Dilip Kumar was the greatest, most versatile actor: PM Imran

Prime Minister Imran Khan, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain and PTI Senator Faisal Javed Khan on Wednesday expressed grief and sorrow over the demise of popular Bollywood actor Dilip Kumar. The celebrated star, one of India's most respected actors and known for his roles as a tragic hero in Bollywood films, died on Wednesday morning, his family said. Kumar was 98 and ailing for some time.

"Saddened to learn of Dilip Kumar's passing," the premier tweeted. "I can never forget his generosity in giving his time to help raise funds for SKMTH when the project launched. This is the most difficult time - to raise the first 10% of the funds and his appearance in Pakistan and London helped raise huge amounts. Apart from this, for my generation, Dilip Kumar was the greatest and most versatile actor."

Saddened to learn of Dilip Kumar's passing. I can never forget his generosity in giving his time to help raise funds for SKMTH when project launched. This is the most difficult time - to raise first 10% of the funds & his appearance in Pak & London helped raise huge amounts.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) July 7, 2021

In a statement, Fawad said that Dilip Kumar’s death marked the end of a golden era in the world of film. He said that Yusuf Khan who became Dilip Kumar in the Indian film industry enjoyed extraordinary fame. He was an artist with great talent from whom actors learned the art of acting.

Apart from being an attractive personality, he received immense love and respect from the people for his artistic talent, said Chaudhry Fawad. He said wherever Urdu is spoken and understood, Kumar had his lovers.

An Iconic hero! Dilip Kumar is no more,loved by Millions of people in the sub continent and around the world tragedy king will be missed always... RIP Yousaf Khan aka Dilip Kumar https://t.co/xoQYV014xA

— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) July 7, 2021

"An Iconic hero! Dilip Kumar is no more, loved by millions of people in the sub-continent and around the world tragedy king will be missed always," Fawad penned.

He said the death of the legendary actor was a great loss for the film world and movie buffs. He will live in the hearts of his fans for his versatile work, said Fawad Hussain. He prayed to Allah Almighty to rest his soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear this loss with fortitude.

RIP Mohammed Yusuf Khan #DalipKumar.
Truly a legendary actor, humanitarian. His universal acting style inspired generations of actors. He had bn involved with a number of charitable & social initiatives as well. He also got Pakistan’s highest civilian award, Nishan-e-Imtiaz pic.twitter.com/i9UOnqRxbE

— Faisal Javed Khan (@FaisalJavedKhan) July 7, 2021

Faisal shared, "RIP Mohammed Yusuf Khan - Dilip Kumar. Truly a legendary actor, humanitarian. His universal acting style inspired generations of actors. He had an involvement with a number of charitable and social initiatives as well. He also got Pakistan’s highest civilian award, Nishan-e-Imtiaz."

Born Mohammed Yusuf Khan in 1922 in Peshawar, now in Pakistan, he was known by the screen name of Dilip Kumar once he joined Bollywood in the 1940s.

Kumar is survived by his wife, Saira Banu, a top Bollywood leading lady in the 1960s and 1970s.