Death, as sad as it may be, is perhaps the most beautiful thing ever created by God. Death is just another journey, without death, there will never be birth and life. Losing someone is inevitable. This is beautifully illustrated by Bill Watterson, the creator of Calvin and Hobbes – Death is temporary.  Thespian Dilip Kumar’s death on Wednesday has left the entire Indian film fraternity shocked and in mourning. The legendary actor who passed away at the age of 98 has left a void in cinema and a huge body of work behind, for future filmmakers and actors to learn from. Dilip Kumar, who had been facing regular health issues for months now, passed away at Mumbai’s Hinduja Hospital.

“With a heavy heart and profound grief, I announce the passing away of our beloved Dilip Saab, a few minutes ago. We are from God and to Him, we return,” his friend Faisal Farooqui wrote on the actor’s official Instagram account.

Popularly known as the ‘Tragedy King’ of Bollywood, Kumar was known as a method actor who was never limited to genres. In a career spanning more than five decades, the prolific legend was part of comedies, dramas, romance, and so on.

Some of his best-known films include Aan, Daag, Devdas, Madhumati, Azaad, Mughal-e-Azam, Gunga Jamuna, Kranti, Karma, Ram Aur Shyam, among others.
Dilip Kumar also possessed the distinction of being the only Indian recipient of Pakistan’s highest civilian award, Nishan-e-Imtiaz.

For his contribution to cinema, Dilip Kumar was conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest award in the artform. He also received the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in the country.

Along with Shah Rukh Khan, he held the record for winning the most Filmfare Awards in the Best Actor Category 8. He also won the inaugural trophy in the same category in 1954.

May our condolences bring you comfort and may our prayers ease the pain of this loss.