Is Dilip Kumar the greatest actor bollywood has ever seen?

Many people will debate and ask the question, who is the greatest actor in bollywood?  They will have their answer and explain why.  But before we even attempt to answer this question, I think it is important to discuss some key points.  For example, when we say 'greatest actor', what do we mean?  Are we talking about the 'biggest star'?  Or a person with great acting qualities?  Or even which actor has  the biggest following?  When we talk about success, do we mean box office success or critical appreciation?

A very young Dilip Kumar

For me Dilip Kumar is the greatest actor bollywood has ever seen.  The reason why I choose Dilip Kumar above all is because he was a master at the craft of acting.  That's right, I see him as an actor first then a star.  If there ever was a method actor in bollywood, then it would be Dilip Kumar.  He had the ability to indulge in the character so deeply that it is as if you are seeing the character and not him.  In many ways Dilip Kumar was ahead of his time.  Firstly his looks.  One glance and women would fall to their knees.  He was indeed the most handsome of his contemporaries.  Then his mannerism, any women would fall to his feet by his one glance and any man would proudly walk in his shoes. 

He may be known as the 'tragedy king' because of his ability to bring so much depth and emotion to the characters he portrayed.  But lets not forget that he also brought romance, comedy and drama through many of his roles.  He has given numerous outstanding performances in films such as Andaz, Naya Daur, Madhumati, Mughul-e-azam, Ram aur Shyam, and the list goes on and on.  However, below are some of my favourites.

A scene from the 1952 film Aan

His film 'Aan' (1952).  This village happy go lucky character was played to perfection.  Everything, from how he would cheekily smile to the confrontations with Nadira is a lesson to any actor.  How he, through the course of the film makes an arrogant princess finally fall for his charm had audiences in awe.  At the same time credit has to be given to the direction of Mehboob Khan who matched Dilip Kumar's superb acting capabilities with his masterclass direction that brought so much substance to each scene

A scene from the classic 1955 Devdas

Sanjay Leela Bhansali may have added grandeur and style to his version of Devdas in 2002.  But in comparing the character of Devdas, I think it is Dilip Kumar who is victorious.  He takes the character to those corners of the heart that Shah Rukh Khan could perhaps not.  When Devdas first meets Paro, from the way he interacts with her, you can see how his character is possessed by arrogance and pride but at the same time there is this child like love for her. These emotions are so beautifully portrayed by Dilip Kumar.  While in the other scenes, the way he smokes the pipe to the way he utters the famous dialogue 'kaun kambakht bardaasht karne ko peeta hai' can be seen again and again.  In fact the 1955 version has an element of 'realism' that the 2002 version lacks.

Another notable performance was in Shakti (1982).  The story revolved around a father-son relationship where the father is a cop while the son is on the opposite side of the law.  This was the first time Amitabh Bachchan and Dilip Kumar shared the screen.  It was terrific to watch them both.  Amitabh was no doubt superb in his role but Dilip Kumar's performance was mind blowing.  The emotions, the way he spoke, his mannerisms were flawless.  The portrayal of a police officer who cared about his son while at the same time would not compromise his principles was played brilliantly.

The later years, Subhash Ghai's Saudaar (1991).  It was going to be a treat for any cinema lover to see two iconic masters of their craft go head to head on screen.   Raaj Kumar bought style and suave through his dialogue delivery while Dilip Kumar's sentimental passion, where each word was so eloquently executed.  The epic confrontations between the two had a grand atmosphere.  For example, the one that stands out is where Dilip kumar brings the dead girl and questions Raaj  Kumaar - 'Mujhe kasam hai' scene. Towards the end of the scene where he repeats mujhe kasam hai... mujhe kasam hai....  One can feel every sentence echoing around the mountains.


The work of Dilip Kumar is a treasure for any indian cinema lover.  His eloquence in his dialogue delivery.  His charm and good looks.  His great acting abilities.  Indeed he was a rare talent.  Today stars may give importance to their physic and how they look or how good a dancer they are.  The era and films of Dilip Kumar have something in them that makes them so deep.  One can connect with these characters at an emotional level compared to say today's.  For me Dilip Kumar will always be the greatest actor of indian cinema.