DILIP Kumar, whose original name was Muhammad Yusuf Khan, was born in Peshawar before the family migrated to Mumbai. His dedicated performances in the Indian film industry made him an actor’s actor.

Dilip was married to Saira Bano, who was also a good actor and performed well in her movies. She remained the source of solace for her husband the whole life, particularly in his long illness up to his death on July 7.

Now, that the man is gone, it will be a great tribute to his legendary personality to build a modern miniature Taj Mahal for the love triangle of Dilip, Saira and Madhubala, who was also a great inspiration for him in his career.

The construction cost of the proposed monument should be borne by members of the film industry and other sympathisers and philanthropists.

Dr Ali Akbar Dhakan
Karachi

(2)

NOBODY would have imagined that a child born in Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Peshawar, would grow to rule not only the Indian film industry, but also the hearts of movie-lovers across the world. But he did. Transformed from being an actor into an institution over a short span of time, Dilip Kumar effortlessly became a legend with enduring fame.

His towering intellect and brilliance in the mastery of acting will continue to be an inspiration to actors around the world. The legacy of Dilip Kumar will live on forever as legends do not die. The iconic actor will forever live in millions of hearts.

Air-Cdre (retd) M. Khalid Kamal
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, July 11th, 2021