Book Review:
In the Shadow of a Legend:
Dilip Kumar
Authored by: Faisal Farooqui
Published by: Om Books International, Noida, UP
First Edition Published in 2022
Language: English (186 pages), translated into Hindi and Urdu
Reviewed by: M. Burhanuddin Qasmi
The book, “In the Shadow of a Legend: Dilip Kumar,” a biography of the renowned Bollywood personality Yusuf Khan, popularly known as Dilip Kumar, is a well compiled and least known accounts of the super star by a versatile writer Mr. Faisal Farooqui. This compilation exhibits profound and authentic tenderness, showcasing the true and enduring warmth and care of Dilip Kumar towards his kith and kin, friends and comrades. It is a touching memoir penned by the celebrated author, offering some of the very deep and personal glimpses into the life of one of India’s most cherished actors, late Mr. Dilip Kumar. Faisal Farooqui’s unique perspective, stemming from his close relationship with the legendary actor, provides the readers with an intimate understanding of Dilip Sahab’s life, his struggles, and his enduring legacy.
The book is written in a style that is both easy to understand and engaging, making it accessible to readers of all ages. Whether you are a longtime fan of Dilip Kumar or just discovering him now, the book will keep you engaged, delving into the profound yearnings and desires of literary thirst. The fascinating cover-page-design and the striking hardbound book, curved in light newsprint quality paper, incites readers to open it once and exudes an aura of sophistication and allure. The book effortlessly captivates the hearts and minds of the book-dweller with conspicuous features which complement to its irresistible charm, making it utterly entrancing for all age and all gender readership.
The book is a poignant memoir spanning over 186 pages, divided into 18 attractive subtitles with beautifully crafted paragraphs. This well-structured book takes readers on a journey through the life and times of the iconic actor— Dilip Kumar, offering insights into his remarkable career through personal experiences of the cherished author and his near ones.
What sets this memoir apart is its unique style of emotional communication. Not only is it written in an easy-to-understand and smooth language, but it is also available in two other languages – Hindi and Urdu. This considerate inclusion of other languages ensures that a wide range of readers, regardless of their linguistic preferences, can enjoy and appreciate the rich narrative woven by Mr. Faisal Farooqui.
The contents of the book, enriched with detailed narratives and personal anecdotes, serve as an enticing invitation to delve into the fascinating story of Dilip Kumar. As ready to look at by our readers, some of the subtitles are as under:
- ‘Milte Rehna’: The First Time I Met Sahab
- Parallel Lives
- The Wisdom of Words and Silences
- A Curious Mind: Sahab Discovers Amazon, iPhone, YouTube, and Twitter
- Nehru’s Hero: In the Service of the Nation
- Of Friends and Films
- The Foodie
- A Man and His Faith
Each article takes it reader to a carefully crafted piece of literature, drawing him or her deeper into the world of Indian cinema and the life of a true legend uncovering the intricate layers of their aspirations and dreams.
The author, for instance, drew a sketch of the legendary man in the following paragraph is remarkable and diligently crafted one.
“If I had to define him in one word, I would call him ‘human’. For the world, he was an icon, a legend, and to some even a god. Sure, he was an actor whose work was defined by immersing himself in the character he played, an actor whose emotional bond with his close-knit family and subtle observations of childhood lingered in his heart till his last day, an actor who was a benchmark for all actors after him. However, in my eyes, he was a human being. A simple, yet, complicated human being.
One who didn’t have any miraculous powers, yet cast his spell on everyone who came in touch with him.”[In the Shadow of a Legend: Dilip Kumar, P. 8]
The author Mr. Faisal Farooqui is one of my friends from the Stars’ City – Mumbai. His distinctive approach to work and creative ideas are evident in his smooth execution of untold stories while dealing with this beautiful book.
Mr. Farooqui has served as the official spokesperson for the actor late Mr. Dilip Kumar, maintaining a close relationship with him and his legendary wife Saira Banu. He received the 2006 Manthan Award for Best Youth Website and actively supports net neutrality. Farooqui was honored as one of the 50 Young Leaders by the British High Commission.
The book ‘In the Shadow of a Legend: Dilip Kumar’ is available across the world from all online book sellers.
