There are several stories about the legendary actor, Dilip Kumar interfering with his directors. Once when a journalist cornered Dilip Kumar with this allegation he retorted, ”When I sign any particular film, I involve myself completely in the project. Apart from my character, I also take a keen interest in the making of the movie. If I smell something foul in any department, I suggest a correction. I do so to improve the quality of the film and most of the directors have respected by suggestions.”
DILIP KUMAR | ||
True, readers would agree that the actor holds a commendable grip over the medium. Speaking about his ghost direction eminent actor Pran in an interview had confessed that the movie DIL DIYA DARD LIYA was largely directed by Dilip Kumar after differences grew between the director and the actor. However, Pran admits that Dilip Kumar did a fantastic job.
What’s worth mentioning is that the caves where the movie was extensively shot, created major problems for Dilip Kumar as the permission sought by the producer to shoot the film in the caves was not extended by the concerned authorities. Hence, Dilip Kumar had to erect a set similar to the caves in a studio in Mumbai. It took intense labour as Dilip Kumar got the set erected under his own supervision monitoring minute details to give the set a true replica of its original.
The movie is a milestone in Indian Cinema and is best remembered for Dilip Kumar’s superlative scene where he runs a long distance to bring flowers demanded by his master. The facial expression of gasping displayed by the actor forced even his critics to salute the genius.”