Mumbai : According to Satyajit Ray, Dilip
Kumar was the ultimate method actor. His performances are still very relevant
and haven’t aged at all with time. When I came to the industry, there were
three major stars — Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand and Dilip Kumar. While both Raj Kapoor
and Dev Anand also directed and produced films, Yusuf sahab did neither. He was
a very committed actor. Everyone in the industry spoke about how seriously he
took his work – from the script to the delineation of his character. According
to Satyajit Ray, Dilip Kumar was the ultimate method actor. His performances
are still very relevant. They haven’t aged at all with time. Yusuf sahab had a
splendid grasp over the Urdu language. His dialogue delivery was so unique.
Nobody has been able to quite master the same technique. He could hypnotise
anyone with that voice. Gulzar sahab used to say it was a pleasure to talk to
him in Punjabi. He made the language sound so poetic and charming. He brought so
many nuances in his performances. He had a very successful and secure career
for over 50 years. His dedication to his work was phenomenal.
As a person, Yusuf sahab was very dignified
and gracious. I remember once he was invited as a chief guest at a Suigetsu
event. He gave such a wonderful speech. Full of knowledge and humour. The
audience couldn’t get enough of him. He didn’t speak about himself, but he had
made an effort to know all about the Japanese art of flower arrangement. His
eldest sister was the head of the family. And Yusuf sahab lived with his
sisters and brothers. It was a very warm and welcoming house. Yusuf sahab
didn’t prioritize commerce over art. He always made one film at a time. He was
very well loved not only in India but also in the subcontinent. I was very
happy to have worked with him in Dastaan. He was a very generous actor and
never made me feel inadequate. I had always wanted to work with him, and Thank
God, I got the opportunity.
0 Comments