gave not just Hindi film industry but world cinema, some of its most iconic films. His notable works are worth a mention whenever one wishes to talk about the rich legacy of the Hindi film industry.

Dilip Kumar breathed his last in July, 2021, succumbing to prolonged illness. But his legacy continues to live with the audience and cinema lovers through his iconic performances.