This interview was done when he turned 89. It was published in TOI Edit page. I spoke to Saira Banu and sent questions over mail. She spoke to him and got the replies. I tried to make the questions as interesting as possible. Here, I have included a couple of questions from my original interview.
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`I have sincerely tried to be a good role model'
They see his movies to know what acting is all about. He is regarded an institution. One of the greatest actors ever to grace the Indian screen, the legendary Dilip Kumar has turned 89. Making his debut with Jwar Bhata (1944), he gave hit after hit in Milan, Jugnu, Andaz, Mela, Devdas, Mughal-e-Azam, Azaad, Ram Aur Sham and many others. Intense, romantic and individualistic, he has held sway over generations of filmgoers. The legend gives Utthara Kumari B a glimpse of the real Dilip Kumar and the actor.
How did a shy young Yousuf Khan, with no film background or formal training, become the iconic Dilip Kumar?
I wish I knew! All I can tell you is I spared no effort to live the characters I played and fulfil the expectations of those who believed I was good at my job, and came to me with that implicit faith and trust..
You maintained your mystique - but who is the real Dilip Kumar?
A man with simple but fine tastes. At times I was a bit bewildered and wondered how I accomplished all that I was is credited with when I did not have any teacher or role model to guide me.I had a robust, earthy upbringing from parents who told me one should be faithful to one's occupation, whatever that may be. So, hard work and dedication were never lacking. Also, a strong sense of integrity came naturally from my Pathan genes. I will only claim that I sincerely tried to be a good role model. I strongly subscribe to the belief that an actor should be aware and conscious of his social responsibilities and contribute as much as he can to build the character of admirers who look up to him.
Apart from acting, what's been an enduring interest for you?
It's well known that Dilip Kumar likes good food - and all those who take pleasure in visiting him! I'm gregarious and like the company of good people willing to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, like eating bhel-puri at a wayside stall or just sitting in the garden, talking about poets of Urdu literature.
Detail is important to you - you're particular even about the tea you drink?
I am very fond of tea brewed well - with just the right amount of milk. It has to be piping hot and fragrant. A crispy flaky parantha with a dot of butter would be welcome!
You appreciate your relaxing times, but at one time, you were known as India's 'tragedy king' - how did the shift from tense films to breezy entertainers happen?
It was inevitable. The end in every tragic film was the death of my character. The audience took to those stories which were cathartic and close to their own lives. You must remember these were made in the post-War years, when gloom and economic depression persisted. It began to pall on me after a while. I had to seek professional advice to find out how i could rid myself of the melancholia that gripped me, thanks to those tragic roles.
To my good luck, southern filmmaker Sriramulu Naidu came to me with the idea of remaking Malaikallan, a Tamil success with the entertainment formula of those times. We made it in Hindi as Azaad and it set the ball rolling. I needed to make that departure - and it was timely, i should say.
Many actors copied you - did you have a favourite actor?
I always admired Ingrid Bergman and James Stewart.
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Would you say you're a method actor?
I am an actor who evolved a method which stood me in good stead. I learned the importance of studying
the script deeply and building on my own gut observations about characters. I was lucky to have directors and writers who shared my belief in preparation - and allowed me to work comfortably.
What do you think of today's cinema?
I seldom see present-day films. But I highly enjoy the works of Rajkumar Hirani whom I consider a very talented director.
You had playback for most films. Since you sang a duet with Lataji for Musafir, it has remained a wonder why you did not sing thereafter.
Naushad Sahab never stopped complaining about my lack of serious interest in developing my voice for singing my own songs. The truth is that I did not want to dilute my dedication to the job of acting which was sent my way by Allah with a purpose and will.
You caught and bowled over one of the most beautiful women in India and married her.
Saira has been asked in over a thousand interviews how she chose to marry a man twice her age. I think if you do the 1001th interview with Saira you can get to the bottom of it and hear it from her. All I can say now is that I couldn't have been more blessed. I am thankful to God for giving me the nudge to let Saira into my perfectly set bachelor life and surprise the world. She is not just the most beautiful woman in India, she is a gem of a wife and companion.
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Trivia
Dilip Kumar, who was the face of many Mohammed Rafi melodies on screen, is a very good singer himself. He is also a proficient trumpet player. And according to his wife Saira Banu, Dilip Kumar is unbeatable at the game of 'antaakshari'.
* But did you know that the talented actor was such a perfectionist when it came to acting, that he even learnt the sitaar for 'Madhuban Mein Raadhika Naache Re,' a song sequence from his hit film 'Kohinoor'.
* Amitabh Bachcan's famous drunk scene in Amar Akbar Anthony where he tries to stick a plaster to the mirror... this scene was first done by Dilip Kumar in his film Daag (I think).
