Acting is a difficult art.Its all about being a different person.Its all about understanding the mentality of the character and pretending to be that person.Its not as simple as it sounds.If you are a good actor you will probably prepare.Depending on the role you must determine what kind of person your character is and learn to’play’ him her.It requires good observation, excellent memory and sharp intelligence.Not everyone has all these qualities along with good looks.Because in the film trade your basic qualification is your appearance.Nevertheless to get to the point straightaway Yousuf Khan aka Dilip Kumar is one actor who has the qualities required for a great actor.He is probably India’s best ever.Let us try and explore why.
Dilip Kumar always tried to’live’ his character.A classic example is’Ganga Jamuna’.Despite being a modern upper-class Bombayite he eased into the role of the country bumpkin turned outlaw.He played the hindi-belt rustic to the hilt here.Or take’Kohinoor’.In the title role he had ample scope for comedy which he used well.Dilip Kumar played a double role in’Ram Aur Shyam’ where both Ram and Shyam could be recognised for what they stood for.That was really great talent at work.Dilip Kumar had a triple role in’Bairag’ and he did justice to all three parts.Indeed here was a man who tried to bring new nuances to each role he essayed even that of down-and-out drinking loser’Devdas’, a role for which he is still famous.Dilip Kumar has had many imitators, the notable among them Amitabh Bachchan.Dilip Saab has worked in some sixty films only in his whole life and has won more Filmfare trophies than any actor.(I would love to know what Mr Hermit who seems to be in charge at MS thinks of my humble review)