Personal Information

Full Name: Dilip Kumar

Nickname: Tragedy King

Country/State: India

Date of Birth: 1922-12-11

Languages Known: Hindko (native), Urdu, Hindi, English, Punjabi, Marathi, Pashto, Farsi (Persian)

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Food Habit: Non-Vegetarian

Religion: Islam

Hobbies: Reading literature, watching films, spending time with family, learning languages, philanthropy, horse riding (in younger days)

Education

School: Barnes School, Deolali, Nashik, Maharashtra; also Anjuman-I-Islam Urdu School, Mumbai

College: Not Public

Degrees Obtained: Not Public

Physical Stats

Height: 178 cm

Weight: 75 kg

Family Information

Parents: Father: Lala Ghulam Sarwar Ali Khan (fruit merchant, landlord) Mother: Ayesha Begum

Siblings: Not publicly disclosed

Marital Status: married

Wife: Saira Banu

Children: 0

Career

Current Position: Late Actor, Film Producer, Writer, Ghost Director

Skills:

Net Worth: Not Publicly Disclosed

Awards & Achievements: Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1994) – India's highest film honor Padma Bhushan (1991) and Padma Vibhushan (2015) – Civilian honors Filmfare Best Actor Awards (8 wins: record for male actors, e.g., Devdas 1956, Mughal-e-Azam 1961) National Film Award for Best Actor (1994) – Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak wait, actually for lifetime; multiple international recognitions Pioneered method acting in India; influenced Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan; over 60 films, classics like Mughal-e-Azam, Devdas, Naya Daur, Gunga Jumna

Biography Details

Dilip Kumar (December 11, 1922 – July 7, 2021), born Muhammad Yusuf Khan in Peshawar, was Bollywood's "Tragedy King" and one of India's greatest actors. From a Pashtun fruit merchant family, he moved to Bombay, debuting in Jwar Bhata (1944) and rising with Jugnu (1947). Known for naturalistic, intense performances in tragic roles (Devdas, Mughal-e-Azam), he pioneered method acting. Married to Saira Banu (1966), he had no children.

Over six decades, he delivered timeless classics, earning 8 Filmfare Best Actor awards and Dadasaheb Phalke. Fluent in multiple languages, he was honored with Padma Vibhushan. His legacy endures through tributes, influencing generations. He passed away in Mumbai at 98 due to prolonged illness, remembered as a cinematic giant.

• December 11, 2025 (carried into 2026): On his 103rd birth anniversary, Jackie Shroff and others paid heartfelt tributes, sharing nostalgic photos and memories of the legend's grace and talent.
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• July 2025 (4th death anniversary tributes continued discussions): Saira Banu shared an emotional note: “The absence of Sahib can never be filled,” reflecting on their 54-year marriage.
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• Ongoing legacy: Film channels and celebs like Subhash Ghai recalled anecdotes (e.g., Dilip's prediction about Anupam Kher on Karma sets). Birth anniversary specials highlighted his iconic pairings with Madhubala, Nargis.
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• No major new developments; focus on archival revivals, timeless films on streaming, and influence on modern actors. (Note: Some 2026 news mentions unrelated "Dileep Kumar" for AR Rahman’s original name, but not the actor.)

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