COFFEE TABLE BOOK

“DILIP KUMAR : PEERLESS ICON INSPIRING GENERATIONS”

PRESS RELEASE

Cinematic history till date has witnessed the emergence of a million stars. Some are reminisced for their charm, some for their fashion sense, some for their dancing and singing, some for their wit, others for their comic genius. All in all they are successful entertainers and expert improvisers. Then there are those that hold the power to ignite the screen while presenting their own interpretation of the art of emoting. These enigmatic beings make movie going a cathartic experience, you walk out purged and relieved or joyful and fulfilled or even (unavoidably at times) submerged in the depths of despair. These are the idols you post on your walls or imitate in front of a mirror and even sometimes subconsciously infuse their styles in your own walk and talk. And one such actor with talent of monumental dimensions is Yusuf Khan a.k.a. Dilip Kumar.

DILIP KUMAR is not merely a living legend Superstar striding across the celluloid firmament like a colossus over the last seven decades – he is  far above that unattainable peak of fame, ensconced  on a much loftier pedestal in the hearts of legions of admirers encompassing generations. While many performers may have charmed their ways in to the hearts of their fans, Dilip went far beyond. Mesmerising  and captivating generations of filmgoers with his unmatched histrionic prowess and stamping their heads and hearts with the indelible impressions of true to life characterizations in virtually all portrayals; he carved a permanent niche in their inner being.  Dilip Kumar lives and shall live forever in the hearts and souls of his countless fans world-over.

Dr. Trinetra Bajpai and Anshula Bajpai (authors of celebrated Coffee Table Books “Those Magnificent Music Makers” and “Dev Eternal Anand”) have produced an unputdownable book, filled with movies and memories, written in a style that carries the reader through over fifty of Hindi cinema’s most memorable years. With an introduction by veteran journalist Ali Peter John, Foreword by the legendary Ameen Sayani and a dedication by the thespian himself “Dilip Kumar : Peerless Icon Inspiring Generations” promises to take readers on a fascinating up close and personal journey which will unveil the many facets of the magnificent personality of this legend.

Lavishly illustrated with over a hundred rare and familiar pictures, this comprehensive book includes chapters on Dilip Kumar’s early years and family, his evolution as an actor, an exhaustive filmography, his relationship with his contemporaries and colleagues, his reel / real romances and eventual marriage to Saira Banu, which has stood the test of time. The book is published by Bloomsbury and has won accolades and deep appreciation from a legion of fans of Dilip Kumar, movie buffs and cinematic historians.

The landmark book was formally launched at a glittering function at the popular book shop “Title Waves”, Bandra (West), Mumbai in December 1 in the august presence of yesteryear cinematic legends Nimmi (who starred in five landmark films with the thespian), Saira Banu herself, Dharmendra, Kanwaljit, Prem Chopra, Ranjit, Ameen Sayani, Hasan Kamaal etc. Rahman / Raju Naushad (Naushad), Javed Badayuni (Shakil Badayuni), Amit Biswas (ANIL Biswas), Rajesh Duggal (Rajinder Krishan), Yasmine Rafi (Mohammad Rafi) represented their departed legendary fathers who were close associates of Dilip Sahab. Veteran journalists Ali Peter John, Uday Tara Nayyar, ace broadcaster Brij Bhushan Sawhney, prolific writer  Vishwas Nerurkar, distributor Salim Khan, director Subhash Sahgal and Paul Kumar (of Publishers Bloomsbury) embellished the launch.

Mega star Dharmendra and Kanika Bajpai waxed eloquent about Dilip Sahab and the book to a thunderous ovation. The graceful presence of Dilip Sahab’s youngest sister Fareedaji made a truly nostalgic evening. It was an immensely memorable event to be cherished for ever.

Come discover Dilip Kumar.