Kisine sach hi kaha hoga, when they called him the Kohinoor of Indian Cinema and they weren’t exaggerating. The world has known him as a legend but the side we rarely get to see is the honest, grounded, almost shy dreamer behind that stardom. On his 103rd birth anniversary, it feels fitting to revisit that unseen side of actor Dilip Kumar where he spoke freely about his fears, doubts and how he never imagined he would land in films at all.
Actor Dilip Kumar Rare Interview That Revealed the Man Behind the Legend
In a once-in-a-lifetime conversation with Lehren during the year he received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1994, Dilip Kumar opened up in a way that still feels refreshing. He spoke about recognition, his quiet journey, and why awards weren’t something he ever expected.
He admitted how deeply the Phalke honour touched him because, until then, he had never received even a state honour. But the most surprising moment came when he was asked whether he ever thought he would become an actor. Dilip Kumar immediately replied with certainty: “I never thought I would become an actor.”
He repeated himself, emphasising the truth behind that statement: “No, I never thought I would become an actor.” He explained that he did not go to Bombay Talkies looking for work. “Of course, I had the natural deportment of a family so I could speak good English and good Urdu,” he added. But acting was not something he believed he was made for.
How Devika Rani Discovered Him
Dilip Kumar recalled the moment Devika Rani, the first lady of Indian cinema, noticed him. “That kind lady Ms Devika Rani at that time… she thought that, and the other members who were sitting there thought that I could be a good material for trying out.”
He even defended himself to them: “I don’t think I’m the right kind of material.” When they asked him if he had ever acted in a play, he confessed he hadn’t. “I’ve not seen many films. Of course, I used to see Western films—the school used to take us all,” he said.
That’s when he made his most iconic statement, smiling at his own journey: “So, if Dilip Kumar can become an actor, then anyone can become an actor.”
His Gratitude and Philosophy
While talking about his long career, he expressed simple gratitude:
“Apply yourself and work hard. And God has been very kind to me and I’m grateful to Him for bringing me where I am. If there is anything that is to be attributed to me, then it’s for not doing wrong things – as far as activity is concerned. And it’s been a very long innings now.”
Throughout the interview, legendary actor Dilip Kumar also reflected on his early years, his fear of facing the camera, and the lack of confidence he carried for years. He remembered watching classic Hollywood films, admiring their iconic actors, and slowly observing the craft that would one day define his own legacy.
He also shared memories of meeting Saira Banu for the first time and spoke warmly about his bonds with Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand – relationships built on respect and camaraderie.
To revisit this rare, unfiltered side of him and hear these stories directly from the man himself, watch the full interview below.
For decades, people have called him an institution of acting – and rightly so. Many learned from him, many tried to follow his path, and many found inspiration in his humility. Some choose their profession, but for some, the profession chooses them. That’s perhaps why destiny placed actor Dilip Kumar exactly where he belonged: at the top, shaping Indian cinema and leaving behind a legacy that feels immortal.
source https://lehren.com/if-dilip-kumar-can-become-an-actor-then-anyone-can/
