Mughal-E-Azam to Devdas, a Look at the Tragedy King Dilip Kumar’s Timeless Works

Dilip Kumar was a megastar in Indian cinema, and his legacy lives on years after his death. His career spanned nearly six decades and he starred in films of varied genres. The icon, regarded as Tragedy King, is known for his roles in films like Devdas, Paigham and Mughal-e-Azam. Dilip Kumar’s immaculate and dramatic style established standards for future generations to follow. On December 11, his fans will be celebrating his 101th birth anniversary. Ahead of his special day, let’s take a look at his top 10 best films and songs.

10 Best Movies Of Dilip Kumar

1. Mughal-E-AzamIt is a historical drama, in which Dilip Kumar played Prince Salim and enchanted the audience with his performance.
2. DevdasThe 1955 movie was an adaptation of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel of the same name. Dilip Kumar was phenomenal in the movie.
3. MadhumatiDirected by Bimal Roy, this was a classic by Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala.
4. Naya DaurBR Chopra directed and produced the film. The story revolves around the son of a landlord who decides to modernise his business by replacing the horse carts with buses. That’s when a horsecart rider decides to challenge him.
5. Ram Aur ShyamDilip Kumar was hailed for his dual role in this 1967 film directed by Tapi Chanakya.
6. Gunga JumnaThis film was centred around a riveting tale about Gungaram, an impoverished farmer, who works hard to educate his younger brother Jumna and make him a police officer.
7. LeaderThe political drama film was directed by Ram Mukherjee and produced by Sashadhar Mukherjee. Dilip Kumar not only starred in the film but also wrote it.
8. DaagIt was produced and directed by Amiya Chakravarty. The film stars Dilip Kumar as the lead Shankar.
9. DeedarIt is a heartwarming tale of a traumatised and blind young man who earns his living by singing and is looking for his childhood sweetheart.
10. ShaktiDirected by Ramesh Sippy, the film starred Dilip Kumar alongside megastar Amitabh Bachchan.

10 Best Songs From Dilip Kumar’s Films

1. Yeh Hawa Yeh Raat Yeh Chandni (Sangdil)Composed by Sajjad Hussain and sung by Talat Mehmood, this romantic song featured Dilip Kumar with Madhubala.
2. Yeh Desh Hai Veer Jawanao Ka (Naya Daur)It is an energetic and fast number sung by Balbir and Mohammed Rafi.
3. Ude Jab Jab Zulfen Teri (Naya Daur)This is a timeless classic sung by Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle.
4. Suhana Safar Aur Yeh Mausam Haseen (Madhumati)Yet another soulful number, this was sung by Mukesh. It is from Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala’s 1958 film Madhumati.
5. Madhuban Mein Radhika Naache Re (Kohinoor)This was a collaboration of Mohammed Rafi and Nashad.
6. Nain Lad Jaye Hain (Ganga Jamuna)Dilip Kumar was charismatic in this yet another hit by Rafi and Naushad.
7. Mujhe Duniya Walo Sharabi Na Samjho (Leader)Kishore Kumar’s composition with Dilip Kumar’s on-screen presence added charm to this unforgettable song.
8. Saala Main To Saab Bangaya (Sagina)This is an evergreen number by Kishore Kumar and Pankaj Mitra.
9. Imli Ka Buta (Saudagar)This popular number was composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal and sung by Mohammad Aziz.
10. Dil Diya Hai Jaan Bhi Denge (Karma)This patriotic number was sung by Mohammed Aziz and Kavita Krishnamurthy.

Famous Dialogues From Dilip Kumar’s Films

• Kaun kambakht hai jo bardaasht karne ke liye peeta hai, main toh peeta hoon ki bas saans le sakun (No one drinks to tolerate, I drink so that I can breathe) (Devdas).
• Taqdeerein badal jaati hai, zamana badal jaata hai, mulkon ki tarikh badal jaati hai, Shahenshah badal jaate hai … magar iss badalti hui duniya mein mohabbat jis insaan ka daaman thaam leti hai … woh insaan nahi badalta (Fortune changes, society changes, the ruler changes …but those who love, that person never change) (Mughal-E-Azam).
• Haq hamesha sar jhukake nahin… sar uthake maanga jaata hai (Ask for your right with your head held high) (Saudagar).
• Joh log sachai ki tarafdari ki kasam khate hain …zindagi unke bade kathin imtihaan leti hai (The ones who swear by honesty, their lives are tough) (Shakti).
• Mera dil bhi aapka koi Hindustan nahi, jispar aap hukumat karein (My heart is not the country you own, so don’t try to rule it) (Mughal-E-Azam)

Interesting Facts About Dilip Kumar

1. Muhammad Yusuf Khan was Dilip Kumar’s birth name. He was born on December 11, 1922, in Qissa Khawani Peshawar, British India, which is now in Pakistan.
2. Dilip Kumar once played three characters in his film Bairaag. He was the only actor of his generation to play such a role.
3. He was the first actor to be honoured with the Filmfare Award for Best Actor. He was also the only person to get the prize three years in a row, in 1955, 1956, and 1957.
4. Dilip Kumar was fluent in a variety of languages including Pashto, Hindko, Urdu, Hindi, and English.