10 unknown facts about Dilip Kumar
Last updated on - Dec 11, 2017, 14:00 ISTShare fbsharetwsharepinshare
01/1110 unknown facts about Dilip Kumar
Bollywood actor Dilip Kumar, born on 11 December 1922, was one of the few actors who brought in a great deal of class in the films that he acted in. He was even described as the 'ultimate method actor'. The versatile actor has an impressive list of films in his kitty and has impressed different generations with his stellar acting skills. So, on his 95th birthday, we bring you 10 unknown facts about Dilip Kumar.
02/11Dilip Kumar was born in Pakistan
This may come as a surprise to his fans that Dilip Kumar is the first Bollywood superstar who hailed from Pakistan. Yes, you read that right. The actor was born in Peshawar, Pakistan and his family later relocated to Chembur, Mumbai in the late 1930's.
03/11His real name is Mohammad Yusuf Khan
The actor's real name is Mohammad Yusuf Khan. Bollywood actress Devika Rani requested him to change his name to Dilip Kumar as it would be more helpful for him to venture into the film industry. Although before he got the name Dilip, Uday Kumar and Vaaman Kumar were also names that were being considered.
04/11His breakthrough film in Bollywood was 'Jugnu'
Dilip Kumar's first film was 'Jwar Bhata' in 1944, which went unnoticed. After a few more unsuccessful films, it was 'Jugnu' (1947), in which he starred alongside Noor Jehan, which became his first major hit at the box office. His next major hits were the 1948 films 'Shaheed' and 'Mela'. And after that, he went on to play many successful roles.
05/11Dilip Kumar married Saira Banu who was 20 years younger to him
Dilip Kumar is married to actress Saira Banu, who was 22 years younger than him when they married in 1966. While Dilip was 44, Saira was just 22 years old. He got married a second time in 1981 to a Hyderabad socialite Asma Sahiba, but the marriage ended in January 1983. Dilip Kumar does not have any children.
06/11Dilip Kumar is a very good singer
Dilip Kumar, who was the face of many Mohammed Rafi melodies on screen, is a very good singer himself. He is also a proficient trumpet player. And according to his wife Saira Banu, Dilip Kumar is unbeatable at the game of 'antaakshari'.
07/11Dilip Kumar was the first male actor to win the Filmfare Best Actor Award
Yes, not many may know that Dilip Kumar was the first male actor to win the Filmfare Best Actor Award. He has received many awards throughout his career, including 8 Filmfare Best Actor awards and 19 Filmfare nominations. He was honoured with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993. 'Gunga Jumna' (1961), which he wrote, produced, and starred in, also received the National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film in Hindi.
08/11Dilip Kumar was in a very serious relationship with Madhubala
Another fact that fans may not know is that Dilip Kumar was in a very serious and prolonged relationship with late veteran actress Madhubala. In fact, their love story is incredibly famous. But unfortunately for the couple, Madhubala's family opposed their relationship which is why the duo had to part ways.
09/11The talented actor was a perfectionist when it came to acting
As mentioned earlier not only is he an amazing singer, he also knows how to play the trumpet. But did you know that the talented actor was such a perfectionist when it came to acting, that he even learnt the sitaar for 'Madhuban Mein Raadhika Naache Re,' a song sequence from his hit film 'Kohinoor'.
10/11Before entering the film industry, he used to sell fruit
Before entering the Bollywood film industry, Dilip Kumar used to sell fruit. This was when he met Devika Rani of Bombay Talkies, who helped him become a huge star. At the peak of his stardom Dilip would charge anything from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 11 lakh.
