PESHAWAR: Speakers at a condolence reference here hailed Bollywood legend Dilip Kumar as the ‘tragedy king’ of the silver screen and said the actor’s talent carried along the legacy of the walled city of Peshawar, his birthplace, throughout the world.

They said Dilip Kumar, whose real name was Yousaf Khan, did Peshwarites proud through his acting.

The event was arranged at the Bacha Khan Markaz under the auspices of the Awami National Party (ANP) to pay tribute to the actor (1922-2021), who died at the age of 98 years in Mumbai last week.

ANP holds condolence reference for Bollywood legend

A large number of party workers, artists and rights activists attended the event, which was titled ‘Son of Peshawar’. A large image of young Dilip Kumar paying respects to Bacha Khan was also posted on the upstage wall.

Mukhtiar Khan, Rahmat Ali Khan, Shahi Khan Sherani and provincial organiser of Mazdoor Kisan Party Shakeel Waheedullah Khan and folk singer Gulzar Alam were noted among participants.

The speakers highlighted various aspects of Dilip Kumar’s iconic personality.

Earlier, ANP provincial culture secretary Khadim Hussain said the journey of Dilip Kumar from Peshawar to Mumbai was not only his great achievement but also it paved the way for many others to excel in the field of acting.

He said the Bollywood legend’s death grieved his fans around the world, especially the residents of Peshawar.

“Dilip Kumar proved to the world that big tasks could be achieved through unflinching efforts and self-belief.

He was an epoch and an academy in his own right. Such was the magic of the son of Peshawar that words fall short when it comes to praise his personality,” Mr Hussain said.

Noted writer Rokhan Yousafzai said Yousaf Khan had transported the identity of Peshawar with his crisp accent of Hindko, Pashto and Urdu and whenever he spoke,he would smell the soil of his birthplace.

“The magic of acting was one big quality. Humbleness, soft speech and sense of ownership to his cultural roots had endeared him to Peshwarites so much that every year, an event is held at the Peshawar Press Club to mark his birthday,” he said.

Published in Dawn, July 17th, 2021