Dilip Kumar turns 95

For Bollywood legend and actor Dilip Kumar, it was the same time of the year today but with a difference.

Last year, he spent his birthday in a hospital in Mumbai but this as he turned 95 on Monday, the legendary Indian actor is at his home in Mumbai and may get a chance to be treated by his wife Saira Banu to a cake and his favourite delicacies: biryani and potentially some vanilla ice cream to celebrate the occasion at their home.

Banu told the media that she is not planning any birthday party this time as Kumar is still recovering from a bout of pneumonia.

“He loves biryani and that will be made for him but I will give him only a little as he is unwell. He is also fond of vanilla ice cream; I will ask the doctors if we can give him a little bit of that too. Then, of course, we will have a birthday cake. We will not have a grand birthday party as he is not keeping well. The immune system is not so good after he was down with pneumonia. I cannot let him exert now,” she said.

According to the actress-wife of Dilip Kumar, “He is not a materialistic man. He doesn't like expensive gifts. My one consistent gift to him every year is my love, which keeps intensifying."

Banu said she feels blessed that so many people send their best wishes and pray for Kumar's well-being. “It is going to be his 95th birthday. I know lakhs of people wish and pray for his good health and it touches my heart. To see so much love and respect for him is heart- warming. I thank the lord for being so kind.”

Dilip Kumar has been in and out of the hospital for the past few years. In December last year, he celebrated his 94th birthday in hospital where he was being treated for fever and a swollen leg.

Recipient of Indian government's prestigious honours Padma Vibhushan in 2015, Padma Bhushan in 1991 and Indian cinema's highest recognition Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1994, Dilip Kumar is best known for his roles in films like “Madhumati”, “Devdas”, “Mughal-e-Azam”, “Ganga Aur Jamuna”, “Ram Aur Shyam” and “Naya Daur”.