Manish Gajbhiye
Aurangabad, July 7:
Veteran actor Dilip Kumar had a special affection for Aurangabad city and visited the city on various occasions. His acquaintances informed that he used to visit the city on personal tours frequently. During the 90s, he became very active in the social arena and used attended public meetings and functions. He visited the city on April 30, 1998, to attend a seminar on Cinema organised in the city at Maha Expo - 1998. Again on June 14, 1998, he came here to attend a felicitation function. Lastly, he was also present on the inauguration of the Heart Centre at Seth Nandlal Dhoot Hospital on April 12, 2003.
He attended a programme organised by the Sarosh Educational and Welfare Society at Hotel Taj Residency on April 30, 1998. During the programme, he spoke on the educational and social development of the Muslim community. He said that he worked with different communities to help them in their educational and social works. But what Muslims require is to shed the regional character and work for the development of the nation. We have to be worthy useful and humanised citizens of this country, he mentioned.
Similarly, he advised not to look back while thinking of the future. He said for inspiration, you have to go centuries back. But, by the time we get inspiration, the future would grip us, he said.
On the same day, he visited a seminar on ‘Indian Cinema and Society - Past 50 years and ahead’ at ‘MahaExpo - 1998’ at Garware Stadium. Noted Film actor Arun Govil also accompanied him during the seminar. He mentioned that the drastic rise in the entertainment tax and such acts spell a curse on the film industry. Stressing the need to make quality films, he said. It could be only possible if the mindset of the people connected to this trade is changed. The basic raw material for a movie is the storyline, and the story should have a bearing on our lives, he said.
Later, on June 14, 1998, he came to the city during a function organised to felicitate President of All India Muslim OBC Organisation Shabbir Ansari at Shahgunj. Veteran comedian Johny Walker was also present. Eminent personalities Mehboob Khan, Yusuf Lakdawala, former industries minister of Andhra Pradesh Bashiruddin Babu Khan, Shabbir Ansari, former home minister Padmasinh Patil shared the dais with him.
Dilip Kumar’s last visit to the city was on April 12, 2003, during the inauguration of the Heart Centre at Seth Nandlal Dhooth Hospital. The centre was inaugurated by the then vice prime minister Lalkrishna Adwani and Dilip Kumar was the special guest for the function. Leaders Ram Naik, Gopinath Munde, Rajkumar Dhoot, Pradeep Dhoot and others were present. During the function, he shared light moments during his brief speech and enthralled the audience.