Mohammed Yousaf Khan, popularly known by his screen name, Dilip Kumar, passed away, at the age of 98, on July 7. Dilip Kumar was recognised by critics as well as lay viewers as one of the most successful actors in the industry. Beginning his career with Jwar Bhata in 1944, Kumar was part of 63 films produced over longer than half a century.

He was most famous for his method acting which was one of its kind. Kumar was the inaugural receiver of the Filmfare award for best actor. He also held the honor of having received the most filmfare awards until Shahrukh Khan equaled his record (of eight awards).

Some of his iconic work includes the box office hits Jugnu, Andaz, Aan, Dagh, Devdas, Ganga Jamna and Mughal-i-Azam.

Amongst the many awards bestowed on him was the Nishan-i-Imtiaz, the highest civilian award in Pakistan. Kumar was born in 1922 in Mohallah Khudadad in Peshawar. His ancestral home still stands in Peshawar. The actor last visited it in 1988 and was overwhelmed by emotions. He later said that the visit had brought back memories of the time when the family had left for Bombay.

Kumar’s roots in Pakistan and his career in India meant that both countries were important to him. Kumar was a patriot who refused to sign up for any Hollywood film, he sometimes referred to Pakistan as his watan. He was a strong advocate for peace between India and Pakistan.

Dilip Kumar’s connection to his fans and well-wishers in Pakistan has survived wars and tensions between the two countries. Several Pakistani leaders offered their condolences following his death and paid tributes to him. Funeral prayers were also offered for him in Peshawar, his ancestral town.