Bollywood actor Dilip Kumar, one of the most beloved figures in Indian cinema, died on Wednesday at the age of 98, his doctor confirmed.
Kumar was known to several generations of movie fans for starring in Bollywood cult classics, including the films “Devdas,” “Naya Daur,” “Ganga Jamuna,” and more. He often took on tragic roles, earning himself the nickname “Tragedy King.”
“Dilip Kumar passed away at 7:30 a.m. this morning, after prolonged illness,” said Dr. Jalil Parkar, who was treating him at Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai.
Kumar had been taken to the hospital in early June and later discharged, but was admitted again on June 30, according to posts on his official Twitter account.
On July 5, just two days before his death, Kumar’s wife, Saira Banu Khan, had tweeted from his account saying his health was improving.
A tweet from Kumar’s account, signed by family friend Faisal Farooqui, confirmed his death on Wednesday. “With a heavy heart and profound grief, I announce the passing away of our beloved Dilip Saab, few minutes ago,” said the tweet.
Kumar is survived by his wife. The couple did not have children.
People from all walks of life, including politicians, actors and athletes, shared their condolences on social media after news broke of his death.
“Dilip Kumar Ji will be remembered as a cinematic legend,” tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. “He was blessed with unparalleled brilliance, due to which audiences across generations were enthralled. His passing away is a loss to our cultural world. Condolences to his family, friends and innumerable admirers.”
Amitabh Bachchan, another Bollywood heavyweight, tweeted that “an institution has gone” and added he was “deeply saddened.”
“Whenever the history of Indian Cinema will be written, it shall always be ‘before Dilip Kumar, and after Dilip Kumar’,” he wrote.