I still remember the first time I saw Dilip saab on screen. I was not even ten when I saw Shakti. A hardcore Amitabh Bachchan fan, I was super upset with the way the thespian treated the angry young man, on-screen! After there was very little that I knew about his contribution to Hindi cinema at the time. But as I watched more of his work, he went to become one of my favourite actors.
Today, as I try to pen down the milestones in his film career, I realise how difficult it is to do that. After all, this stalwart defined Hindi cinema and inspired so many actors. But here are some of my favourite performances of the thespian.
Devdas (1955)
Though Shah Rukh Khan lived this character, for me the pain that Dilip Kumar brought to the character is unparalleled. It was as though Devdas from Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay's novel had come alive. It is, therefore, no surprise that Forbes included Kumar's performance in the film on its list, "25 Greatest Acting Performances of Indian Cinema"
Naya Daur (1957)
The highlight of this film for me is the tonga race, absolutely mesmerising. But the message in the film about being the change ourselves rather than expecting it from others is what makes this film relevant even today. Of course, watching Dilip saab in Ude jab jab zulfien teri... is ufff!
Kohinoor (1960)
Who knew that when the tragedy king and tragedy queen of Hindi cinema would come together on screen, it would a breezy entertainer! If you haven't seen Kohinoor, you should. Meena Kumari and Dilip Kumar prove why they are one of the best actors in Hindi cinema. The film also boasts of some amazing sword fights and melodious tunes. Madhuban mein Radhika nache re and Do sitaron ka zameen par hai milan aaj ki raat, are two of the hit tracks from this movie.
Mughal-e-Azam (1960)
I am sure no list of memorable films, be it for Dilip Kumar or Madhubala or Prithviraj Kapoor or Durga Khote or Naushad or Hindi cinema, for that matter Indian cinema would be complete without this film. It was a milestone not just for that era, but it is a benchmark for the best in Indian cinema. It will forever remain one of the most iconic films in Indian movie history.
Ram aur Shyam (1967)
This film for me is pure fun to watch. This was the first time that set the tone for many movies that followed like Seeta aur Geeta, Chaalbaaz, Kishan Kanhaiya to name a few. This was the first time that Dilip Kumar donned a double role. And it was also the first time that audiences saw his comic side.
Shakti (1982)
Though there have been made films before Shakti that would have made the list, this film is very special to me. When I saw the film again years later, and every time that I have seen it since, I realise the depth in his performance. He brought so much to the character. The film also brought together Anil Kapoor and Dilip Kumar, who went to work together in two more films.
Karma (1986)
The film brought together for the first time on screen two legends, Dilip Kumar and Nutan. The two actors did come together for a movie Shikwa in 1964, but it never saw the light of day. It is indeed surprising that no one else thought of casting them together until Subhash Ghai. But I am not complaining. Karma gave me the immense joy of watching the two talented actors not just flex their acting muscles, but also share some amazing chemistry.
The actor may have gone, but he will remain in the hearts of Indian cinema lovers through his movies. Will miss you Yusuf saab!
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