Peshawar celebrates Dilip Kumar’s 95th birthday

PESHAWAR: Indian actor Dilip Kumar’s 95th birthday was celebrated in the city on Monday, which is where the actor was born and spent the early years of his life.

The celebrations were arranged in Peshawar Press Club, where the star’s wife, Saira Bano, spoke to the attendees over the phone.

“I’m thankful to all those in Pakistan who pray for the health and well-being of Dilip Kumar,” she said. “He will speak to the people of Peshawar himself soon, once his health improves.”

While speaking further to the people who had come together to celebrate the star’s birthday, Bano also shared how she believes Dilip is not only a talented actor but is also a good human being. She also said that her husband loves the city of his birth, Peshawar.

One of the organisers of the event, Hameed Gul, spoke to Geo News about Dilip's life in Peshawar, saying he was born in Mohalla Khudadad in 1922.

According to Gul, Dilip’s father was in the fruit business, because of which he would frequently travel to and from the areas that are now divided between India and Pakistan. “Eventually the entire family moved to India.”

Gul said Dilip, whose original name is Yousaf Khan, was interested in acting and after he set his foot in the show business, he came to be known as the king of tragedy films.

However, the star’s birthday is celebrated in Peshawar every year to strengthen ties between India and Pakistan, Gul added.