Happy Birthday Dilip Kumar: 9 intriguing facts and rare pics of the legendary actor

Today, i.e. December 11, marks the birthday of legendary actor Dilip Kumar. Kumar who is also known as the Tragedy King of Bollywood was born in the year 1922, and today, the 50s heartthrob turned 96. Talking about his career, the nonagenarian's career spanned over six long decades, and during which, he did more than 100 movies and most of them are must-watch classics. The veteran actor has been an inspiration to many stars of several generations including the Badshah of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan and Big B.

Dilip Kumar who was one of the top stars of the Hindi film industry gave many hits such as Andaz (1949), Aan (1952) and Devdas (1955) among others.
He was born in Peshawar (now in Pakistan) and had no Bollywood background. Yes, his father Lala Ghulam Sarwar was a fruit merchant but that didn't stop Kumar from making it big in the film industry. We have to say that he is one of the greatest actors, and he is always remembered for his immense contribution and passion for the Hindi cinema. On the occasion of his birthday, we have compiled some intriguing facts and rare pictures from the past. Read on to know more.

1. Many do not know that Dilip Kumar is not his real name. Yes, you read it right! His real name is Muhammad Yusuf Khan. Devika Rani, one of the popular actors, had given him the screen name. 

2. World famous filmmaker Satyajit Ray called Kumar the 'ultimate method actor.'

3. His debut movie was Jwar Bhata (1944). His potential was first noted by Devika and Himanshu Rai and they roped in for the movie. His last Bollywood movie was Qila (1998).

4. Kumar is the winner of not one or two but eight Filmfare awards. In the year 2015, he was bestowed with Padma Vibhushan (India's second highest civilian award) for his contribution to the Indian cinema.

5. In the year 1998, the Government of Pakistan honoured him with the nation's highest civilian honour- Nishan-e-Imtiaz.

6. Before entering movies, Kumar used to sell fruits in Pune.

7. Dilip Kumar married twice. He married Saira Banu in the year 1966, and later, in 1981, he got married to
 Hyderabad socialite Asma Sahiba, but their marriage ended in 1983.

8 The only film produced by the superstar was Ganga Jamuna (1961)

9. Kumar has launched many new talents in Bollywood. Some of the talents identified by him are Aruna Irani and Kader Khan among others.