Late Dilip Kumar, the ‘Tragedy King’ of Bollywood, was a man of many records.
On July 7, the legendary actor breathed his last after a prolonged battle with age-related illness.
While the actor had appeared in more than 60 films in a career that spanned over almost 6 decades, he never strived for international recognition. Did you know late Dilip Ji once turned down a big-budget Hollywood film?
In 1962, British director David Lean had offered him the role of ‘Sharif-al-Bin-l-Kharish’ in the historical film – ‘Lawrence Of Arabia’, which later went on to win 7 Academy Awards (Oscar). But, Dilip Ji, as we all know, had declined the chance of his Hollywood debut. Curious to know why?
Back in 2012, on the occasion of his 90th birthday, when he was asked why he didn’t take up the offer, Dilip Ji told the media, “I took a decision, which was appropriate at that time. In all humility, I would like to say that I judged the offer with the same parameters as all the offers that came to me at that time.”
“I felt I did not have to go to Hollywood to prove or satisfy myself,” he further added.
Reportedly, director David didn’t want to cast any European actor for the role as he was looking for a more authentic actor. He even had set up a meeting with Dilip Saab and tried everything to convince him, but the actor never had any Hollywood dreams.
However, the role was later played by an Egyptian actor named Omar Sharif.