Dilip Kumar's death: Pakistani leaders pay tribute to 'Tragedy King'

Pakistani politicians took to Twitter Wednesday to pay tribute to Dilip Kumar, who passed away at the age of 98. 

Thousands of fans of the Bollywood legend were grieved to hear of his passing. Social media tributes for the actor poured in from both sides of the border after it emerged he had passed away. 

Pakistani politicians, too, took to Twitter to hail Kumar's acting prowess and recall the golden days of Indian cinema when his movies used to rule the chars.

'Dignified personality'

Sad at Kumar's passing, President Alvi said he was "an outstanding actor, a humble man, and a dignified personality".

The president extended condolences to the family and fans of Dilip Kumar.

“Condolences to the immediate family and his huge family of admirers. May his soul rest in peace,” he wrote.

'Legend'

PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif paid tribute to Kumar, saying that Peshawar's Yusuf Khan reigned for many years in Bollywood as Dilip Kumar and today, left the world in the form of a legend. 

Pakistan's Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad said he found Kumar, in his encounters with the actor, a "charming personality".

PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said the characters essayed by Kumar and the dialogues he delivered with such passion became quite popular with the masses.

She termed his demise a great loss.

Dr Jalil Parkar, the pulmonologist treating the actor at Mumbai's PD Hinduja hospital, confirmed the Bollywood legend had passed away Wednesday.

“With a heavy heart and profound grief, I announce the passing away of our beloved Dilip saab,” Faisal Farooqui - a family friend - posted on the actor's official Twitter.

The legendary actor was admitted to Mumbai's Hinduja Hospital after complaining of breathlessness - it was the second time he had been hospitalised in the same month.

Dilip Kumar had been in and out of hospital over the last few years with multiple health problems ranging from a kidney ailment to pneumonia.

Born on December 11, 1922 in Peshawar (now in Pakistan) as Mohammad Yousuf Khan, he began his film career in 1944 with Jawar Bhata.

The versatile actor, who would have been 99 in December, is survived by his wife of 75 years, Saira Banu.

Condolences poured in from political, social and cultural circles in India and Pakistan as they mourned the loss of the actor.