Bharat Ratna for Dilip Kumar? Modi govt is contemplating to honour veteran actor

New Delhi, June 12: The Centre is contemplating to give highest civilian award Bharat Ratna to thespian actor Dilip Kumar. The move is being seen as an attempt to appease Muslim voters.

According to Economic Times report, the Modi government is toying with the idea from quite sometimes now and that is why all the informations regarding veteran actor is being gathered. Political circle is abuzz with the news, though matter had been kept secret till now.

"It's a routine procedure. Information on leading personalities from different walks of life is gathered while conferring Padma awards and Bharat Ratna," an official said on the condition of anonymity.

93 year old Dilip Kumar is not keeping well recently. The big concern is that if Government decides to bestow this year's prestigious award to actor, will he be able to come to Delhi to receive it.

Recently, defying the set protocol, President Pranab Mukherjee bestowed Bharat Ratna to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at later's home.

Reportedly, Home Minister may travel to Mumbai to give Kumar the award if situation demands so.

On prodding more, official further said, "The Dadasaheb Phalke award was presented to film-star Shashi Kapoor in Mumbai recently. Similarly, Bharat Ratna too could be presented in Mumbai,"

Popularly known as tragedy king, Dilip Kumar was born as Yusuf Khan in 1922. He debuted as an actor in the film Jwar Bhata in 1944 produced by Bombay Talkies.

In six decades of filmy career Kumar has given several hits film including Devdas, Mughal-e-Azam and Ganga Jamuna.

For his contribution in Hindi film, he has been given several award including Padma Bhushan(1991), Dadasaheb Phalke award (1994) and Padma Vibhushan in 2015.

OneIndia News