On 95th b’day, ailing Dilip Kumar to have ‘restricted’ celebrations

Mumbai, Dec 10 (IANS) The celebrations for Dilip Kumar's 95th birthday on Monday will include some of his relatives and close friends, but will be restricted as the legendary actor has just been treated for mild pneumonia, said his wife Saira Banu.

Saira Banu, who has been by his side constantly, shared plans for Dilip Kumar's birthday via Twitter.

"Every year on Saab's birthday our house is open all day for friends and family to come and spend quality time with Dilip Saab. But tomorrow will be (a) bit restricted as doctors have advised Saab to be protected from any infection," read a post on behalf of Saira Banu from Dilip Kumar's official Twitter handle.

Dilip Kumar, who has appeared in some of the iconic films of Indian cinema like "Kohinoor", "Mughal-e-Azam", "Shakti", "Naya Daur" and "Ram Aur Shyam", has been ailing for a while.

Earlier this year, in August, the legendary actor was admitted to the Lilavati Hospital here due to dehydration and urinary tract infection but later his health condition improved and he was taken back to his residence.

Just last month, he was diagnosed with mild pneumonia, which he has been treated for, his family friend Faisal Farooqui has said.

"He smiled when I told him millions pray for him everyday," Farooqui tweeted.

Saira Banu has thanked Dilip Kumar's friends, fans and well-wishers for their prayers for his well-being.

"On Dilip Saab's birthday, as we get together as a family with Saab's brothers, sisters, relatives and some close friends, my thoughts reach out to all the wonderful fans and well-wishers for the duas and prayers for Dilip Saab. A million thanks."

She said she is being asked repeatedly about the plans for his special day.

"Well, for those who don't know what we have been doing every year - it's a day when our residence turns into a gorgeous fairyland with flowers and floral arrangements from loving visitors, which means a lot."

She ended her message on an emotional note.

"If you have read Dilip Saab's autobiography, you would be familiar with his quote.... That the warmth of the clasp of the hand of strangers who approach him to tell him how much they liked his work is bigger than any award for him. God bless all of you."