Birthday special: 10 most memorable films of Dilip Kumar

Legendary actor Dilip Kumar turns a year older today. Known to be as one of the greatest thespians of all time, Kumar was born in Peshawar in 1922 as Mohammad Yusuf Khan. 

In the course of over seven decades in the industry, Dilip Kumar established method acting as an essential part of film acting in Bollywood. 

On the 95th birthday of the tragedy king of Bollywood, let's look back at some of his finest performances. 

1. Andaz (1949)

Dilip Kumar shared screen space with Raj Kapoor for the first time in this blockbuster. Dilip Kumar played the role of the ill-fated Dilip in the movie whose unrequited love costs him his life. Andaz was the highest grossing movie of its time. 

2. Ram Aur Shayam (1967)

The movie is one of the initial movies to start the troupe of siblings 'separated at birth' in Bollywood. Dilip Kumar's performance in the movie inspired many actors to reprise the role of twins in the movies. The way he switches from a shy (Ram) to the vivacious (Shyam) is commendable.

3. Daag (1952)

In the movie, Dilip Kumar proved his mettle as the invincible tragedy king of Bollywood. He plays the role of Shankar who succumbs to alcohol and moves onto the path of self-destruction. The actor also won his first Filmfare Award for the movie. 

4. Azaad (1955)

Dilip Kumar essays the role of a charismatic bandit who rescues Meena Kumari and pretends to be a wealthy person. The movie became one of the biggest blockbusters of its time with Dilip Kumar winning his third Filmfare Award for Best Actor. 

5. Mughal-e-Azam (1960)

K Asif's magnum opus was a classic in every sense. From the dialogues to the sets to the acting, 'Mughal-e-Azam' spelled brilliance. It remains one of the most popular movies of Indian film industry. Dilip brilliantly portrays the role of the defiant son who goes against his father for a courtesan. His performance is still etched in the minds of many of his fans.

6. Devdas (1955)

Based on Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay novel of the same title, the dramatic movie starred Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala and Suchitra Sen. Noted for its cinematography, the movie depicts the forlorn story of Devdas who takes to liquor after the marriage of his first love. As a hopeless lover, Devdas drinks to reduce the pain of losing his lover Paro. 

7. Naya Daur (1957)

With the onset of industrialisation, Dilip Kumar's role of a tongawala who dares to challenge the landlords became an inspiration for many. The movie was originally released in monochrome but was colourised later in August 2007. The movie was also dubbed in Tamil as Pattalyin Sabatham in 1958. Dilip Kumar even won a Filmfare Award for Best Actor for his role in the movie. 

8. Aadmi (1968)

Dilip Kumar did not have any insecurities about sharing space with other male actors. In Aadmi, he essays the role of a possessive and jealous lover. Dilip Kumar proved his acting prowess by playing a man with walking disabilities and was much appreciated for his role.

9. Saudagar (1991)

Loosely based on the popular play Romeo and Juliet, Saudagar was a love story. Dilip Kumar and Raaj Kumar played the role of sworn enemies in the movie. Dilip Kumar's performance was much appreciated in the film and also bagged him a best actor nomination at Filmfare Awards.

10. Shakti (1982)

In the movie, a sixty-year-old Dilip Kumar played the character of an honest and incorruptible police officer who refuses to negotiate his son’s release from the kidnappers. As a result, his son (played by Amitabh Bachchan) grows up hating him and turns to crime. In his attempt to deliver his best Kumar emerges as the ultimate Supernova.