‘Legendary Khan’ Dilip Kumar being remembered on first death anniversary 

The renowned Bollywood veteran Dilip Kumar is being remembered on his first death anniversary on Thursday (today). 

July 7 marks the death anniversary of legendary actor Dilip Kumar. He was one of the greatest institutions of Hindi cinema who bedazzled the audiences each time he appeared on the screen. 

Born in December 1922 in Peshawar - in what is now Pakistan - before the partition of India. Like some of his Muslim contemporaries, he took on a Hindu name ‘Dilip Kumar’ when he joined the Hindi film industry. His real name was Yusuf Khan. 

His filmography comprises unforgettable movies and moments that have forever lit the Indian silver screen. 

The legend made his acting debut in 1944 with Jwar Bhata and acted in over 65 films in his film career.

In 1947, the drama ‘Jugnu’ opposite Noor Jehan, was the first major hit for Kumar.

He became famous as the ‘Tragedy King’, but he also showed his superb comic timing in films including Daag (1954), Devdas (1955), Azaad (1956), Naya Daur (1957), Mughal-e-Azam (1960), Ganga Jamuna (1961), Ram Aur Shyam (1967), Dastaan (1972), Kranti (1981), and Karma (1986).

The ‘Tragedy King’ was last seen in ‘Qila’ in 1998.  

In a career spanning roughly six decades, Dilip Kumar was not only known for his method acting and impeccable dialogue delivery but also for his super hit songs.

For his contributions to film, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan in 1991 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2015, the country's third and second-highest civilian awards respectively. 

The iconic actor was also crowned India's highest accolade in the field of cinema, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1994.

In 1998, the Government of Pakistan conferred Dilip Kumar with Nishan-e-Imtiaz, their highest civilian decoration, making him the only Indian to have received the honour.