Legendary actor Dilip Kumar passed away earlier today at the age of 98. He had been ailing for several weeks now, having been admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Hinduja Hospital, Khar on June 29.
"With a heavy heart and profound grief, I announce the passing away of our beloved Dilip Saab, few minutes ago. We are from God and to Him we return," read an update shared on the veteran actor's Twitter handle by Faisal Farooqui.
While details had not been provided, a statement issued on his behalf at the time of his hospitalisation said that he had been admitted "to address medical issues related to illness which are frequently expected in a 98 year old." Later updates on his Twitter handle had however indicated that his condition was improving.
"We are grateful for God's infinite mercy on Dilip Sahib that his health is improving. We are still in hospital and request your prayers and duas so that Insha'Allah he is healthy and discharged soon," a tweet posted on Monday by his wife Saira Banu had urged.
Kumar had been admitted to the same hospital earlier last month following episodes of breathlessness. The Hindi cinema veteran was then diagnosed with bilateral pleural effusion -- a build-up of excess fluid between the layers of the pleura outside the lungs and underwent a successful pleural aspiration procedure. He was discharged after five days.
The news has plunged many into mourning, with countless netizens expressing shock and condoling his demise. Kumar's career spans over five decades with hits like "Mughal-e-Azam", "Devdas", "Naya Daur", and "Ram Aur Shyam". His last big screen appearance was in the 1998 film "Qila".
Further details awaited.