Madhubala to Saira Banu: Best on-screen jodi’s of ‘tragedy King’ aka Dilip Kumar - In pics!

Known as the ‘King of Tragedy’ Dilip Kumar is regarded as an institution in himself by many cinephiles. The actor introduced natural acting when it was a norm to be loud and dramatic. His acting nuances - whether it be taking a pause before speaking to lowering his eyelids - he is said to have inspired generations of actors that have come after him. 

Zee Media Bureau | Jul 07, 2021, 12:25 PM IST

Known as the ‘King of Tragedy’ Dilip Kumar is regarded as an institution in himself by many cinephiles. The actor introduced natural acting when it was a norm to be loud and dramatic. His acting nuances - whether it be taking a pause before speaking to lowering his eyelids - he is said to have inspired generations of actors that have come after him. 

Known for his nuanced performances, he was a romantic hero who has given phenomenal performances in classics like Mughal-e-Azam, Devdaas among others. 

Check out our picks of his top on-screen pairings.

(pics courtesy: movie stills)

1/6

Saira Banu

Saira Banu

As reported in Filmfare, veteran actress Saira Banu had two dreams in her life. One was to become an actress and the other to marry Dilip Kumar. She was able to fulfill both her heart's desires. Dilip Kumar, who was 22 years senior to Saira Banu had refused to be paired against her initially due to the vast age difference.

He however later not only did films with Saira but also fell in love with her. The couple starred in films like Gopi (1970), Sagina (1974) and Bairaag (1976). Their on-screen chemistry was fabulous.

2/6

Madhubala

Madhubala

Who can forget the iconic 'Mughal-e-Azam' and star-crossed lovers Salim and Anarkali played by Dilip Kumar and Madhubala. The duo was earlier romantically involved off-screen but was not even on speaking terms while filming this epic love saga.

They had previously won audiences' hearts with their Sangdil (1952), and Amar (1954).

3/6

Vyjayanthimala

Vyjayanthimala

Dancing queen Vyjayanthimala and Dilip Kumar had undeniable chemistry which was amazingly evident in 1955 Bimal Roy's tragic love saga Devdaas. They also appeared in various other films together like Naya Daur (1957), Madhumati (1958), Paigham (1959), Gunga Jumna (1961), Leader (1964) and Sunghursh (1968).

4/6

Meena Kumari

Meena Kumari

Meena Kumari, known as the Tragedy Queen’ starred with the 'Tragedy King' in films like Azaad (1955), Kohinoor (1960). These films however were not tragic but nevertheless won audiences' hearts. They also featured together in Foot Path (1953) and Yahudi (1958).

5/6

Waheeda Rehman

Waheeda Rehman

The duo appeared in films like  Aadmi, Dil Diya Dard Liya and Ram Aur Shyam together. Each time they managed to spark chemistry on-screen.

6/6

Sharmila Tagore

Sharmila Tagore

Dilip Kumar and Sharmila Tagore mesmerized the audiences with their chemistry in the 1972 film, ‘Dastaan’. They were also previously featured in Chhoti Bahu’ (1971).

Most Popular