A life in parts

Dilip Kumar, the screen icon and cultural ambassador, who has inspired generations of actors, passed away on Wednesday. He was laid to rest at Juhu Kabristan with full state honours.

Dilip Kumar's original name is Yusuf Khan. (Photo: Express Archives)

Halfway through the production of the epic Mughal-e-Azam (1960), its lead pair Dilip Kumar and Madhubala fell out with each other. “The classic scene with a feather coming between our lips, which set a million imagination on fire, was shot when we had completely stopped talking,” writes Dilip Kumar in his autobiography, The Substance and the Shadow (2014). But that did not come in the way of their professionalism. Till today, this gorgeously picturised scene remains a classic. It is possible that Kumar, widely appreciated as the man who modernised acting by bringing in realism and nuance, had internalised the character of Salim to such a degree that he was unaffected by personal discord.

The screen icon and cultural ambassador, who has inspired generations of actors, passed away on Wednesday. He was laid to rest at Juhu Kabristan with full state honours.

Born Muhammed Yusuf Khan in Pakistan’s Peshawar in 1922, the actor debuted in Jwar Bhata in 1944. He appeared in a string of successful movies such as Mela (1948), Andaz (1949), Deedar (1951), Devdas (1954) and Naya Daur (1957), cementing his reputation as a superstar. Despite his phenomenal success, he remained down to earth. “From the most exalted admirer, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, to the lowest paid studio worker, who waited to say salaam to him, the warm extension of his hands in greeting was the same,” wrote actor Dharmendra in one of the articles by eminent colleagues in Kumar’s autobiography.

Kumar received numerous awards, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1994), Padma Vibhushan (2015) and Nishan-e-Imtiaz (1998), Pakistan’s highest civilian honour. “Without exaggeration, I can say that every actor who came into the business after him and who is continuing to seek employment in the industry has emulated him,” wrote Dharmendra about Kumar’s legacy.

Alaka Sahani

Alaka Sahani is a prominent film critic and journalist based in Mumbai. With a career spanning over two decades, she has established herself as one of India’s most authoritative voices in cinematic journalism, known for an analytical approach and insights that transcend the standard cycle of celebrity journalism. Expertise & Accolades In 2014, Alaka was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Film Critic. Her Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) citation specifically lauded her for "highlighting facets of cinema beyond glamour and gossip" and for her ability to delve into the contemporary relevance of iconic filmmakers. Her commitment to journalistic integrity was further recognised in 2019 with a Special Mention at the Red Ink Awards for her investigative feature, 'In Search of a Star'. Her article titled 'People Like Us', published in The Indian Express on March 27, 2022, was shortlisted for Red Ink Award, 2023. Global Industry Leadership Alaka’s expertise is sought after by major international and domestic film bodies: Golden Globes: In 2025, she joined the international voting body for the 83rd Annual Golden Globes. National Film Awards: She served on the prestigious jury for the 68th National Film Awards, helping select the finest contributions to Indian cinema. Global Perspective: Her work consistently bridges the gap between commercial Bollywood A-listers and emerging independent talents, offering nuanced insights into both Indian regional cinema and international film trends. Focus & Vision Beyond the screen, Alaka is a dedicated observer of Mumbai’s vibrant theatre scene and the historical evolution of the moving image. Through her long-form articles and deep-dive interviews, she continues to challenge "tried-and-tested" templates, providing readers with a deep understanding of the artistic and systemic workings of the Indian and global film industry. ... Read More

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