Legendary icon Dilip Kumar’s long-awaited autobiography was launched last night, with many stars attending the function to celebrate its release. Titled ‘The Shadow and the Substance’, the book has been written by Uday Tara Nayar and covers Dilip Kumar’s anecdotes regarding his lengthy career within the film industry, as well as aspects of his personal and family life. Considered to be one of the greatest actors to have ever emerged from Indian Cinema, the book launch hosted by Karan Johar and was attended by many stars including Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Madhuri Dixit-Nene, Priyanka Chopra, Javed Akhtar, Jeetendra, Prem Chopra, Danny Denzongpa, Vyjayanthimala and Sharman Joshi to name just a few.
Speaking to the media regarding the launch of Dilip Kumar’s autobiography, his wife Saira Banu made the following statement. “This evening is special and we hope everyone likes his biography. I am feeling great today. It is a dream come true to me. Everyone will know about his childhood, growing up years and you will hear it from him. For the first time he has spoken about it.”
Aamir Khan also said a few words and praised Dilip Kumar, whom he considers to be his idol. “It is a big day and I am big fan of Yusuf (Dilip Kumar) sahab. It is a memorable day. He is such an inspirational figure to me right through my career” said the 49 year old actor. “I have learnt so much from him. Every time I watch his work I feel am discovering him each time. I am thrilled to be here.” “I am looking forward to reading the book where we will get to know about his life, his experiences and it will be an opportunity for me to learn something from this.” Aamir was invited to recite a poem penned by Prasoon Joshi during the event.
The book launch was also attended by Bollywood goddess Madhuri Dixit-Nene, who had this to say to the Indian press. “He is a legendary actor and a book on him is something I am looking forward to. He has been an inspiration not only to actors but to everyone. As an actor I would like to know how he approached his roles and what he went through when he played the roles.”
Dilip Kumar is famous for starring in classic films such as Andaz (1949), Devdas (1955), Mughal-E-Azam (1960) and Gunga Jumna (1961). The Shadow and the Substance is available now in all good retailers.
