Dilip Kumar’s best films : Shakti

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Dilip Kumar’s best films

Dilip Kumar’s best celluloid appearances:

Muhammed Yusuf Khan, who adopted the screen name - Dilip Kumar - went on to become one of Indian cinema’s most loved artists. After making his debut in ‘Jwar Bhata’ in 1944, Dilip enthralled cine-goers with his impeccable acting skills. A trendsetter and a powerhouse of matchless talent, Dilip inspired a number of actors including megastar Amitabh Bachchan and superstar Shah Rukh Khan.
Also known as the ‘Tragedy King’ of Hindi Cinema for portraying profound characters, Kumar delivered many iconic films. And one such film is ‘Mughl-E-Azam’. In a career spanning over a little less than 5 decades, Kumar acted in as many as 60 films.
Here’s taking a look at some of his best cinematic works:

Daag

Dilip Kumar bagged his first Filmfare Best Actor award for his portrayal of Shankar, a heart-broken alcoholic. He was paired opposite Nimmi in the film which released in 1952. ‘Daag’ was directed and produced by Amiya Chakrabarty.

Andaz

In Mehboob Khan’s ‘Andaz’, Dilip plays a heartbroken young man who sees his ladylove getting married to her fiancé. He suppresses his feelings for the sake of his love Neena, only to get killed by her. In the film, Dilip worked with Nargis and Raj Kapoor.

Devdas

As Devdas in Bimal Roy’s classic adaptation of Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s namesake novel, Dilip Kumar stole the show. He portrayed an alcoholic once again in the film that saw him romancing Suchitra Sen and Vyjanthimala. The film went on to become a super-hit and Kumar’s performance - one of the finest in the history of cinema. He won the Filmfare Best Actor Award for the second time for ‘Devdas’.

Naya Daur

Set in the backdrop of an India that was on the threshold of industrialisation, BR Chopra’s `Naya Daur` (1957) starring Dilip Kumar, Ajit and Vyjanthimala is a cult film. Dilip Kumar plays Shankar, a fearless tangewala, who is a revolutionary of sorts. As fearless Shankar, Dilip dares to make a noise against injustice and thereby saves the interests of many in his village. The Filmfare Best Actor Award was bestowed on Dilip Kumar for this film.

Madhumati

As Anand/Deven in Bimal Roy’s 1958 classic, Dilip delivered a spellbinding performance. He portrays someone who is entangled in memories related to his past life. His chemistry with Vyjanthimala won many a hearts.

Mughal-E-Azam

Hindi cinema’s most celebrated magnum opus, ‘Mughl-E-Azam’, directed by K Asif, immortalised Prince Salim onscreen. Dilip Kumar as Salim shared screen space with Prithviraj Kapoor and Madhubala in the film. Dilip and Madhubala’s real life equation reflected in the film thereby making the film a blockbuster of its times.

Gunga Jamna

As Gunga, a dacoit in Nitin Bose’s ‘Gunga Jamna’, Dilip Kumar portrayed a character that had grey elements. His brother Jamna, a police officer, is oblivious of the fact that his education was sponsored by Gunga. Jamna, who is on duty, shoots his brother dead.

Leader

Dilip Kumar bagged the Filmfare Best Actor award yet again for his portrayal of Vijay Khanna in Ram Mukherjee’s ‘Leader’ (1964). The song ‘Apni Azaadi Ko Hum Hargiz Mita Sakte Nahin....Sar Kata Sakte Hain Lekin Sar Jhuka Sakte Nahin’ picturised on Kumar became a super-hit number.

Ram Aur Shyam

‘Ram Aur Shyam’ released in 1967 went on to inspire a number of filmmakers down the line. Dilip Kumar played a double role in the film and many of his successors took a cue from his dual performances. Kumar played twin brothers - one was naive while the other was street smart.

Shakti

As inspector Ashwini Kumar, Dilip Kumar delivered a performance of a lifetime in ‘Shakti’ that also starred Amitabh Bachchan. The legendary actor bagged a Filmfare Award for the film that redefined his stature as a natural actor.

Gayatri Sankar