One of the most prolific and complete actors by a mile, Dilip Kumar, passed away at 7:30 Wednesday morning. Dilip Kumar, 98, was taken to Hinduja Hospital last Wednesday after he complained of breathlessness. It was the second time in a month that the actor was hospitalized. Dilip Kumar, born Yusuf Khan, was a trendsetter when it came to acting and inspired a generation of actors across various streams of cinema. His career spanned over five decades, and he is considered to be the best actor India had ever produced. Born in Qissa Khawani Bazaar of Peshawar in present-day Pakistan, he debuted with the 1944 film Jwar Bhata. The film though did not garner much attention. It was the 1947 release Jugnu opposite Noor Jehan that made him a name to reckon with. He became a big star in 1949, with Andaz, which had Raj Kapoor and Nargis alongside him. He was the first actor to win a Filmfare Award in 1954 and holds the joint record of winning the trophy eight times, Shah Rukh Khan being the other. Awarded with Dada Saheb Phalke Award in 1994 and Padma Vibhushan in 2015, Dilip Kumar is credited as the first method actor in India. Last seen in the 1998 film Qila, with his passing on, Indian cinema has lost one of its priciest treasures.
