Amitabh Bachchan on Dilip Kumar's passing: An epic era has drawn curtains

Dilip Kumar. Pic/AFP

Thespian Dilip Kumar passed away on Wednesday morning after prolonged bouts of illnesses. The veteran actor had been experiencing age-related health issues for the last few days and was admitted to the hospital multiple times over the year. Dilip Kumar was admitted to Hinduja hospital and was in an intensive care for the past week. "With a heavy heart and profound grief, I announce the passing away of our beloved Dilip Saab a few minutes ago. We are from God and to Him we return," said the thespian's longtime aide Faisal Farooqui in a tweet at daybreak on July 7.

The passing of the thespian has left billions of his fans and admirers in the gloom. Amitabh Bachchan also grieved the loss of one of the finest actors of the Indian film industry. Big B on his official Twitter handle wrote, "An institution has gone .. whenever the history of Indian Cinema will be written , it shall always be 'before Dilip Kumar, and after Dilip Kumar' .. My duas for peace of his soul and the strength to the family to bear this loss .. Deeply saddened [sic]"

Also read: 'Tragedy King' Dilip Kumar leaves behind a legacy to cherish forever

Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan co-starred in the 1982 film 'Shakti'.

Known as the 'Tragedy King' of Bollywood, Dilip Kumar's career spanned over six decades. Dilip Kumar has acted in over 65 films in his career and is known for his iconic roles in movies like 'Devdas '(1955), 'Naya Daur' (1957), 'Mughal-e-Azam' (1960), 'Ganga Jamuna' (1961), 'Kranti' (1981), and 'Karma' (1986). Dilip Kumar was last seen in 'Qila' in 1998.

Also read: Dilip Kumar no more, film fraternity mourns thespian's death

Video: Veteran actor Dilip Kumar passes away at the age of 98