Showing posts with label Dilip Kumar birthday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dilip Kumar birthday. Show all posts
People had never seen me and Dilip saab together on screen and now, we were to get married-Saira Banu
8:12 AM
On his birth centenary, as Film Heritage Foundation gears up to celebrate legend Dilip Kumar’s iconic films on the big screen, wife Saira Banu talks ishq and yaadein in nostalgic hour with mid-day
Yusra Husain (MID-DAY; December 11, 2022)
She was the “chand ka tukda” next door, ever-so-ravishing, and loved her figure-hugging salwar suits, beehive bun with a slight fringe and the acting calibre of a veteran. He was the sombre legend, who was two decades her senior. But, no one batted an eyelid when super stars Saira Banu and “saab” Dilip Kumar said they were made for each other.
A year-and-a-half after he passed away following a prolonged struggle with prostate cancer, the Film Heritage Foundation (FHF) is celebrating 100 years of Dilip Kumar on his birth anniversary, today.
“It was a marriage of 56 years,” she tells us over the phone, apologizing for not being able to meet in person. Banu, 78, is nursing a cold and busy with the centenary preparations, but there is an eagerness in her voice to talk about her eternal love. “There was a great understanding between us, as husband and wife. Relationship is liye chali ke shuru se hee duniya jaanti hai, I was madly in love with him. And he gave me so much love in return.”
She is able to paint a vivid picture of her first sighting Kumar when she was 12. “I was schooling in London,” she says in between sips of water, “and my mother, Naseem Banu, was invited as guest of honour to the La Scala theatre in London for the premiere of saab’s film Aan. I was in pigtails, but the moment I saw him, I plummeted into love.”
The Mehboob Productions 1952 film, says Banu, was the first Dilip Kumar film she watched. “My mother knew that if I ever were to marry, it would only be him. So, in some way, our relationship goes back 66 years.”
Kumar, though, considered her a “bachchi”. “We were family friends, so he’d visit our home and treat me like a child. In fact, even after I tasted stardom with my debut film Junglee in 1961, he refused to act with me in several films.”
Had it not been for Kumar’s refusal to work with Banu, she would have been one of the female leads in Vijaya Productions, Ram Aur Shyam, in place of Mumtaz or Waheeda Rahman. “I was informed that saab had refused to work with me saying I would look very young opposite him on screen.”
Five years later, in October 1966, they were married. She was 22 and he, 44. It is said Banu’s mother played cupid. “Dhoom machh gayi thi!” she recalls of the time their engagement news leaked in the press. “People had never seen us together on screen and now, we were to get married. It was something out of the ordinary.”
An outdoor shoot in Kolkata had to be wrapped up and reshot at an indoor studio in Mumbai because it was getting impossible to shoot among fans. “Just before we were to marry,” she remembers, “we happened to be in Kolkata. I had to do an outdoor shoot, and saab was finishing some script work. When we landed, there was a huge crowd of fans waiting at the airport. At that time, we weren’t surrounded by security, and fans had gathered on the tarmac. Some had found their way inside the airplane too! It became impossible for the shoot to continue, so we had to pack up and return to Bombay.”
It’s what led the couple to get married in a hurry minus preparations, wedding cards or wedding dress. “He said, let’s just go to Bombay and exchange wedding bands in a simple ceremony. It was all done in five days.” Banu, who was a glamorous dresser, missed having an elaborate wedding dress. Her mother had to get the tailor to stitch a brocade gharara in haste. “Saab got himself a Jodhpuri suit,” she adds. “It was unplanned and unusual, and still we had thousands barge into the garden venue.”
Interestingly, Banu herself decided she would no longer act; Kumar didn’t stop her. He had not watched any of her films. “He saw some rushes of Shagird (1967) and told me that it would be unfortunate if he stopped me from working. He said the love I had for my art, and how good I was at it, was visible on celluloid. He could not take that away from me.”
The 1968 hit film Padosan, produced by comedian Mehmood, and Purab Aur Paschim (1970) by actor, director and writer Manoj Kumar, were written with Banu in mind. “Both of them came to saab and asked for ijazat to cast me as lead. If they couldn’t, they’d shelve the films.”
The love and respect is palpable in the melancholia Banu enveloped herself in after his death. Within a month, she fell violently ill. “I could barely breathe,” she remembers of the time she was rushed to intensive care. “I have not stepped out of the house since, barring visits to the hospital and doctor.”
This is atypical for someone who was out and about, and loved to go on long drives with Kumar. “My family and staff sometimes insist that I step out. Sitting in his car for the first time after his death was traumatic. Bahot dil kharab hua tha, bahot rona aaya tha. Sometimes, I do take a short drive along Carter Road in his car and reminisce about the times he’d be by my side.”
FHF is preparing to screen four of Kumar’s iconic films, Ram Aur Shyam, Aan, Devdas and Shakti, for the Hero of Heroes celebrations scheduled for this weekend, across PVR cinemas in 20 cities. Banu is going to make an exception, and step out of their Pali Hill home. “If I can, I will stay back to watch Aan, but I know it will be hard. Even today when I see him on television, mujhse bardasht nahin hota.”
This celebration is special for more reasons than one. That it’s an effort to restore classics of Indian cinema makes it an important one for Banu. “It’s a pity that studios are being brought down and the classics are biting dust. We can only watch the old films on television. FHF should be applauded for bringing some of these back to the big screen.”
Had Kumar been alive, the house, like with every birthday, would have been flooded with flowers, says Banu. They’d receive so many blooms from well wishers, friends and fans that they’d distribute them across various hospitals. “He was not the ordinary celebrity,” Banu says, adding, “He was a humanitarian. From when he was as young as 25, he started working for the blind and physically disabled. Together with industry veterans, he’d drum up support from the industry to help those affected by famine and flood. We’d ride on trucks to collect money and clothes for the poor.”
Saira Banu and Dilip Kumar at a function in Mumbai, 2005. Pics/Getty Images
Saira Banu during the unveiling of Dilip Kumar’s mural on his 99th birthday in 2021, a few months after the actor’s death
Dilip Kumar is one of our icons, but we had limited options to pick from-Shivendra Singh Dungarpur
8:39 AM
Urging industry to act, curator of restorative marking Dilip Kumar centenary laments that only seven of 60 films of superstar preserved
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; November 29, 2022)
Citing an opportunity to celebrate the rich legacy of Dilip Kumar on his 100th birth anniversary in December, the Film Heritage Foundation decided to present the actor’s prominent works across 20 cities over a two-day retrospective. However, of the 60 films that Kumar frontlined across his five-decade career, only seven, we’re told, have been preserved for public screening in a cinema hall.
Film conservator Shivendra Singh Dungarpur — who has curated the films for the upcoming event — laments that the industry lends a blind eye to restoration efforts that are essential to retain the rich cultural history of Indian cinema.
“People have the misconception that a film has survived if it is available on YouTube, or on cassettes. But, look at the quality! It is terrible,” says Dungarpur, adding that the late actor’s celebrated offering, Gunga Jumna (1961), also couldn’t be salvaged.
“[Kumar] is one of our icons, but we had limited options to pick from. We wanted to choose films that he did in his prime. We have Aan [1952], which was India’s first techni-colour film, Devdas [1955] that got him the tragic hero status, Ram Aur Shyam [1967], which showed his impeccable comic timing, and Shakti [1982], his only film with [Amitabh] Bachchan,” says Dungarpur, adding that he hopes to showcase Kumar’s versatility to the young audience with this selection.
The retrospective, titled Dilip Kumar: Hero of Heroes, will play across 20 cities in the country. “There is a hunger in the youth to see these iconic performances on the big screen, because icons like Dilip Kumar are modern in their performances. There is a demand in Chennai, which is not even a Hindi-speaking belt,” says the conservator, who presented a similar restorative of Bachchan’s works last month.
What is film restoration?
Described as a series of ongoing efforts to rescue decaying film stock, and preserve the images they contain, film restoration aims to ascertain that movies continue to exist in forms that are as close to the originals as possible, so that they can be made available to the public.
Now, a film festival to celebrate Dilip Kumar’s 100th birth anniversary
8:42 AM
A two-day festival in December will showcase his iconic films like Devdas and Ram Aur Shyam on the big screen across 20 cities
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; November 26, 2022)
It’s time for celebration for all Dilip Kumar fans. On the occasion of the actor’s 100th birth anniversary, the Film Heritage Foundation has curated a two-day film festival titled Dilip Kumar – Hero Of Heroes. The centenary celebration of the legend will take place on December 10-11, with screening of four of his films across 20 cities. The line-up includes Aan (1952), Devdas (1955), Ram Aur Shyam (1967) and Shakti (1982).
‘DILIP KUMAR’S FILMS HAVE A CONTEMPORARY APPEAL EVEN AFTER SO MANY DECADES’
Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, archivist and Director, Film Heritage Foundation (FHF), says the purpose of these screenings is to celebrate Dilip Kumar. He says, “Dilip Kumar’s centenary anniversary was an incredible opportunity to bring back one of the greatest actors of Indian cinema on the big screen. His films have a contemporary appeal even after so many years. He truly is the ‘Hero of Heroes’, as even today the biggest stars look up to him.”
He says that even though some of these films were released nearly seventy years ago, the power of the actor’s performances, his craft as a method actor and his charisma make him ageless.
‘MANY OF DILIP KUMAR’S FILMS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE IN LOW RESOLUTION AND CANNOT BE SHOWN ON A BIG SCREEN’
However, when the foundation decided to screen the actor’s films, the organizers found that many of his iconic films were not in a condition to be shown on the big screen. Dungarpur says, “I was excited about curating several of his films to mark the occasion. How can one choose only a handful of films for an actor with such an illustrious body of work? But I was shocked and heartbroken to discover that many of his great films survived only in low-resolution formats, which could not be projected on the big screen. We have cobbled together these four films with great difficulty.”
Dungarpur adds that he’s sure the actor’s fans will question why some of their favourite Dilip Kumar films are missing from the list. He says, “We have films available on online platforms, but these are not of good quality. Now we are aware how much of his work is available and how crucial it is to save what is remaining. That’s the reason we are also launching a campaign to save Dilip sahab’s films. This is also a tribute to the work of the actors, crew members and filmmakers of that time. Filmmakers and producers need to realise that time is running out and that they should look into preserving these films before it is too late.”
Dungarpur shares that when he decided to organize a retrospective of Amitabh Bachchan’s films to celebrate his 80th birth anniversary, it was difficult to convince everyone – from the stakeholders to producers – that people would come out to watch old films. He says, “People didn’t have confidence, but I knew theatres were going to be jam-packed.”
At a film restoration session recently, Dungarpur had shared how he failed to get Prakash Mehra’s Zanjeer for a film screening once because Mehra’s family assumed that if the hall runs empty, then the aura surrounding the movie would fade. He adds, “However (at the Amitabh Bachchan retrospective), the film’s screening was fully booked everywhere and even Amitabh Bachchan called for two tickets of the film.”
So, what changed between these two screenings? He says, “Now everyone knows that people will come to watch old films and there is always going to be an audience for classics. Cities like London have theatres dedicated to screen old films, but in India we don’t have any such theatres. That’s why I have decided to curate these festivals for stars like Dev Anand and Raj Kapoor too next year.”
IT WILL BE A JOY TO WATCH DILIP SAHAB BACK ON THE BIG SCREEN, LARGER THAN LIFE, LIKE HE HAS BEEN IN MY LIFE: SAIRA BANU
Talking about the film fest, Saira Banu shared, “I am so happy that the FHF is celebrating Dilip sahab’s 100th birthday on December 11 by screening some of his most popular films on the big screen across India. They could not have chosen a more apt title to commemorate India’s greatest actor – Dilip Kumar – Hero Of Heroes. He was my favourite hero from the time I was 12, when I first saw him in Aan in technicolor. It will be a joy to watch him on the big screen again, larger than life, like he has been in my life.”
WAS DEEPLY DISTURBED TO HEAR THAT MANY OF DILIP KUMAR’S FILMS ARE NOT IN A CONDITION TO BE SCREENED IN CINEMAS: AMITABH BACHCHAN
Amitabh Bachchan says, “I am glad that we are celebrating Dilip Kumar’s legacy with this festival of films. I would urge every film lover and contemporary actor, who has not watched Dilip Kumar larger than life, to not miss the incredible opportunity of watching this stalwart back on the big screen. Even today, I learn something every time I watch his films. Dilip Kumar was and is my idol.”
Bachchan says that he was deeply disturbed to hear that many of Dilip Kumar’s films are not in a condition to be screened in cinemas. Calling it a tragedy, he adds, “Film Heritage Foundation is working to ensure that the work of legends like Dilip Kumar survives and is preserved and restored to be shown to today’s young audiences.”
Shivendra Singh Dungarpur with late Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu
There is no question of a big celebration, says Saira Banu on Dilip Kumar's 98th birthday
8:02 AM
After Dilip Kumar loses two brothers to COVID-19 earlier this year, Saira Banu says no big plans for thespian's 98th birthday tomorrow
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; December 10, 2020)
Since the lockdown was announced in March, Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu have been staying in isolation in their Bandra bungalow, with Banu occasionally sharing glimpses of the thespian on social media. She pragmatically says that the lockdown has hardly altered their lives - it is merely another phase in their 54-year-long marriage that has seen the two happy in their own little world, cut off from the outside noise. "It's nothing new to me because even before the pandemic, I loved being at home. I would not step out much. I am a bit of a recluse, so is Dilip sahab. He used to love travelling earlier, but, he has had to cut it down with age," says Banu.
Every year, she hosts a family do to celebrate Kumar's birthday, as good wishes from Bollywood folk as well as fans pour in on social media. With the veteran actor set to turn 98 tomorrow, Banu, however, reveals that a celebration is off the table this year. "We have had a catastrophe this year. Dilip sahab lost his two brothers [Ehsan and Aslam Khan to Coronavirus]. He doesn't keep well, neither do I. It's a difficult time for us, so, there is no question of a big celebration. We will simply thank the Lord for the gift of life and health."
Banu treasures the past few years as she devoted herself to taking care of Kumar, always with a smile on her lips and words of affection for 'sahab'. "Dilip sahab is fine. He has some health problems, which is often the case with the elderly. We are trying to cope the best we can."
Ask her how the couple spend their days, and she reveals, "Dilip sahab is a sports fan and watches sports on TV. He also loves classical music. So, it's time well-spent at home."
Ehsan Khan (left) passed away in September, days after youngest brother Aslam’s demise in August
Dilip Kumar taught me how to understand philosophy of my film’s story & psychology of my characters-Subhash Ghai
7:06 AM
Dilip Kumar and Shammi Kapoor in Vidhaata
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 13, 2019)
Dilip Kumar is 97 and I’m reminded of a time when, as a cub reporter, I had watched him from afar, as he lounged in the lawn of his bungalow, recounting his journey to my editor. Then, suave in a suit and a tie, he posed with Filmfare’s Black Lady that he’d bagged for lifetime achievement. My biggest regret is that I didn’t get to interview him. Perhaps that’s why, I keep talking to those who knew the man who made me laugh in my growing up years as he strutted around on my black-and-white TV screen crooning, “Sala Main To Sahab Ban Gaya” in Sagina and weatched my mother swoon as he went careening in a tonga to the tune of “Maang Ke Saath Tumhara”. By the time I met him, he was no longer a dashing Casanova with an errant lock kissing his forehead. But he was still just as charming and made me wonder even more about the man behind the matinee idol.
So, I quizzed a filmmaker who decided to become an actor after watching Dilip saab’s Shaheed and Jugnu, then, went on to co-star with him in Aadmi. While it was being filmed, Manoj Kumar would often borrow from his friend’s wardrobe. In the course of a conversation, he recalled how, whenever Dilip Kumar spotted him in one of his costumes, he would smile and say graciously, “Achche lag rahe ho.”
Thirteen years after the 1968 film about obsessive love, Manoj saab convinced Dilip saab to end a five-year sabbatical to spearhead his Kranti (right). The historical drama was his most ambitious production, with Manoj saab as its writer, director and actor too. For the first four days at RK Studio, he just sat patiently and watched Dilip saab get into character. Then, he was living Sanga, reeling off one perfect take after another. Having known him closely, Manoj saab understood that his role model was a perfectionist who could not be hurried. But once Dilip saab was ready, the assistants never had to remind the thespian to report for work. He’d be on the sets by 11.15 am at the latest, and leave only after taking permission from his producer-director.Subhash Ghai who directed Dilip saab in three films—Vidhaata, Karma and Saudagar—informs that the two most influential persons in his life till date were both born on same day, December 11. “One is Osho who taught me how to understand the philosophy of life and the psychology of people and stay happy. The other is the emperor of acting, Dilip Kumar, who taught me how to understand the philosophy of my film’s story and the psychology of my characters,” Subhash ji points out.
The filmmaker goes on to add that during Vidhaata he had no idea that Dilip saab and Shammi Kapoor had a spat decades ago and set up his first scene with the two actors in Agra. “Shammi ji was not happy with the scene shot because he had got intimidated by Dilip saab and expressed his resentment to me in his room. He was shocked when I told him that after the shoot, Dilip saab had told me, ‘Subhash, Shammi’s character seems to be a very interesting part of the film and he is a good actor as well. Please see that you increase his role even at my cost. You will be happy,” reminisces Subhash ji, saying that Shammi ji went on to bag the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the film.
As he turns 97, here’s a day in Dilip Kumar’s life
9:10 AM
Radhika Bhirani (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 11, 2019)
In a glorious cinematic career, Dilip Kumar has rightfully earned the epithet of Indian cinema’s ‘Kohinoor’. As he turns 97 today, his wife and actor Saira Banu says he has not been keeping very well, but what he enjoys is good music by the likes of the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Mehdi Hassan.
“Every year, we do something special. A lot of people come to the house and bring flowers, garlands, etc. We light up the whole house, so that we feel a sense of celebration,” shares Banu, 75.
The ailing nonagenarian, known for prolific performances in films Naya Daur (1957), Mughal-e-Azam (1960), Ram Aur Shyam (1967) and Shakti (1982) has been loved by all generations. “Our industry people are so caring and concerned. They have huge respect for him,” says Banu, sharing that leading stars keep in touch to know about his health.
At home, she says, there’s a “medical atmosphere” as his movements are restricted, and he goes out for an occasional drive. “There are three boys who are very devoted to him. Apart from that, we have nursing staff also, and I’m the main nurse over here (laughs),” says the loving wife.
Once a foodie who used to concoct recipes along with his mother-in-law, Kumar now consumes light food. “Doctors have advised to not force things on him at all.”
Music puts him in a relaxed mood. What’s a typical day in his life now? “All his life he has been a nightbird. He used to either read or write into the wee hours of the morning. And then when he got married to me, it became much better, so much so that he told me, ‘You’re my sleeping pill’ (laughs),” shares Banu,
Now, due to medication, he dozes off a little bit in the day, too. But Banu says it’s a problem to get him to sleep early at night. She adds, “He sleeps late, and after his breakfast, he takes his doses, freshens up and after that, he watches something on TV or listens to some nice music. It relaxes him.”
Dilip Kumar saab made life a joy to live with his simple gestures-Saira Banu on thespian's 96th birthday
8:19 AM
DNA (December 11, 2018)
"Every day that God gives me to spend with sahab is a great celebration of a day well spent. I am blessed to be with him and I treasure every moment, each second...” says Saira Banu when asked how she plans to celebrate Dilip Kumar’s 96th birthday today.
However, the most memorable birthday she recalls is the one when he turned 89. “It was an elaborate celebration as the entire industry met here at our Pali Hill residence and made a great evening of happiness, music and dance,” she smiles. When asked if any of the younger actors drop in to wish him, she replies, “Yes, they do visit as Dilip sahab had made a habit of regularly visiting his seniors like Ashok Kumar sir, Om Prakash ji and Naushad sahab.”
Also, on this special occasion, the veteran actress has written an emotional piece on her husband for a group of fans based in the US. Excerpts:
Yousuf sahab is my world, my love, my soul, my Kohinoor, the most precious gift from Allah to me. By now, the whole world knows how my desire to be his wife began at the age of 12 when I was a girl studying at a private school in London. I lived with my dream day after day, praying for it to come true while my mother, grandmother and brother imagined it was an infatuation and I would get over it when I grew up.
Those who have read Yousuf sahab’s autobiography have written to me to say that the most engaging chapters in it are those where he has described how he courted me in his own dignified way, proposed marriage to me and sought my mother’s consent followed by a fortnight-long dream-like, fairytale romance that culminated into a quick and sensational announcement of our nikaah.
The dream I treasured came true on October 11, 1966. If you ask me whether it was a challenge for me (with my background of growing up in the UK in the protective care of a small close-knit family) to adjust to a life in a large kin, I would say that it could have been a challenge if Yousuf sahab had not enfolded me with his mature understanding of my needs and expectations. He gave me the same thoughtful care he extended to his sisters and brothers and the respect of being his wife. He made life a joy to live, with his simple gestures and pleasant surprises that made me feel I could not be more blessed and fortunate than I was.
It made me very happy one day when in a casual conversation Yousuf sahab revealed that the one crucial factor that egged him on to choose me to be his wife was the manner in which I had been brought up. He had noticed that I was respectful of the core values of our country’s culture and secular beliefs despite my shifting to London in my early impressionable years.
No marriage can be flawless and perfect. Our marriage too had its hiccups but the best thing about them was that they brought us closer and made us more thankful for God’s benevolence and greatness. In the very early years of our marriage, I took seriously ill and I had to be hospitalised in London. Leaving everything aside, my Jaan was by my side, staying awake at times while I slept secure in the knowledge that I have a strong hand clasping my hand and praying silently for my recovery.
I can go on and on about our journey together and our learning experiences that drew us closer each time and made us wiser and happier in our togetherness. If it was a bracing game of badminton that we enjoyed together in our youthful years, now it is a quiet dinner at home with soft Hindustani classical instrumental music playing in the background. I feel blessed when I play mother to him by feeding him his light meal while he enjoys the soft strains of the music and gives me the smile that, Mashallah, still sends hearts aflutter. If it was a long drive at one time, it is a short one now and coming back home feeling refreshed and sharing his favourite soup made from one of his own recipes. The one thing that has not changed or diminished is the contentment we share of a life lived meaningfully by being always there for our dear friends and family and, of course, for each other.
If I have another life at all, I will once again beseech Allah to give me the blessing of living this life again.”
Dilip Kumar turns 96; close ones gather to celebrate
8:18 AM
MID-DAY (December 11, 2018)
His movement is limited, diet is restricted and he recognises only a few close ones. But, as he turns 96 today, Dilip Kumar continues to get the love of his fans. Kumar will be surrounded by his family members and friends on his special day.
His friend Faisal Farooqui said, “Saab has never wanted to celebrate birthdays. The last birthday we celebrated as a big event was his 89th. Even when saab was socially and personally active, he was not fond of big celebrations. So, doing justice to that tradition, Saira ji [Banu, Kumar’s wife] has not planned anything big.”
Although Kumar, who has been ailing for a while, is recuperating and does not need hospitalisation, he says the veteran’s diet is restricted. “He has not fully recovered, but is making progress. Saab is resting at home, having his meals and interacting, but, obviously, one of the things that the doctor has advised us about is to be cautious of infections. So, we curb the access of many who wish to meet him.”
Dilip Kumar spends a quite time on his 94th birthday in hospital
7:46 AM
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; December 12, 2016)
Veteran star Dilip Kumar, who turned 94 yesterday, had a quiet birthday in a Bandra hospital where he is recuperating post treatment for a swelling in his right leg. The thespian was admitted last Tuesday.
When hitlist reached out to his wife, yesteryear actress Saira Banu, she said he is on the road to recovery, “His swelling has reduced and he is being kept under observation in the ICU, but there is nothing to worry. We had hoped he will be discharged on Sunday, but that didn’t happen. Hopefully, we will be able to take him home by Tuesday.”
Banu said they had a quite celebration at the hospital itself. “My brother passed away earlier this year, so we weren’t going to have a big celebration anyway. Some of our close friends and family were present in the afternoon when we cut a cake.”
She also thanked all well wishers of the actor on his behalf for being concerned about his health. “We are thankful to all those who have always kept him in their prayers and also for their lovely wishes on his birthday,” she said
Dilip Kumar brings in his 93rd birthday quietly
7:45 AM
MUMBAI MIRROR (December 12, 2015)
B-town brought in Dilip Kumar's 93rd birthday on Friday with a shower of wishes. Lata Mangeshkar respectfully asked God to bless her elder brother with health and happiness. Rishi Kapoor echoed the thought. Paresh Rawal described him as "the trendsetter of modern acting in Indian cinema and a true ambassador of Indian values" while Subhash Ghai called him "the legend of legends" and Javed Akhtar the "Everest of Talent, Taj Mahal of culture and Sangam of dignity and charm".
For Anil Kapoor he was a "father figure", for Abhishek Bachchan an inspiration "showing us the way" and Randeep Hooda admitted to feeling closer to him after reading his autobiography: The Substance and the Shadow. Shahid Kapoor, Riteish Deshmukh, Huma Qureshi, Ali Zafar, Adnan Sami were all as overwhelmed by the occasion but it was director Anubhav Sinha who pointed out that two Presidents were born this date, "One of the country and the other of the craft of acting."
It was a quiet celebration for the thespian this year in solidarity with the Chennai flood victims. "No one's been invited but if anyone from the fraternity drops by they will be welcomed by him with great warmth. A private dinner is scheduled for 8.30 pm with family, including his brothers, sisters, his staff and me," informs former editor and close associate of Dilip Kumar, Udaya Tara Nayar, who helped him pen his autobiography.
Speculations are rife that he visited Salman Khan at his residence the previous evening but Nayar points out that he was simply driving past the house. "Every evening, before or after prayers, he drives along Bandstand, down to Otters Club from where he returns home. Earlier, he would go for a walk at Jogger's Park but now he strolls in his own garden. He's very physically fit for a 93-year-old man and may God continue to bless him with good health,"
His wife, Saira Banu also wished him a long and healthy life. "He is doing fine...in the last two-three months there were ups and downs, but now he is fine," she said. Lots of bouquets came for him all day long, but keeping the family's sentiments in mind, the Bollywood fraternity didn't drop by. At the time of going to press, veteran actress Asha Parekh was the only one to show up post 9 pm
Dilip Kumar to be honoured at home with Padma Vibhushan after his 93rd birthday
7:38 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; December 11, 2015)
Bollywood thespian Dilip
Kumar turns 93 today. The legendary actor has been accepting birthday
wishes since late last night. His wife Saira Banu told us that the
birthday itself would be a low-key affair to show solidarity to those
affected by the Chennai floods.
Saira said, “We are deeply saddened by the tragedy. We decided not to celebrate Sahab's birthday at an inopportune time like this. My husband and I had lived in Chennai for a few years after our marriage and the city holds a special place in our hearts. We are also in touch with Suchindra Bali, son of Vyjayanthimala, whose family is based there. Thankfully, the area where they stay hasn't been hit so badly.“ The actress added they have also become quite superstitious and want to tread carefully. She explained, “We celebrated Sahab's 89th birthday with grandeur but soon after that, he fell sick. Nazar lag jaati hai so since then, it's always been a quiet family affair. His close friends are likely to come over and spend time with him.“
However, what makes the occasion special this year is the felicitation that will follow. The actor will be honoured with the Padma Vibhushan (the country's secondhighest civilian award) at home on December 13. Though the award was conferred earlier this year, he was unable to attend the ceremony in April at the Rashtrapati Bhavan owing to illness.
Saira said, “We got a call from Raj Bhavan and were informed that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will honour Dilip Sahab at home two days after his birthday. This makes it special.“
Saira said, “We are deeply saddened by the tragedy. We decided not to celebrate Sahab's birthday at an inopportune time like this. My husband and I had lived in Chennai for a few years after our marriage and the city holds a special place in our hearts. We are also in touch with Suchindra Bali, son of Vyjayanthimala, whose family is based there. Thankfully, the area where they stay hasn't been hit so badly.“ The actress added they have also become quite superstitious and want to tread carefully. She explained, “We celebrated Sahab's 89th birthday with grandeur but soon after that, he fell sick. Nazar lag jaati hai so since then, it's always been a quiet family affair. His close friends are likely to come over and spend time with him.“
However, what makes the occasion special this year is the felicitation that will follow. The actor will be honoured with the Padma Vibhushan (the country's secondhighest civilian award) at home on December 13. Though the award was conferred earlier this year, he was unable to attend the ceremony in April at the Rashtrapati Bhavan owing to illness.
Saira said, “We got a call from Raj Bhavan and were informed that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will honour Dilip Sahab at home two days after his birthday. This makes it special.“
Dilip Kumar discharged from hospital at noon on his birthday
7:38 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; December 12, 2014)
Looks like his fans and
family's blessings made it happen. At the time of going
to press, we were told that Dilip Kumar was discharged from the hospital
on Thursday (December 11), which happened to be his
92nd birthday. A friend said that the thespian had returned home in the
afternoon.
----------------------------
Roshmilla Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 12, 2014)
Dilip Kumar, who was
hospitalised last Saturday following a persistent bout of cough, cold
and fever which was diagnosed as bronchopneunomia, brought in his 92nd
birthday at home.
Udaya Tara Nayar, his close family friend and the compiler of his biography Dilip Kumar: The Substance and the Shadow, informed Mirror that the veteran actor, who had been making good progress, was informed by the doctor the previous evening that he would be discharged at 1 pm on Thursday.
"When I arrived at the hospital at 12 noon, he was all dressed up and ready to leave. He was wearing a pink shirt and the pink was back in his cheeks. He looked healthy and happy," Nayar smiles.
People had started wishing him from early morning. "A huge bouquet with a beautiful note arrived from Amitabh Bachchan. Dharmendra called from Jalandhar. He kept referring to himself as Dilip saab's chhota bhai and this made him smile," says Nayar.
A bunch of media persons were waiting for him outside the hospital and as soon as they saw him they started singing Happy Birthday. And this made him smile even more. "The treatment wil continue, but now he doesn't have to be on an IV drip anymore. He can be administered antibiotics orally," informs Nayar.
His wife, Saira Banu, speaking to Mirror on Sunday had said fervently, "Inshaallah, he should be fine soon." Her prayers were answered.
Dilip Kumar is back home with her. And she celebrated his birthday with a quiet dinner at home with family and a few select friends.
Udaya Tara Nayar, his close family friend and the compiler of his biography Dilip Kumar: The Substance and the Shadow, informed Mirror that the veteran actor, who had been making good progress, was informed by the doctor the previous evening that he would be discharged at 1 pm on Thursday.
"When I arrived at the hospital at 12 noon, he was all dressed up and ready to leave. He was wearing a pink shirt and the pink was back in his cheeks. He looked healthy and happy," Nayar smiles.
People had started wishing him from early morning. "A huge bouquet with a beautiful note arrived from Amitabh Bachchan. Dharmendra called from Jalandhar. He kept referring to himself as Dilip saab's chhota bhai and this made him smile," says Nayar.
A bunch of media persons were waiting for him outside the hospital and as soon as they saw him they started singing Happy Birthday. And this made him smile even more. "The treatment wil continue, but now he doesn't have to be on an IV drip anymore. He can be administered antibiotics orally," informs Nayar.
His wife, Saira Banu, speaking to Mirror on Sunday had said fervently, "Inshaallah, he should be fine soon." Her prayers were answered.
Dilip Kumar is back home with her. And she celebrated his birthday with a quiet dinner at home with family and a few select friends.
Saira Banu hoping she can wheel Dilip Kumar back home for a quiet birthday dinner
7:33 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; December 10, 2014)
We hope Yusuf Sahab is home
for his birthday but even if it takes longer, it's fine as his health is
a priority,“ said Saira Banu.
The thespian was admitted to a suburban hospital on Saturday evening after the X rays detected bronchospasm, pneumonia patch. The superstar's wife elaborated, “Antibiotics weren't helping much. He had to be on intravenous therapy and so had to be shifted to the hospital. He is a lot better now. He has recovered but a few doses still need to be administered.'' The yesteryear actress added, “You know, this was my biggest fear. Everybody kept asking me about his 92nd birthday plans. I kept saying nazar mat lagao. I was a little scared. Maine Yusuf sahab ke liye sadka diya... donated money, distributed food to the poor. If he gets discharged by tomorrow (his birthday), I plan on having a quiet dinner in the house.''
The thespian was admitted to a suburban hospital on Saturday evening after the X rays detected bronchospasm, pneumonia patch. The superstar's wife elaborated, “Antibiotics weren't helping much. He had to be on intravenous therapy and so had to be shifted to the hospital. He is a lot better now. He has recovered but a few doses still need to be administered.'' The yesteryear actress added, “You know, this was my biggest fear. Everybody kept asking me about his 92nd birthday plans. I kept saying nazar mat lagao. I was a little scared. Maine Yusuf sahab ke liye sadka diya... donated money, distributed food to the poor. If he gets discharged by tomorrow (his birthday), I plan on having a quiet dinner in the house.''
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