Mumbai: Dilip Kumar Sahab’s spirit will live on

An artistic image of the building

Dilip Kumar's bungalow on Pali Hill, Bandra West is all set to be turned into an 11-storey building. The construction is on, and possession is slated for 2027. The project was announced at a launch late Wednesday evening. Realty developer Ashar Group said a significant aspect of the project would also be the legacy of Dilip sahab. The name itself - The Legend by Ashar, and a museum being planned within this space.

At the launch, Ajay Ashar, chairman & managing director of Ashar Group, said, "The legacy of Dilip sahab is a piece of history, culture, and art fused together. I am sorry that I could not start this project earlier. Today, Saira Banuji treats me like a son, and I am truly thankful for that." The group spokespersons concurred that without the late actor's family's support and trust, they would not be where they were.

An artist's image of the plans

Ayushi Ashar, director, Ashar Group, said, "We are also bringing to life Saira Banuji's long cherished dream of immortalising Dilip sahab's legacy through a museum space celebrating his life and journey." When asked later what the museum is going to include, she said, "The memorabilia for the museum is still being collected from different sources. We plan to keep it open to the public but with a separate entrance, of course. This is still nascent and being worked out."

Artist Jaideep Mehrotra will be working on an art piece to be installed in the building lobby. Mehrotra, who is a Worli resident said at the launch, "It will capture the essence of Dilip sahab." When asked whether it will be a painting or a sculpture, Mehrotra said, "It may be a bit of both. You will learn about it eventually." Mehrotra is a well-known, though self-effacing artist who created a public artwork of cricketer Sachin Tendulkar some years ago called Between the Lines, which stood at the Sasmira, Worli traffic island.