Bharati Dubey (MID-DAY; May 1, 2014)

Amitabh Bachchan will be releasing the biography of thespian Dilip Kumar on June 9. The book, titled Substance & The Shadow, has been narrated to Uday Tara Nayar, the former editor of a Bollywood trade magazine. It traces the life of the actor and has him discuss his relationship with several co-stars, including rivals such as Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand. In the book, Dilip Kumar has also spoken about his association with actress Madhubala.

An industry source says, “The book’s title refers to Substance (Yusuf Khan) and The Shadow (Dilip Kumar, the actor).” Almost all of the film industry has been invited — invites are being sent out two months in advance so that celebs can keep themselves free to be able to attend the event.

An industry insider tells hitlist, “Saira Banu has been personally calling up the bigwigs of Bollywood as she wants them all to be present at what is being pegged as the grandest event of Dilipsaab’s life.” Needless to say, all the Khans, Bachchans and Kapoors are likely to be present at the event. The venue has yet to be finalised though. Ashok Chopra, the book’s publisher, didn’t wish to reveal much. “It is too early to discuss details about the event,” he said.