Dilip Kumar's fans in Pakistan's northwestern city of Peshawar celebrated his 95th birthday with much fanfare. The birthday celebrations on Monday were organised by the Cultural Heritage Council at the Peshawar Press Club.
Fans cut a ceremonial cake surrounded by pictures of the "Mughal-e-Azam" star at the event. Saira Bano, Kumar's wife addressed his fans via telephone. She thanked the people of Peshawar for remembering him and hoped that with their prayers and well wishes, he will soon recuperate and be able to speak to them himself. Kumar was born in Mohallah Khudadad in Qissa Khwani in 1922 as Yousaf Khan.
His contribution to the cinema was also recognised by Islamabad and he was awarded Nishan-e-Imtiaz in 1998, the country's highest civilian award. Kumar's house in Peshawar was declared a national heritage — but the building has now collapsed and only its façade and main gate remain. Earlier, the K-P government announced plans to rebuild the house. Government officials believe that the house has immense cultural and historical importance due to its association with the legendary actor and intends to maintain it as his symbol in Peshawar.