R.I.P Dilip Kumar: Legend's quotes on life, acting, fame, India and more

The world woke up on Wednesday to the heartbreaking news of the death of a cinematic legend Dilip Kumar. The movie star who will remain immortal through his contributions to cinema was 98 and died due to age-related ailments.

Born as Muhammad Yusuf Khan in Peshawar, Pakistan he became famous by his screen name Dilip Kumar. A man millions looked up to across the world, Dilip Kumar started his journey in cinema that lasted five long decades in 1944 with the movie Jwar Bhata.

A star of the golden era in cinema in India, his many films inspired generations of actors who came after him but the man himself had a unique outlook on life, and here are some of his quotes that reflect that.

On stardom -“If you allow fame to get the better of you, you become a nuisance, a public nuisance, a nuisance as a friend, as a member of the family, a nuisance to yourself.”

On life – “Most of the things that we desire in life are expensive. But truth is that the things that really satisfy us are absolutely free: love, joy and laughter.”

On self worth – “Every day is a new beginning. Every day gives opportunity to prove yourself better and better, to do something good and to prove yourself worth.”

On desires – “If I were to state what I want, I would immediately say that I want plenty of sleep, peace of mind while awake, a handkerchief in my pocket always – and a son. These are my wants for the gratification of myself.”

On himself – “I know and live with the real Dilip Kumar. He is a simple man, hard-working, who has survived time.”

On becoming an actor –“My becoming a film actor was more a twist of tale than a chosen course because I dared not to think I could ever become an actor. I couldn't even walk up on a stage and say 'Thank you' when we were to receive trophies at our sports meets at college.”

On India – “India means everything to me. It is my homeland. India is my country. It is here that I have gotten love and affection as a film star from millions and millions of my fans over the last five decades.”