When it comes to Dilip Kumar,even an iconic actor like Dharmendra gets weak-kneed.
“Am I a fan of Dilip Saab? Of course I am! Which Indian actor is not his fan? So many have tried to be like him. But I don’t think there can be another Dilip Kumar…He was one of his kind, ” eulogizes Dharmendra , himself an actor of legendary status.
“When he left us I was bereft.He was not only an actor I looked up to.I was lucky enough to be a part of his family. Hamara unke yahan aana-jana lagaa rehta ttha. I was always in touch with Saira when Yusuf Saab was unwell to inquire about his health. Saira and I have done many films together.It was my sincere wish to do at least one film with Yusuf Saab,” Dharamji says emotionally.
When Dilip Kumar was directing Kalinga(eventually shelved) Dharmendra pleaded with the Thespian for a role. “I was eager and willing to do any role. Regrettably I was not part of Kalinga.”
Ask Dharmendra about his favourite Dilip Kumar films and he says, “To name one would be impossible.I liked him in every film he did. I’ve seen Mughal-e-Azam, Ganga Jumna, Devdas and Ram Aur Shyam innumerable times.”