Phenomenon, instinctively natural performer, polyglot, and one who could harmonise mind, voice and body on screen — this is how colleagues, film historians and cinema enthusiasts remember Dilip Kumar.

Kumar was not only suave and soft, elegant and enchanting, but his performing skills continue to be respectfully emulated by leading actors and thespians of Indian cinema. He never studied the art and craft of acting in any drama or film school, yet his presence on screen had a certain rhythm, poise and movement derived from his own method of acting.

As the film industry and cinema lovers across generations mark the birth centenary of the silver screen icon, film historian Amrit Gangar notes that it is interesting that the celebrations coincide with a time when “we are talking not just abou

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