What do you think?
Rate this book
Dilip Kumar - The Substance and the Shadow : An Autobiography by Dilip Kumar
An authentic, heartfelt and compelling narrative – straight from the horse’s mouth – that reveals for the first time numerous unknown aspects of the life and times of one of the greatest legends of all time who stands out as a symbol of secular India. Dilip Kumar (born as Yousuf Khan), who began as a diffident novice in Hindi cinema in the early 1940s, went on to attain the pinnacle of stardom within a short time. He came up with spellbinding performances in one hit film after another – in his almost six-decade-long career – on the basis of his innovative capability, determination, hard work and never-say-die attitude.
In this unique volume, Dilip Kumar traces his journey right from his birth to the present. In the process, he candidly recounts his interactions and relationships with a wide variety of people not only from his family and the film fraternity but also from other walks of life, including politicians. While seeking to set the record straight, as he feels that a lot of what has been written about him so far is ‘full of distortions and misinformation’, he narrates, in graphic detail, how he got married to Saira Banu, which reads like a fairy tale!
Dilip Kumar relates, matter-of-factly, the event that changed his his meeting with Devika Rani, the boss of Bombay Talkies, when she offered him an acting job. His first film was Jwar Bhata (1944). He details how he had to learn everything from scratch and how he had to develop his own distinct histrionics and style, which would set him apart from his contemporaries. After that, he soon soared to great heights with movies such as Jugnu, Shaheed, Mela, Andaz, Deedar, Daag and Devdas. In these movies he played the tragedian with such intensity that his psyche was adversely affected. He consulted a British psychiatrist, who advised him to switch over to comedy. The result was spectacular performances in laugh riots such as Azaad and Kohinoor, apart from a scintillating portrayal as a gritty tonga driver in Naya Daur. After a five-year break he started his ‘second innings’ with Kranti (1981), after which he appeared in a series of hits such as Vidhaata, Shakti, Mashaal, Karma, Saudagar and Qila.
In this unique volume, Dilip Kumar traces his journey right from his birth to the present. In the process, he candidly recounts his interactions and relationships with a wide variety of people not only from his family and the film fraternity but also from other walks of life, including politicians. While seeking to set the record straight, as he feels that a lot of what has been written about him so far is ‘full of distortions and misinformation’, he narrates, in graphic detail, how he got married to Saira Banu, which reads like a fairy tale!
Dilip Kumar relates, matter-of-factly, the event that changed his his meeting with Devika Rani, the boss of Bombay Talkies, when she offered him an acting job. His first film was Jwar Bhata (1944). He details how he had to learn everything from scratch and how he had to develop his own distinct histrionics and style, which would set him apart from his contemporaries. After that, he soon soared to great heights with movies such as Jugnu, Shaheed, Mela, Andaz, Deedar, Daag and Devdas. In these movies he played the tragedian with such intensity that his psyche was adversely affected. He consulted a British psychiatrist, who advised him to switch over to comedy. The result was spectacular performances in laugh riots such as Azaad and Kohinoor, apart from a scintillating portrayal as a gritty tonga driver in Naya Daur. After a five-year break he started his ‘second innings’ with Kranti (1981), after which he appeared in a series of hits such as Vidhaata, Shakti, Mashaal, Karma, Saudagar and Qila.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
67 people are currently reading
435 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 17, 2015
Yousaf Khan aka Dilip Kumar aka tragedy King , now does one define an actor who has been declared as an institution by actors no less than Amitabh Bacchan,Shahrukh Khan,Aamir Khan to name a few. Fortunately this is not the requirement over here from an average reviewer so without further ado , I will get down to putting my 2 cents on this latest biography from B-Town.
Given his age and personality, it was quite obvious that the book would be free from any possible controversy which to be frank is what a usual cinema fan will expect from a memoir. This book filters all that out. There is a very passing reference to his love interest with Madhubala, little mention of the tax issues he was embroiled in. This book is more like an over extended eulogy to a thespian, not that he does not deserve it but an average reader like me was left wanting for more.
The letters and contributions from all the movie personalities in the end was repetitive and got a bit self flattering at the end and could have been avoided. On the contrary , the description of life in Peshawar and his early days in Mumbai/Pune made for an interesting read
Given his age and personality, it was quite obvious that the book would be free from any possible controversy which to be frank is what a usual cinema fan will expect from a memoir. This book filters all that out. There is a very passing reference to his love interest with Madhubala, little mention of the tax issues he was embroiled in. This book is more like an over extended eulogy to a thespian, not that he does not deserve it but an average reader like me was left wanting for more.
The letters and contributions from all the movie personalities in the end was repetitive and got a bit self flattering at the end and could have been avoided. On the contrary , the description of life in Peshawar and his early days in Mumbai/Pune made for an interesting read
September 12, 2016
I would say the shadows loom larger than substance in this autobiography. The problem with most autobiographies is that the subject usually glosses over unpleasantness and uncomfortable matters, and presents us with tidbits that show him in a favorable light. It's like when my grandfather used to tell me stories as a child, he would leave out bits that he considered were not suitable for my young, impressionable ears, and elaborate more on the parts that would make a moral impact on me. This autobiography is like that. Everything unflattering and controversial has been ironed out and sanitized...it's so consciously dignified that it staggers under its own weighty discourse.
I enjoyed reading about Dilip Kumar's childhood and how he became an actor - all that is elaborated upon with nostalgic fondness. That, for me, was the best part. After that though, it is all rose-tinted and diplomatic. I wanted to read more about how he felt about the films that did not do well, about what he felt about his roles...I wanted more insight into the film industry. That would have made up for how he sort of hand-waves all the controversies in his life, like his rumored love affairs with his co-stars and the whole Asma affair. The Madhubala section is very guarded, I got the impression that he would rather not have written of it at all... and the Asma affair is diluted into a page where he hints at a conspiracy by his enemies to trap him. I got the feeling that he only included it because it would have been too noticeable if he hadn't.
The tributes from his wife and the industry people were all a bit too much though... Especially when they were all uniformly positive. The thing that was a bit funny was that some of them did hint at the gossipy stuff before returning to the praise of the legend. The tribute from Sitara Devi was especially pointed.
I would have respected this more if he had given us the warts and all version rather than this version of events diluted with hindsight. Before he became a legend, Yousuf Saheb was a man like any other, who probably made mistakes. And since mistakes are also part of what also shapes the character, by showing us only the positive side, by giving us accolades alone, we never get to see the complete man. Which is not to say that he is not a good man - he probably is. But still...
Overall, a nice read, if not entirely satisfying. Maybe it would have been better in two parts?
I enjoyed reading about Dilip Kumar's childhood and how he became an actor - all that is elaborated upon with nostalgic fondness. That, for me, was the best part. After that though, it is all rose-tinted and diplomatic. I wanted to read more about how he felt about the films that did not do well, about what he felt about his roles...I wanted more insight into the film industry. That would have made up for how he sort of hand-waves all the controversies in his life, like his rumored love affairs with his co-stars and the whole Asma affair. The Madhubala section is very guarded, I got the impression that he would rather not have written of it at all... and the Asma affair is diluted into a page where he hints at a conspiracy by his enemies to trap him. I got the feeling that he only included it because it would have been too noticeable if he hadn't.
The tributes from his wife and the industry people were all a bit too much though... Especially when they were all uniformly positive. The thing that was a bit funny was that some of them did hint at the gossipy stuff before returning to the praise of the legend. The tribute from Sitara Devi was especially pointed.
I would have respected this more if he had given us the warts and all version rather than this version of events diluted with hindsight. Before he became a legend, Yousuf Saheb was a man like any other, who probably made mistakes. And since mistakes are also part of what also shapes the character, by showing us only the positive side, by giving us accolades alone, we never get to see the complete man. Which is not to say that he is not a good man - he probably is. But still...
Overall, a nice read, if not entirely satisfying. Maybe it would have been better in two parts?
November 21, 2021
A rational narrative of emotional bonds.
The book by Dilip Kumar is painted in colors of appreciation, remembrance, and some delights.
The two points that I would say were notable of this piece were the details and choice of words. It might be lengthy to an overwhelming number but with a little keen interest you can overcome that length easily (although, I did skip the last part of people's take on remembering Dilip Kumar)
The words that he has chosen (or approved?) for the narrative are interesting as they although do tap into his personal space yet manage to evoke a formal and rational approach to events that are heavy on emotions. He is found respectful, detached, or laid aside about what he would not like to share as deeply. Yet, to be noted he has mentioned more than one could have asked for.
The one bump in the road would be how he described 'the event he shall like to erase from his life.' He could have been more formal or skipped it considering he didn't want to remember the event instead of wording it in a rushy manner.
Overall, it is everything that a legendary actor would like to be remembered as.
The book by Dilip Kumar is painted in colors of appreciation, remembrance, and some delights.
The two points that I would say were notable of this piece were the details and choice of words. It might be lengthy to an overwhelming number but with a little keen interest you can overcome that length easily (although, I did skip the last part of people's take on remembering Dilip Kumar)
The words that he has chosen (or approved?) for the narrative are interesting as they although do tap into his personal space yet manage to evoke a formal and rational approach to events that are heavy on emotions. He is found respectful, detached, or laid aside about what he would not like to share as deeply. Yet, to be noted he has mentioned more than one could have asked for.
The one bump in the road would be how he described 'the event he shall like to erase from his life.' He could have been more formal or skipped it considering he didn't want to remember the event instead of wording it in a rushy manner.
Overall, it is everything that a legendary actor would like to be remembered as.
September 7, 2014
Hello Friends
Greetings!!!
I did book review of the following book on my radio show.
Book: Dilip Kumar - The Substance and the Shadow : An Autobiography by
Dilip Kumar(Author)
Here is the link of my radio show where I did the review:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/drafshan...
To know more about me please visit my website:
http://drafshanhashmi.com/
Cheers!
Dr.Afshan Hashmi
July 18, 2021
I am not a fan of Dilip Kumar the thespian but an ardent admirer of Yousuf Khan, the secular, humane and principled human. His story is well worth relating and paying attention to. Unfortunately, the scribe entrusted with compiling it, falls well short of being a biographer.
This is a very shoddy compilation of overly repeated phrases and anecdotes that start to jar. If edited with care, the book would have not gone beyond 150+ pages! Dilip sahib has belaboured his love for and commitment to his family, wife and friends over and over again which is fine. A good biographer would have been able to highlight all aspects succinctly, something that Udaytara Nayar has failed to do. Over and over again, she has merely paraphrased what Dilip sahib narrated to her.
If deemed an "autobiography", why must it included others' comments? Personally, I love the idea of my friends and family sharing eulogies while I am alive and kicking but surely that would not be autobiographical!
A most disappointing finale for a man of such stature ...
This is a very shoddy compilation of overly repeated phrases and anecdotes that start to jar. If edited with care, the book would have not gone beyond 150+ pages! Dilip sahib has belaboured his love for and commitment to his family, wife and friends over and over again which is fine. A good biographer would have been able to highlight all aspects succinctly, something that Udaytara Nayar has failed to do. Over and over again, she has merely paraphrased what Dilip sahib narrated to her.
If deemed an "autobiography", why must it included others' comments? Personally, I love the idea of my friends and family sharing eulogies while I am alive and kicking but surely that would not be autobiographical!
A most disappointing finale for a man of such stature ...
May 18, 2018
Dilip Kumar : The Substance and the Shadow- Autobiography- as narrated to Udayatara Nayar is the story of a legend and thespian Dilip Kumar born in Peshawar Joint family which does business of maintaining fruit gardens and selling fruits and dry fruits. The family moves out in 1930 to Bombay and continues the fruit business at Crawford Market and the family 11 children live in a rented house situated in a lane near the Crawford Market. The young man attends school and is educated. Turn of events, first, Being scolded by his father, he leaves for Pune by train and finds work as manager at Army Club, Pune. After few months, he informs his brother and ultimately leaves the job and joins family at Mumbai. second, alongwith his Professor, he meets Devika Rani, film Producer and is offered a job of actor for Rs. 1250/- per month - a big money in those times. He is a hard working person and a fast learner who picks op the whole art of film story - script writing, use of camera acting also. His capability in Urdu and Persian language is of help in improving he script of films. The Producers take his suggestions in development of script and scenes. His films are successful at box office. He shifts from rented house to his own house in Palimala a suburb of Mumbai. All his brothers and sisters shift with him and he lovingly finances for their education and marriage. Third, shift from tragedy King to comedy films, fourth, marriage with actress Saira Banu, her illness, her treatment in London and recovery . Being invited to meetg Queen Elizabeth and her comment that you are very popular. Fifth, on the recommendation of Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru works for Congress Political Party and he addresses election meetings round the country. Sixth, he plans to work for the poor and deprived classes and helps in collection of funds when needed by people suffering from natural calamities. Seventh, he joins national association for Blind alongwith other philanthropists and collects funds for blind. He is friendly with people from all walks of life including film person, politicians, Advocates, political party workers, sports personalities and common people. He is appointed Sheriff of Mumbai for one year and his habit of reading books comes to his help. Eight, he visits his Peshawar for inauguration of Blood Bank. Government of Pakistan organises Pak Airlines flight for his family and friends from Bombay to Pakistan and back. Nine, his is granted Nishan-e-Imtiaz award by Government of Pakistan. He visits with Pakistan again and accepts the honour. Ten, An income tax case of use of black money is lodged against him by by Income Tax Department. With the help of his N K P Salve and his son Harish Salve Advocate, he succeeds to get a clean chit order from Supreme Court in a period of six years. Eleven, He starts his next innings as a character actor in films which have a story with a social message. In the second part of the Book, Reminiscences, pen portraits of Dilip Kumar has been scripted by about 45 friends, relatives from film world and other professions have been collected. Foreword and introduction are charming reading. Sairu Banu has taken great effort to get the discussion sessions with Udayatara Nayar and has recorded the narrative of Dilip Kumar from which the beautiful book has come before the readers. English vocabulary is used in a way that in short, the meaning is conveyed. For English language, parts of this book can be used a text book for schools. It is a must read for all
January 12, 2022
There’s been this urge to watch the old Dilip Kumar movies … black and white, colour, part colour anything whatever. Reason? The Shadow and the Substance, an autobiography of the thespian as narrated by him to Udayatara Nayar
As I read, I could visualise him dancing to Bhojpuri and Hindi songs, maarroing the thumka with ineffable grace, a twinkle in his eyes and charming all onlookers, on-screen and off.
Written with the simplicity with which, I assume, it was narrated, the book held me engrossed with the events in his life from the time of his childhood in the Kissa Khwani Bazar house, Peshawar, now in Pakistan, to the pre-partition move to Bombay and his growing up in a large family in Crawford Market, where his father had established a fairly flourishing fruit business, his serendipitous introduction to Devika Rani of Bombay Talkies and his consequent climb to fame and the move to Pali Hill, Bandra.
His soft-spoken Amma becomes his model of womanhood, the generator of love and the buffer against all turbulence. A model that perhaps Saira Banu, who loved him since she was twelve, fit entirely.
In fact, the essence of the book is simplicity. No event is grandstanded; as his life unfolds, what dominates is the flow of emotion and humane-ness, the genuine earthiness of a man truly centred in his beliefs and principles.
What made him the great influencer in Hindi cinema was his dedication to the truth of the character he was playing, and the hard work and meticulous attention to detail that he invested in the creating of atmosphere for any scene whether it featured him or a co artiste. The camaraderie that existed in the studios in those early days is admirable.
As a person, his childlike simplicity, spontaneity, and concern for all he came in touch with made him easily accessible even after he was a name to contend with in the film industry.
The book brings out the qualities of the actor and the man, and impresses the reader with how one amplified the other.
What is recounted with understated ease in the main part of the book is eloquently corroborated in the second part. 'Reminiscences', which contains memories of people from all walks of life who knew intimately Dilip Kumar, the Shadow, and Yousuf Khan, the Substance, pays glowing tribute to a human being who valued other human beings.
As I read, I could visualise him dancing to Bhojpuri and Hindi songs, maarroing the thumka with ineffable grace, a twinkle in his eyes and charming all onlookers, on-screen and off.
Written with the simplicity with which, I assume, it was narrated, the book held me engrossed with the events in his life from the time of his childhood in the Kissa Khwani Bazar house, Peshawar, now in Pakistan, to the pre-partition move to Bombay and his growing up in a large family in Crawford Market, where his father had established a fairly flourishing fruit business, his serendipitous introduction to Devika Rani of Bombay Talkies and his consequent climb to fame and the move to Pali Hill, Bandra.
His soft-spoken Amma becomes his model of womanhood, the generator of love and the buffer against all turbulence. A model that perhaps Saira Banu, who loved him since she was twelve, fit entirely.
In fact, the essence of the book is simplicity. No event is grandstanded; as his life unfolds, what dominates is the flow of emotion and humane-ness, the genuine earthiness of a man truly centred in his beliefs and principles.
What made him the great influencer in Hindi cinema was his dedication to the truth of the character he was playing, and the hard work and meticulous attention to detail that he invested in the creating of atmosphere for any scene whether it featured him or a co artiste. The camaraderie that existed in the studios in those early days is admirable.
As a person, his childlike simplicity, spontaneity, and concern for all he came in touch with made him easily accessible even after he was a name to contend with in the film industry.
The book brings out the qualities of the actor and the man, and impresses the reader with how one amplified the other.
What is recounted with understated ease in the main part of the book is eloquently corroborated in the second part. 'Reminiscences', which contains memories of people from all walks of life who knew intimately Dilip Kumar, the Shadow, and Yousuf Khan, the Substance, pays glowing tribute to a human being who valued other human beings.
June 11, 2021
👥After much pestering by his better half, Saira Banu, Dilip Kumar finally relented to writing his own biography. And they together entrusted Udayatara Nayar, their longtime friend and film journalist, to bring it together. He narrated his story to her in multiple sittings. He calls the man he is born as, Yousuf Khan, the substance; and the actor, Dilip Kumar, the shadow. This book is both their stories. The book also contains reminiscences from a number of his close friends, family and peers from the film industry.
👥Direct from the horse's mouth, you will be taken through his life which started in Peshawar, relocation to Bombay, chance entrance into films, self education to become a brilliant actor, foraying into film-making, personal life and glimpses into his large family, social image, and principles and values by which he conducted himself throughout his life.
👥In biographies and memoirs, I always enjoy reading about the early life the best. Family stories, childhood tales and events that shape one's life, are always the most interesting and heartening. And this book was no different.
👥If you are a Dilip Kumar fan, this book will be a treat to you. Can't say I felt the same way. The narrative was not always sequential and each chapter revolved around a subject or topic. Also, I felt the book ended abruptly and there was no reference to his life at the time of writing the book. Nonetheless, it was a fine read and it was good know about Yousuf Khan, the person.
👥Direct from the horse's mouth, you will be taken through his life which started in Peshawar, relocation to Bombay, chance entrance into films, self education to become a brilliant actor, foraying into film-making, personal life and glimpses into his large family, social image, and principles and values by which he conducted himself throughout his life.
👥In biographies and memoirs, I always enjoy reading about the early life the best. Family stories, childhood tales and events that shape one's life, are always the most interesting and heartening. And this book was no different.
👥If you are a Dilip Kumar fan, this book will be a treat to you. Can't say I felt the same way. The narrative was not always sequential and each chapter revolved around a subject or topic. Also, I felt the book ended abruptly and there was no reference to his life at the time of writing the book. Nonetheless, it was a fine read and it was good know about Yousuf Khan, the person.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2022
Autobiographies tend to disappoint given their propensity to deify the subject. This one's no better. The only welcome change is that the actual writer is given due credit, although not as the author. The writing is not exactly sparkling but gets the job done. Kumar is universally accepted as the most skilled actor to have reached superstar status within the Hindi film 'industry'. One expected greater emphasis on that part of his life. Instead we get a dreary, never-ending account of his childhood and early youth. Probably this section was meant strictly for the die-hards. Others could skip it and start off with DK's introduction to the world of cinema. There are no startling revelations here. Again, the pages devoted to the protagonist's real-life love story with long-suffering wife Saira gets boring pretty soon. To top it off, about one-fifth (the last bit) of the book is made up of write-ups from Kumar's colleagues and assorted relatives. Again, the average reader stands to gain very little in here (except from the pieces written by stalwarts like Lata Mangeshkar, Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor). All in all, its not bad but still seems like a opportunity gone waste.
July 16, 2022
This book offers some insight into the life of actor Dilip Kumar. Despite being referred to as an autobiography, it is actually "as narrated to Udayatara Nayar."
This book tells us that Dilip Kumar was a talented actor who was revered by the majority in addition to being respected by all. The book got off to a terrific start with vivid accounts of Dilip Kumar's Peshawar childhood, Bombay's upbringing, his job in Pune, and even his entrée into the film industry. I didn't get the impression that I was reading the autobiography of a legend; rather, it seemed more like the story of an ordinary man who made the right choices for himself, made good use of his abilities, and inspired many. Dilip Kumar appeared to the author as a parent and a man.
To the author, Dilip Kumar seemed like a father figure, a man of great valour and responsibility. He wrote about Sir from a common man's point of view rather than as a public figure.
This book tells us that Dilip Kumar was a talented actor who was revered by the majority in addition to being respected by all. The book got off to a terrific start with vivid accounts of Dilip Kumar's Peshawar childhood, Bombay's upbringing, his job in Pune, and even his entrée into the film industry. I didn't get the impression that I was reading the autobiography of a legend; rather, it seemed more like the story of an ordinary man who made the right choices for himself, made good use of his abilities, and inspired many. Dilip Kumar appeared to the author as a parent and a man.
To the author, Dilip Kumar seemed like a father figure, a man of great valour and responsibility. He wrote about Sir from a common man's point of view rather than as a public figure.
February 12, 2018
I loved it, overall. I picked it up because my mama mentioned his name a few times in my life. Yusuf Khan and I personally love this name. It's so good. Before this book I just knew Dilip Kumar's name but after reading the book I'm in love with his personality and the life events he described in the book. I also had a dream about his childhood when I was reading it late at night. I always like Hollywood more than Bollywood as Bollywood copies a lot of things and ideas from all over the world but after reading this book, I would like to give his old movies a try. He is indeed a legend. And the book is beautiful with pictures and writings of praises by other actors like Aamir Khan, Anil Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan.
June 15, 2018
This book provides some information about the actor Dilip Kumar's life. Though it is called an Autobiography, it is "as narrated to Udayatara Nayar".
This book informs us that Dilip Kumar was a good actor and was not only respected by all but was revered by most.
This book contains a Reminiscences section (of nearly a 100 pages) in which more than forty people have narrated their experiences on meeting Dilip Kumar. On reading this section one comes to know that Dilip Kumar made such a deep and lasting impression on all of them that it seems as if all the reminiscences are written by one person.
This book informs us that Dilip Kumar was a good actor and was not only respected by all but was revered by most.
This book contains a Reminiscences section (of nearly a 100 pages) in which more than forty people have narrated their experiences on meeting Dilip Kumar. On reading this section one comes to know that Dilip Kumar made such a deep and lasting impression on all of them that it seems as if all the reminiscences are written by one person.
October 5, 2017
Did not expect anything out of the ordinary from this book. It was a self tribulatory book which had good and sincere views about himself, his wife, his family, his industry and his friends. With the validations from superstars, directors, fellow actors and actresses, Kumar's biography was merely a congratulatory note for an iconic star of Bollywood.
The earlier chapters of his life were interesting to understand how Yusuf Khan, who from Pre-partition Peshawar ended up becoming Dilip Kumar. Like all Bollywood films this biography was 'we lived all happily ever after.'
The earlier chapters of his life were interesting to understand how Yusuf Khan, who from Pre-partition Peshawar ended up becoming Dilip Kumar. Like all Bollywood films this biography was 'we lived all happily ever after.'
August 20, 2022
I got into it as soon as I started it. I don't love anything as much as I love reading about old Hindi films, and this book had everything to satisfy me on that level. But halfway through the book, I got bored as some parts were unnecessarily detailed. No doubt this book is very well written but I'm disappointed with the pictures included in this book. A lot more work could be done on them by including some never-seen-before pictures instead of some random low quality pictures.
Overall, for a cinephile like me, it was an absolute treat!
Overall, for a cinephile like me, it was an absolute treat!
June 24, 2022
As I read this book in 2022, had Yousaf Sahab been alive, he would have turned 100 by the end of this year. It’s very apparent that he is a man of a different time and a different sensibility. Thankfully today, no one chains people with mental illness to a cot; or treats physical ailments with metabolic waste (although some people still use cow urine as medicine! Gah!). There is no “Hindu chai” “Muslim chai”. It’s not improper for a “decent lady” to offer paan. No person can insist that a woman get married to their friend on the very night that the friend expresses a desire to marry her. No filmmaker can “mistakenly” get into an actress’ bed. Fewer educated people believe in witchcraft. And one doesn’t wake up to news that they have become the sheriff of a city (there is at least some pretense of due process now)!
And then there are things that haven’t changed. His was the generation of celebrities that set a template for social commitment. He was among the first actors to join politics, raise money for charities, do contemporary-style promotions for cinema, encourage fan hysteria! In fact, the trend of changing one’s name to a more contemporary sounding “secular” name started in his generation! It’s a trend that sadly continues to this day.
Yousaf Sahab became an actor right before India won its freedom from the British Colonial rule, and just as Indian cinema bounced back after WWII, the Indian Independence Movement and the partition of India and Pakistan. It was called the ‘Golden Age of Hindi Cinema’. Films were mostly message-orientated with strong social themes in both rural and contemporary urban contexts. He goes into good detail about some of his popular films, and his acting methods. I enjoyed his take on acting. He thought very deeply about method and spontaneous (instinctual) acting, and realism and what it takes to be convincing, compelling and inspiring in equal measure. A lot of people talked about his masterful use of silence (which was unusual at that time). He defined and redefined what a hero could be, and explored many shades of emotion with each character. His was also the first generation of anti-heroes. He is called the “Tragedy King”, but in fact, he was adept in several genres.
Yousuf Sahab was an actor, producer, director, writer and even singer (in Musafir and Karma). He speaks of his close involvement in all production stages. He has seen many generations of technical advancements. Since he was learning how to work camera, light, sound, etc alongside technicians, it gave him a chance to participate in technical experiments, and collaborate with them on shots. In a way, he schooled technicians on how to do their job. Many of the actors who paid tribute to him in the second half of the book shared that he didn’t take credit for the work he did during production (Eg: editing, directing, art direction, storyboarding, cinematography, etc). There’s a lot in the book about the camaraderie he shared with his colleagues. It was a two-way learning process.
I enjoyed reading about his childhood, his many friendships and relationships, and the equations he share with actors and filmmakers. He is a class act who spared us a lot of unsavory details about some of the personal issues he had with some actors and politicians. He didn’t evade them, as much as indulge our curiosity without getting down and dirty. Where he was unrestrained was is in his praise of people (including those he had disagreements with). There’s a lot to learn from those who are able to find that balance between honoring others’ curiosity, and respecting the privacy of everyone, including oneself!
The book reads like an intimate chat with a seasoned actor who has seen a lot, and is able to look back on events with some retrospective clarity. You get a little sampler of every aspect of his life.
It was a great idea to include the tributes of all his colleagues in the second half of the book! So many women were included in the tributes, as were non-film people (from politicians to physicians, social workers, domestic workers, friends and relatives. They were all arranged in alphabetical order, and serves as testament to his egalitarian spirit that many of his colleagues praised him for in this book). One of the fun parts of the book was reading about people's first meetings with him (including how he welcomed absolute strangers to his house). They were full of anecdotes about his sense of humor, his generosity, his acting prowess and charismatic personality. Some tributes read like gossip columns. Not gonna lie, I enjoyed those too.
Some people who reviewed this book were annoyed that the anecdotes and praises were repetitive. If ten people speak of his generosity or humility versus one, isn’t it more likely to be true? And all of them sound genuine.
And if you are looking to adjudicate his controversial decisions, then this is not the book for you. It’s a biography, not a confession! Still, he offers enough explanation. (Harish Salve’s writeup about his income tax problems was most interesting. I wish there was a recording of the 40-minute speech Yusuf Sahab gave to tribunal members on how movies are made.).
All in all, the book was a real treat.
(We often talk about how actresses today are able to work after getting married or having children as if to say this wasn’t the norm in the past. Saira Banu ji married Yousuf Sahab in 1966, and worked all the way till 1988).
And then there are things that haven’t changed. His was the generation of celebrities that set a template for social commitment. He was among the first actors to join politics, raise money for charities, do contemporary-style promotions for cinema, encourage fan hysteria! In fact, the trend of changing one’s name to a more contemporary sounding “secular” name started in his generation! It’s a trend that sadly continues to this day.
Yousaf Sahab became an actor right before India won its freedom from the British Colonial rule, and just as Indian cinema bounced back after WWII, the Indian Independence Movement and the partition of India and Pakistan. It was called the ‘Golden Age of Hindi Cinema’. Films were mostly message-orientated with strong social themes in both rural and contemporary urban contexts. He goes into good detail about some of his popular films, and his acting methods. I enjoyed his take on acting. He thought very deeply about method and spontaneous (instinctual) acting, and realism and what it takes to be convincing, compelling and inspiring in equal measure. A lot of people talked about his masterful use of silence (which was unusual at that time). He defined and redefined what a hero could be, and explored many shades of emotion with each character. His was also the first generation of anti-heroes. He is called the “Tragedy King”, but in fact, he was adept in several genres.
Yousuf Sahab was an actor, producer, director, writer and even singer (in Musafir and Karma). He speaks of his close involvement in all production stages. He has seen many generations of technical advancements. Since he was learning how to work camera, light, sound, etc alongside technicians, it gave him a chance to participate in technical experiments, and collaborate with them on shots. In a way, he schooled technicians on how to do their job. Many of the actors who paid tribute to him in the second half of the book shared that he didn’t take credit for the work he did during production (Eg: editing, directing, art direction, storyboarding, cinematography, etc). There’s a lot in the book about the camaraderie he shared with his colleagues. It was a two-way learning process.
I enjoyed reading about his childhood, his many friendships and relationships, and the equations he share with actors and filmmakers. He is a class act who spared us a lot of unsavory details about some of the personal issues he had with some actors and politicians. He didn’t evade them, as much as indulge our curiosity without getting down and dirty. Where he was unrestrained was is in his praise of people (including those he had disagreements with). There’s a lot to learn from those who are able to find that balance between honoring others’ curiosity, and respecting the privacy of everyone, including oneself!
The book reads like an intimate chat with a seasoned actor who has seen a lot, and is able to look back on events with some retrospective clarity. You get a little sampler of every aspect of his life.
It was a great idea to include the tributes of all his colleagues in the second half of the book! So many women were included in the tributes, as were non-film people (from politicians to physicians, social workers, domestic workers, friends and relatives. They were all arranged in alphabetical order, and serves as testament to his egalitarian spirit that many of his colleagues praised him for in this book). One of the fun parts of the book was reading about people's first meetings with him (including how he welcomed absolute strangers to his house). They were full of anecdotes about his sense of humor, his generosity, his acting prowess and charismatic personality. Some tributes read like gossip columns. Not gonna lie, I enjoyed those too.
Some people who reviewed this book were annoyed that the anecdotes and praises were repetitive. If ten people speak of his generosity or humility versus one, isn’t it more likely to be true? And all of them sound genuine.
And if you are looking to adjudicate his controversial decisions, then this is not the book for you. It’s a biography, not a confession! Still, he offers enough explanation. (Harish Salve’s writeup about his income tax problems was most interesting. I wish there was a recording of the 40-minute speech Yusuf Sahab gave to tribunal members on how movies are made.).
All in all, the book was a real treat.
(We often talk about how actresses today are able to work after getting married or having children as if to say this wasn’t the norm in the past. Saira Banu ji married Yousuf Sahab in 1966, and worked all the way till 1988).
August 15, 2019
This biography is so close to Mu heart. Dilip saab was one fine actor so much so that I wanted to marry him as a child 😆 the biography is written with great sense of understanding his perspective towards the society and his way of functioning as an actor. It’s a must read if u r an ardent fan of Dilip Kumar . Ohh he has stolen my heart .
September 3, 2023
Awesome read as it gave first person account and clarified many doubt and cleared many equations. His command on language, his devotion for fitness and sprints were a revelation.
He tried to avoid anything controversial hence couldn’t be honest about some issues. There were no headlines worthy sensational claims but it made a really good read.
He tried to avoid anything controversial hence couldn’t be honest about some issues. There were no headlines worthy sensational claims but it made a really good read.
April 11, 2024
A thoroughly enjoyable look into the life of the legend , a very quick read am not sure why it took me so long probably cos I stared and then forgot about it as I usually read it during the day . My fav parts were his childhood, how he came into acting, the parts with Madhubala. I really enjoyed the reminiscence portion of the book .
May 1, 2021
Outstanding Autobiography!!!!
For People who love to witness the Golden Period of our Indian Culture and Emotions Glimpse presented through Cinemas. Life of The Tragedy King, Legend Dilip Kumar Sahab - His Method Acting and Down to Earth Character made him God of Indian Cinema forever. Nice Book📕
For People who love to witness the Golden Period of our Indian Culture and Emotions Glimpse presented through Cinemas. Life of The Tragedy King, Legend Dilip Kumar Sahab - His Method Acting and Down to Earth Character made him God of Indian Cinema forever. Nice Book📕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2017
it was clear like water. if you have an inclination towards movies and entertainment business, do take a look into the tragedy king's life and see what inspired him, his approach and his philosophy.
December 30, 2017
A book ,written in simple and lucid style and interesting for reading.
June 13, 2018
Beautiful.
August 1, 2019
Mazaa aa gaya.. i am now interested in getting to know him and his movies.
January 8, 2020
enjoyed it but seemed to be like a very supportive biography of DK, skirting along difficult issues such as his second marriage and affair with Madhbhala.
October 19, 2022
A very well written book. The ending however of the autobiography was abrupt… didn’t understand that
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2023
Beautifully written
March 6, 2025
3 stars for the book but for the man, all the stars in the galaxy are not enough.
March 20, 2025
3.5 stars
December 5, 2025
I didn’t like how they just glossed over a superstar’s life like it was wikipedia.
The early years of Yusuf Khan are the most fun ones to read as they give you an insight of what he was like as a person. But other than the years where he is bollywood, we get no real insight, everyone seems to be just hell bent on praising Dilip kumar, I wish it was more authentic that way.
The early years of Yusuf Khan are the most fun ones to read as they give you an insight of what he was like as a person. But other than the years where he is bollywood, we get no real insight, everyone seems to be just hell bent on praising Dilip kumar, I wish it was more authentic that way.
November 4, 2018
As a beginner i started off with this book on recommendation of someone. Not just to learn about the life of a legendary actor(although i have seen only few of his movies) but also for having a liking for his wife Saira Banu. Because i always admired her beauty and she always seemed so down to earth and carried herself with such an elegance.
This book has instances of his childhood, beginning of his career, journey in the film industry, the truth of the much talked about affair and breakup with Madhubala, few eerie incidences experienced by him, list of all the films he did, and reminiscences about him by his family, colleagues and other actors.
It did not seem to me i was reading the autobiography of a legend but a common man who just took right decisions for himself and used his talents and skills wisely and became an inspiration to many.
I liked the narration of this book unlike few others which i have read recently and had hard time completing them. Also the pictures in the book of the young Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu will leave you in awe.
This book has instances of his childhood, beginning of his career, journey in the film industry, the truth of the much talked about affair and breakup with Madhubala, few eerie incidences experienced by him, list of all the films he did, and reminiscences about him by his family, colleagues and other actors.
It did not seem to me i was reading the autobiography of a legend but a common man who just took right decisions for himself and used his talents and skills wisely and became an inspiration to many.
I liked the narration of this book unlike few others which i have read recently and had hard time completing them. Also the pictures in the book of the young Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu will leave you in awe.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews