President, PM, Shehbaz, others sad at Dilip demise

ISLAMABAD: Bollywood legend Dilip Kumar passed away Wednesday, leaving fans in South Asia sad and mourning his demise.

Thousands across the globe, including notable actors, actresses and other celebrities who enjoyed his films over the decades, are paying tribute to the legend. People in Pakistan too showed their adulation for Kumar, especially Pakistani politicians, who took to social media to recall his achievements and express their love for the actor.

Sad at Kumar's passing, President Arif 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. Prime Minister Imran Khan in his Tweets said: Saddened to learn of Dilip Kumar's passing. I can never forget his generosity in giving his time to help raise funds for SKMTH [Shaukat Khanum Memorial Teaching Hospital] when project launched. This is the most difficult time - to raise first 10% of the funds & his appearance in Pak & London helped raise huge amounts.

“Apart from this, for my generation Dilip Kumar was the greatest and most versatile actor.” PML-N President Shehbaz 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.

Sindh Governor Imran Ismail said this was a sad day and called the actor a "man with a golden heart". Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad said he found Kumar, in his encounters with the actor, a "charming personality".

Minister for Information and Broadcas ting Fawad Chaudhry expressed grief and sorrow over the demise. In a statement, the minister said that Dilip Kumar’s death marked the end of a golden era in the world of film. He said that Yusuf Khan enjoyed extraordinary fame. Fawad said Dilip Kumar was an artist with a great talent from whom actors learned the art of acting.

Minister of Science and Technology Senator Shibli Faraz said: “Deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of 'Tragedy King' Dilip Kumar. Heartfelt condolences to his family. End of an era. RIP.”

PMLN 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.