Indian movie legend Dilip Kumar dies at 98

Dilip Kumar, who was the recipient of India's highest film honour Dadasaheb Phalke Award, is survived by his actress wife Saira Banu whom he had married in 1966. 

The actor, who made his film debut in 1944 with Jwar Bhata and went on to become a Hindi film legend dominating the silver screen for nearly five decades till the 1990s, passed away in Mumbai's Hinduja Hospital where he was undergoing treatment for the past several days.

His official Twitter account made the announcement and posted: "With a heavy heart and profound grief, I announce the passing away of our beloved Dilip Saab, few minutes ago. We are from God and to Him we return."

Dilip Kumar, whose real name was Yusuf Khan, will be best remembered for his performance in movies like Naya Daur, Mughal-e-Azam, Devdas, Ram Aur Shyam, Andaz, Madhumati and Ganga Jamuna.

Known for his self-styled method acting, Dilip Kumar won the maximum number of the Filmfare Award for Best Actor besides being the inaugural recipient of the accolade.

After dominating the silver screen as a hero for several decades he switched to character roles in the 1980s. He starred in films like Kranti (1981) and Shakti (1982), famously pitted against another Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan in the latter, playing his father. He also acted in films like Mashaal (1984), Karma (1986) and Saudagar (1991). His last film was Qila in 1998.

While Dilip Kumar's heroines included screen goddesses such as Madhubala, Meena Kumari, Nargis, Waheeda Rehman and Vyjayanthimala, he had acted opposite his wife Saira Banu in films such as Bairaag, Duniya, Gopi and Sagina Mahato.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourning his death tweeted: "Dilip Kumar Ji will be remembered as a cinematic legend. He was blessed with unparalleled brilliance, due to which audiences across generations were enthralled. His passing away is a loss to our cultural world. Condolences to his family, friends and innumerable admirers. RIP."

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