EXPLAINED: Know Why Legendary Actor Dilip Kumar Was Accorded State Funeral

Bollywood actor Dilip Kumar’s burial was held at Juhu Qabrastan in Santacruz where he was given a gun salute, following which the police band paid their tribute to the actor.

Mumbai: Legendary actor Dilip Kumar who was just short of completing a century passed away early morning on Wednesday after being admitted at the Hinduja hospital.  As per the state funeral protocols, the actor's body was draped with the tricolor at his Pali Hill residence, before being taken to the burial ground.

The funeral of the Bollywood icon took place with full state honours in Mumbai after Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray declared a state funeral.

Kumar’s burial was held at Juhu Qabrastan in Santacruz where he was given a gun salute, following which the police band paid their tribute to the actor. Kumar's wife Saira Banu Khan thanked Prime Minister Narendara Modi and Maharasthra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray for according Dilip Sahib burial with state funeral protocols.

It is the prerogative of the central and state government to order a state funeral for any other dignitary or individual.That's why many personalities like celebrities like Sridevi were also accorded a state funeral.

Earlier, a ‘state mourning’ was reserved only for the President, Prime Minister and former Presidents. Later Governors were added to the list. Over the years, rules have been relaxed on several occasions to include some personalities who have done stellar work in their respective fields. According to the protocols, the main procession  will start from the residence of the deceased or the place where the body is lying to the cremation ground. 

 

The 'Tragedy King' of Bollywood has been honoured with Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bushan, Dadasaheb Phalke and is also the only Indian recipient of neighbouring Pakistan's 'Order of Excellence'.

Kumar, whose career spanned over more than five decades during the golden era of Hindi cinema, holds the record for winning the maximum number of Filmfare awards as well. Besides the inaugural recipient of the award, Kumar bagged the best actor Filmfare Award eight times.  Dilip Kumar won 14 awards including 10 Filmfare Award in 2005, 1994, 1983, 1968, 1965, 1961, 1958, 1957, 1956 and 1954. He was accorded IIFA in 2004, National Award in 2006, 1994 and 1961.

In 1998, neighbouring Pakistan honoured the actor with the 'Nishan-e-Imtiaz' award - the highest civilian award. Not only this, the government also declared Dilip Kumar's native house as a national heritage. His ancestral home is also being turned into a museum.

Born in 1922 as Mohammad Yusuf Khan to an Awan family Pakistan's Peshawar, the tragedy king has inspired generations of actors. Filmmaker Subhash Ghai, who directed Kumar in movies like "Saudagar" (1991) and "Karma" (1986) also attended his funeral.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, around 25-30 people were allowed inside the Qabrastan, and the venue was packed with media and fans of the late star. Around 100 people had gathered around the location which was being controlled by the police.

The news of Kumar's demise left a void in Bollywood with celebs of yesteryears and the present generation pouring their hearts out in his memory.