Mumbai, Dec 11 (UNI) Bollywood legend Dilip Kumar, an actor whose exceptional acting prowess and remarkable dialogue delivery left an everlasting impression in the hearts of cinema lovers, would have celebrated his 102nd birth anniversary on Wednesday had he been alive.

Born as Muhammad Yusuf Khan on 11 December 1922, he was the third of 13 children of his parents. He completed his early education in Pune and Deolali, and later, he assisted his father, Ghulam Sarwar Khan, in their fruit trading business. However, dissatisfied with the business, he left it to run a canteen in Pune.

In 1943, he met Devika Rani, the manager of Bombay Talkies, who recognised his talent and invited him to Mumbai. Initially reluctant, Dilip Kumar eventually agreed when his interest in the canteen business waned. Devika Rani suggested he change his name for films, offering him three options: Vasudev, Jahangir, and Dilip Kumar. He chose the last and began his acting career with "Jwar Bhata" in 1944.

Despite a rocky start with "Jwar Bhata" and other early films like "Pratima" and "Anokha Pyar", his perseverance paid off with the success of "Mela" in 1948. This film marked his arrival as a prominent actor in the Indian film industry.

Over the years, Dilip Kumar gained a reputation for portraying a spectrum of emotions with unparalleled authenticity. His intense performances earned him the title of "Tragedy King," as seen in films like "Devdas" and "Madhumati". Om Prakash once remarked about his craft that it’s hard to believe art can reach such heights. International admirers often described him as “India’s Taj Mahal” for his timeless appeal.

Dilip Kumar’s on-screen pairing with Madhubala was one of the most beloved in Bollywood. Their collaboration in films like Mughal-e-Azam remains iconic. Their off-screen romance added to their mystique, beginning during the making of "Tarana", when Madhubala expressed her affection through a rose and a note, which Dilip Kumar accepted, confirming their mutual feelings. However, they later went their separate ways.

Dilip Kumar's versatility extended beyond romantic and tragic roles. Films like "Aan", "Naya Daur" and "Ram Aur Shyam" showcased his ability to excel in varied genres, from drama to comedy. His commitment to his craft, combined with his deep understanding of character, set him apart as a pioneer in Indian cinema.

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