As the news about Bollywood’s legendary actor
Dilip Kumar’s demise arrived, the film fraternity took to social media as they wrote a word or two in memory of the actor. At 98, the Tragedy King, as he was fondly called as passed away today at a hospital in Mumbai.
Bombay Times reached out to
Helen, who worked with Kumar in films like Ganga Jumna (1961) and Bairaag (1976). She shared, “In the latter, I had a very interesting role opposite Yusuf saab (Kumar’s real name). He was such a charmer and a wonderful person to work with. I can never forget him, a thorough gentleman. It was so much fun working with him. He used to always make me laugh on the set. The memories are so vivid in my mind even today. A thespian of the industry, nobody of his stature can ever come and go in Bollywood”
Remembering the times she met him in person, Helen says, “Salim saab, Salma ji and I had attended his 91
st birthday celebrations. Dilip saab was there looking as handsome as ever! I still remember his beautiful eyes. After that, we have visited him at his home a few times, but Salim saab used to visit him often. It’s great that Saira ji (his wife) always kept him in touch with us. I pray for her and God give her inner strength to carry on in life.”