Dilip Kumar breathed his last today morning at the age of 98, the actor died after his prolonged illness at PD Hinduja Hospital, Khar. With many celebs calling the death of the actor as the end of an era, Jackie Shroff shared a throwback picture with the late actor on his Instagram account, with a heartbreaking message. His Instagram caption read, “Prayers For His Soul And Strength To The Family RIP” As reported by Etimes, the actor shared he was blessed to share screen space with the late actor, further calling Dilip Kumar the pillar of the Indian cinema. Jackie Shroff worked with the legend in the movie, Karma.
He said, “Blessed to have shared screen space with the legend. My heartfelt condolences to the family. He was the strongest pillar of Indian cinema. I have no words to express my deepest grief for Dilip Sir. He has suffered so much for the past 15 years and maybe somewhere I felt that he should go now. Undoubtedly Dilip saab was the man of the match of the century in Indian cinema. My biggest idol, my biggest guru. I worked with him for 20 years in three films."
Crediting the late actor for bringing in a new perspective to understand films as well as life, Jackie continues, “More than that, he transformed my life. He brought a new perspective of understanding cinema as well as life, society, and nation. I will always miss him. Dilip saab jaisa koi na tha, koi hei, ya koi hoga (There wasn’t anyone like him, there isn’t one or will be.) I cannot say anything apart from that. He was great as a person, a professional, and as a citizen. And he taught me how good films are made, how to become a good person. Expressing my condolences for his family. May his soul rest in peace.”
Recalling his first meeting with Dilip Kumar on the sets of Karma, he thought life has come full circle as he got an opportunity to work with Dilip saab. He adds, “I met him first on the sets of 'Karma'. And I felt like life has come full circle. I got the opportunity to work with Dev saab and Dilip saab. It was fun to work with these two legends.” ALSO READ: Dilip Kumar, The Thespian Who Rewrote Every Rule Of Acting In Mainstream Cinema Is No More; On His 80th Birthday The Veteran Actor Had Joked 'The Fact That I'm 80 Is Just A Rumour'
He also shared he was nervous when he delivered his dialogue during the shoot of Karma, in presence of the late actor, “And when I faced Dilip sir for the first time, during the shoot of ‘Karma’ and delivered my dialogue, I only knew how nervous I was. Even when I had no scenes, I used to sit there and observe how he moves, and acts. Watching him itself made me happy. I miss him a lot. I used to massage his feet and have conversations at times when I meet him at parties.”
Jackie Shroff and Dilip Kumar collaborated on movies such as Saudagar, Karma and Raj Kapoor. ALSO READ: Saira Banu On Her Marriage With Dilip Kumar: 'I Knew Many Beautiful Women Wanted To Marry Saab But He Chose Me'
Image Source: SpotboyE archives