Muhammad Yusuf Khan better known as Dilip Kumar celebrates his 92nd birthday today. Born on December 11, 1922 in Peshawar, Pakistan (Erstwhile India) he made his B-Town debut as an actor in the 1944 film Jwar Bhata. The movie may not have done great at the box office but it gave birth to one of the best actors if Indian cinema. The actor was in hospital recently due to pneumonia, but has recovered and will be celebrating his birthday at his Bandra residence. His mind blowing portrayal of the common man who is engulfed in the tragedies of life, earned him many awards and the best among them was the title of ‘Tragedy King‘. His films have always had great music and here are a few of his most memorable songs.
This song sung by Mukesh and Lata Mangeshkar on Salil Chowdhury’s composition, is from the 1958 film Madhumati and is super melodious. This film, starring Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala, Johnny Walker and Pran won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi that year. Also that film was India’s official entry to the 31st Academy Awards (Oscars).
This song sung by Mukesh for this 1958 Bimal Roy film is a treat for Dilip Kumar fans. The song shows Dilip in his most handsome avatar. Salil Chowdhury’s composition makes it even more melodious.
This song sung by Mohammed Rafi in the 1961 film Ganga Jamuna is one of the best folk song ever. This song features a very mature Dilip sporting a moustache and also his characteristic dance steps. His flirtatious nature is evident in this song and Vyjayanthimala looks on and reciprocates to his feelings.
This song from the 1957 film Naya Daur is a youth oriented song sung by Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle. This song composed by OP Nayyar is a crowd favourite even till today. Vyjayanthimala’s fantastic dance steps make this song even more wonderful.
This song from the 1976 film Bairaag can’t be missed for the startling chemistry between Dilip Kumar and Leena Chandavarkar. Kalyanji Anandji’s music and Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle’s voice make this song a must watch. The film also starred Dilip’s wife Saira Banu.
This song from the 1991 film Saudagar featured veterans Dilip Kumar and Raaj Kumar singing about their friendship. Sung by Mohammad Aziz and Sudesh Bhonsle on the composition of Laxmikant-Pyarelal, this song is till date remembered when people talk about friendship.
This song from the 1986 film Karma is one of the most favourite patriotic songs of India. Sung by Mohammad Aziz and Kavita Krishnamurthy on Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s composition, this song is till date played at the National events and on National festivals.
This classical music number sung by Mohammed Rafi and composed by Naushad is from the 1960 film Kohinoor for which Dilip Kumar won the Best Actor award. It is still used by singing teachers across India as a part of their lessons. This song’s picturisation is fabulous where Dilip is seen singing and playing the sitar as the courtesans dance.
This wonderful, happy love song pictured on Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala and sung by Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle is from the 1957 film Naya Daur. The two are seen riding along in a buggy professing their love for each other. OP Nayyar’s music takes this song to a completely different level altogether.
This song from the 1957 Naya Daur sung by Mohammed Rafi this is a popular motivational track. Concepts like working together and team bonding have been explained very well in this song.
This song from the 1964 movie Leader is another patriotic song from the Tragedy King. Sung by Mohammed Rafi on the composition of Naushad, this film is till popular among the masses for Dilip’s dhamakedaar dialogues.
This song from the 1951 film Deedar is one of the best tragedy songs from the repertoire of the Tragedy King. Sung by Mohammed Rafi on Naushad’s composition, this track is a hot favourite among Dilip Kumar fans.
This song features an older Dilip Kumar walking over the beaches on crutches , singing another sad number in the Bhojpuri language. The lesser known film starred Waheeda Rehman and Manoj Kumar as well. Naushad’s music makes this song even better. There was also a Bhojpuri version of the same film, which gained a lot of popularity.
This song from the 1957 film Naya Daur is another patriotic song from Dilip Kumar’s repertoire. It has been played incessantly at Independence days, Republic days and Gandhi Jayantis. O P Nayyar’s music and Dilip’s dumdaar acting infuse a lot of inspiration among Indian youth and the army people.