Dilip Kumar: India Bollywood actor in hospital

  • Published
Actor Dilip Kumar with wife Saira Banu
Image caption,

Dilip Kumar is described by critics as the ultimate method actor in India

Veteran Bollywood actor Dilip Kumar has been admitted to hospital in the Indian city of Mumbai after suffering a heart attack, doctors said.

The 90-year-old actor was taken to the Lilavati hospital on Sunday night. Doctors said his condition was stable.

Kumar was dubbed The Tragedy King for his roles in many Bollywood classics in the 1950s and 60s.

Described by critics as the ultimate method actor in India, he has won more awards than any other Bollywood star.

Over his long career, he has won eight Filmfare awards, India's version of the Oscars.

Kumar has also served as a member of India's upper house of parliament.

Born in Pakistan's Peshawar in 1922 as Muhammad Yusuf Khan, he changed his name to Dilip Kumar when he joined Bollywood.

The historical 1960 drama Mughal-e-Azam, in which he played the role of Prince Salim, is one of the biggest hits of Indian cinema.

He also acted in superhits like Ganga Jumna, Devdas, Andaz and Aan.

Seen as a legend of Indian cinema, Kumar passed over a lead role in David Lean's Lawrence of Arabia.

The part of Sherif Ali went to Egyptian actor Omar Sharif, who was nominated for an Oscar for the 1962 epic.