By
Tanveer Zaidi (Actor-Author-Educationist)
Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, and Raj Kapoor were more than just legendary actors; they symbolized the golden era of Indian cinema. Known as the “True Icons” of Bollywood, they dominated the industry from the 1940s to the 1960s, each bringing a unique charm to the screen.
DILIP KUMAR —
Dilip Kumar, the “University Of Acting,” moved audiences with his intense performances in classics like Mughal-e-Azam and Devdas.
The School of method acting and a Bollywood legend. He was known for his naturalistic acting style, good looks, and deep voice. Dilip Kumar introduced the organic method acting in Indian cinema, he would make cinematic performance seems realistic. His acting style influenced many future actors, including great Superstars Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan.
Dilip Kumar had over 90% box-office success, making him one of the most successful stars in the world of cinema.
However, then there was no traditional method of calling topmost star as a Superstar.
Infact being on the peak of the Film Industry he was much beyond the term ‘Superstar’.
Dilip Kumar was also way beyond awards, however, he won eight Filmfare Awards for Best Actor, which is the most for any actor in the award’s history.
His fans, critics, Trade Experts demanded Bharat Ratna for the legend as they believe he truly deserve it.
Dilip Kumar played a wide range of roles, including a doctor, a dacoit, a Mughal prince, a freedom fighter and many.
He was known as a voice for the people, and many Bollywood actors have said they tried to copy his style.
Dilip Kumar is the only Indian to receive highest civilian award of Pakistan, the Nishan-e-Imtiaz.
He is considered, the Greatest Of All Time and rightly deserving person for highest civilian award ‘Bharat Ratna’.
DEV ANAND —
Dev Anand, with his suave style and evergreen charm, became the heartthrob of millions in films like Guide and Jewel Thief was called Debonair Dev.
known for his versatility, style, and optimism. He was a leading figure in Hindi cinema for over six decades.
Dev Anand played a variety of characters, including gamblers, cops, and poets.
His style was unique and unabashed, with a buttoned-up look and fast dialogue delivery.
Dev Anand was known for his unflagging optimism and self-belief.
Dev Anand was never desperte for awards, however he Won four Filmfare Awards, including two for Best Actor
He Received the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian honor, in 2001
He also Received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2002.
He was also felicitated with Acti award through the hands of former PM V.P Singh and I (Tanveer Zaidi) gave him Acti-Sahara Trophy in 2005 in Allahabad (now Prayagraj). He was also awarded with his photograph printed on a stamp issued by the postal department, government of India
He was incredible in Guide (in English and Hindi 1965), Hare Krishna Hare Ram, Des Pardes, Jewel Thief, Banarsi Babu and Johnny Mera Naam.
RAJ KAPOOR —
Raj Kapoor, the “Showman,” was a pioneer who was mostly admired for filmmaking, he was also praised for his acting.
Raj Kumar has created timeless masterpieces like Awara and Shree 420.
Raj Kapoor was considered a cinematic pioneer and one of the greatest showmen in Indian cinema. His films were popular around the world and explored themes of love, hope, and humanity. He was also an incredible director.
His films were known for Their emotion, innovation, and humanism. They captured the spirit of their time and gave a voice to the common man.
He often played a tramp-like figure who was cheerful and honest despite adversity. His character in Awaara was inspired by Charlie Chaplin and resonated worldwide.
His story telling was often based on socially conscious themes.
His films explored the realities of post-Partition India, the rural-urban divide, and the dreams of the common man.
Raj Kapoor’s films had unforgettable music that continues to tug at heartstrings across generations.
He collaborated with legends like Shankar Jai Kishan Muesh and lyricists like Shalendra.
He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1971.
He also received Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1988.
Despite being contemporaries and competitors, the three shared a remarkable friendship built on mutual respect and admiration. Their bond off-screen and their iconic contributions on-screen defined an era of Indian cinema that remains unparalleled..