‘Dilip Kumar one of Hindi cinema’s greatest actors’: Former PM Manmohan Singh writes to Saira Banu

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday wrote a condolence letter to Saira Banu, the wife of legendary actor Dilip Kumar who passed away on Wednesday.

“Dilip Kumar was one of the greatest actors in the history of Indian cinema who will remain a "prince'' in the minds of generations of Hindi film lovers,” he wrote.

“Dilip Kumar who was referred affectionately as the 'Tragedy King' and 'The First Khan' of Indian cinema, has been credited with bringing a distinct form of acting technique to Indian cinema," the letter said.

Kumar holds the record for most wins for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor and was also the inaugural recipient of the award, Manmohan Singh noted in the letter.

"He (Kumar) was a legend of Indian cinema who will remain a prince in the minds of generations of Hindi cinema lovers. Dilip Kumar ji is one of the greatest actors in the history of Hindi cinema, who holds the Guinness World Record for winning the maximum number of awards by an Indian actor," he wrote.

Kumar's contribution in the field Indian cinema was recognized by the Government of India by awarding him the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian honour of India, the former Prime Minister said.

"His distinguished contribution to Indian cinema will always be remembered by the people of our country and by all the Hindi film lovers over the world," he said.

"My wife Gursharan joins me to send you and all members of your family our heartfelt condolences on this bereavement. May God give you all the strength to bear this irreparable loss with courage and fortitude," Singh said in his letter.