Bollywood wishes Dilip Kumar on birthday

Dilip Kumar celebrated his 89th birthday on Sunday and celebrities like Deepa Mehta, Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar wished him and showered praise on the legend.

Bollywood took to twitter to express its love and fondness for the thespian, known for his memorable performances in Amar,
Madhumati, Devdas, Shaheed, Leader, Daag, Naya Daur and Mughal-E-Azam.

This is what the celebs have to say about Peshawar, now in Punjab, born Yusuf Khan, who was introduced to the Hindi film industry as Dilip Kumar by Devika Rani.

Deepa Mehta: Many Happy Returns Dilip Saheb. You made me cry in 'Andaz', laugh in 'Leader', mesmerize me in 'Gunga Jumuna' and then supported my 'Fire' from ire.

Boman Irani: A country proudly celebrates the birthday of its beloved son, Dilip Saab! Your grace, inspiration and genius makes us a prouder nation!

Javed Akhtar: Saalgiraah mubaarak Dilip saheb. Sir, you are the ultimate. Mera aqeedat bhara salaam qubool kijiye.

Dilip KumarShabana Azmi: Saalgirah Mubarak Dilip Saheb. For all the pleasure you have given your chahnewalas (fans) through myriad roles a heartfelt thank you. Aap apni misaal hain (you are an icon).

Farhan Akhtar: Happy Birthday to Dilip saab... truly the greatest ever. An actor can learn so much from watching his films.

Mahesh Bhatt: Happy birthday Dilip Saab!

Riteish Deshmukh: Today is a day I will remember forever-I held Dilip saabs hand-kissed it n wished him (his Birthday eve). The greatest actor. A true LEGEND.

Priyanka Chopra: Happy bday Yusuf saheb.

Actor Amitabh Bachchan dedicated a piece in his blog to the veteran actor. "It is a celebration for the greatest, on the eve of his birthday. He will turn 89, the 11th of December. Exactly 20 years older to me by birth and exactly 2000 years ahead of me in our common vocation. He is my idol and has been since the day I first saw his work," Amitabh wrote on his blog bigb.bigadda.com.

"He has been an inspiration not just for me but I am certain to thousands of those that have ever dreamt of facing a camera for the art form called cinema. His presence, his aura and his dedication to film shall be documented as 'before Dilip Kumar and after Dilip Kumar. On the eve of his birthday, I wish him good health and a long life of peace and happiness. His strength of delivery and his strength of connect with any character he portrayed has been unique and unsurpassable" he further wrote.

Dilip Kumar and actress wife Saira Bano had organised a birthday bash on the eve of the actor's birthday and the party saw the likes of Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, Dimple Kapadia, Mahesh Bhatt among others.

Sonia Gandhi Calls on ailing thespian Dilip Kumar

Taking time off from her busy schedule in Mumbai, Congress President Sonia Gandhi visited ailing Bollywood veteran Dilip Kumar at Lilavati Hospital Tuesday evening.

According to an official, Sonia spent a few minutes with his family members and friends.

She also inquired after the health of the 86-year-old actor who has been admitted to the hospital since Sunday for treatment of malaria. Sonia Gandhi had come to the city to inaugurate the Bandra-Worli Sea Link this evening.

The actor is expected to remain in hospital for another two days or so, the official said.

Dilip Kumar is responding well to treatment under the care of Dr. Jalil Parker. His fever has also subsided, making him cheerful.

Last year, Dilip Kumar was admitted to the Apollo Hospital in New Delhi on account of a urinary infection.

The actor, who is married to actress Saira Bano, is known for his landmark performances in films like `Devdas`, `Madhumati`, `Ganga Jamuna`, `Mughal-E-Azam`, "Shakti" and "Karma".