[tps_footer]The much-awaited book The Substance And The Shadow was launched by superstars Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan and Dharmendra amidst a lot of fanfare.
The first superstar of Bollywood, Dilip Kumar unravelled his life, times and career spanning sixty films is the subject a new book named The Substance and the Shadow at a glittering, star-studded event in Mumbai.
The Substance And The Shadow, an account of the ninety one year old life in first person, has been written with author Uday Tara Nayar.
Held at Grand Hyatt in Santa Cruz, Mumbai, the red carpet of the launch of The Substance And The Shadow saw celebrities from the old and gold age as well as new generation walk in for the momentous night.
Vyjayanthimala, who has been Dilip Kumar‘s co-star from movies like Naya Daur and Devdas, lit the inaugural lamp along with Madhuri Dixit and Priyanka Chopra. Filmmaker Karan Johar played Master of Ceremonies.
Zeenat Aman, Danny Denzongpa, Farida Jalal, Vyjayanthimala, Subhash Ghai, Ayan Mukerji, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Rajkumar Hirani, Kapil Sharma, Madhuri Dixit, Priyanka Chopra and many Bollywood celebrities attended the gala.
Dilip Kumar‘s wif Saira Banu, who looked resplendent in a green sari, was overwhelmed to see the fraternity’s participation in the event.
Before the event, Saira Banu said: “Please pray that the dedication we have written the book, it is received by the readers in the same way. Every chapter in the book is important and you all will read something that you have not read before about him.”
Born Muhammad Yusuf Khan, the actor entered filmdom with the 1944 release Jwar Bhata, and thereafter dedicated six decades of his life working in much appreciated films like Mela, Naya Daur, Devdas, Madhumati and Mughal-E-Azam.
Priyanka Chopra, who walked the red carpet, wore a black and white saree with gold sequin work by designer Sabyasachi. She accessorized this look with gold earrings and a ring from Amrapali. Red lips, a braid hairdo completed her look. She stated that she was honoured to be invited for the event. “I’m so happy for them today. They have been close to my family for a long time. I have seen all his films and I really admire him,” she said.
Madhuri Dixit, who walked in with her husband Doctor Sriram Nene, it was a proud moment to be part of the event. “Dilip Kumar is a legend in himself and it’s a big day. He has been an inspiration for everybody,” she said.
Lata Mangeshkar, who is close to Dilip Kumar‘s family, had given her consent to perform at the event, but if sources are to be believed, her ill health didn’t allow her to be present.
Aamir Khan, who was accompanied by wife Kiran Rao and mother Zeenat Hussain, told the press at the event: “It is a very memorable day. I have always been a huge fan of Yusuf sahib. Probably, one of his biggest fans, he’s been such an inspiration figure to me, right through my career. I have learnt so much. I am looking forward to reading his book. We’ll get to know about his life, his work, his experiences. Something again, which will be a big opportunity for me to learn.”
The Substance And The Shadowis expected to reveal details of Dilip Kumar‘s romance and bitter break-up with late actress Madhubala as well as how he met and married Saira Banu.[/tps_footer]
