‘Emotional’ Dilip Kumar receives Padma Vibhushan at home

The actor was to receive it at Rashtrapati Bhavan on April 8, 2015 but he could not due to his ill health

Describing legendary actor Dilip Kumar as a “precious gem,” Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday, presented him the Padma Vibhushan award at the thespian’s residence in suburban Bandra for his contribution to the Hindi cinema spanning over six decades.

The 93-year-old veteran, who shot to fame with Naya Daur, Jugnu, Andaz and Devdas, was presented a medal, certificate and shawl by Mr Singh in the presence of the actor’s 71-year-old wife Saira Banu. Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Mr Kumar’s family members and close friends were also present during the small ceremony.

Mr Kumar, in a black suit, could barely open his eyes and was helped by Ms Bano when the national honour was conferred on him. On receiving the award, he expressed his happiness and got emotional at the recognition, Ms Banu told this newspaper. The veteran actor has given sterling performances in over 60 Hindi films.

He was to receive the award at a ceremonial function at Rashtrapati Bhavan on April 8, 2015 in New Delhi, but he could not attend the ceremony due to his ill health.

“Dilip Kumar has created such a niche for himself over the last 40-50 years, that almost every artiste regards him as a role model. He is a ‘precious gem’ of not just the cinema world but entire India,” the home minister said. He was speaking after presenting the Padma Vibhushan award. Ms Banu expressed pleasure over the honour on behalf of the veteran actor. “It has been a momentous occasion for the family and we are happy that India’s home minister Rajnath Singh, came to Mumbai to present the award,” she said.

Born as Muhammad Yousuf Khan in Peshawar (Pakistan), Mr Kumar made his debut as an actor in the film Jwar Bhata produced by Bombay Talkies in 1944. He starred in films of a variety of genres such as the swashbuckling Aan (1952), the comical Azaad (1955), the historical Mughal-e-Azam (1960) and the socially conscious Ganga Jamuna (1961).