RIP Dilip Kumar: Throwback to when he turned down Oscar-winning Lawrence of Arabia said he did not need Hollywood to prove himself

The nation has been met with huge heartbreaking loss, as legendary actor Dilip Kumar passed away. He was 98 and was survived by his wife Saira Banu. Dilip Kumar has had one of the most successful careers and he was also called the original tragedy king of Bollywood. He has been part of some of the hit films like Devdas, Mughal-e-Azam, Aan and many more. While the actors magic was spread wide all over the nation, his following had also reached international countries where he had fans going gaga over him. But, did you know that Dilip Kumar had turned down an Oscar-winning Hollywood movie?

Dilip Kumar was offered a role in the Oscar-winning 1962 movie, Lawrence of Arabia, which could have been his Hollywood debut but he turned it down because he believed that he did not need Hollywood to prove himself. In 2012, in an interview with Times Of India, he asked about his plans of not entering Hollywood, he said, “I took a decision, which was appropriate at that time. In all humility, I would like to say that I judged the offer with the same parameters as all the offers that came to me at that time.”

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He further added, “I felt I did not have to go to Hollywood to prove or satisfy myself.” Had Dilip taken up the role, he would have been seen as Sheriff Ali, which he turned down and ultimately it went to Omar Sharif. The late actor was offered the role because David wanted an authentic-looking actor and not a European actor.

Lawrence of Arabia went on to have 10 Oscar nominations and seven wins at the 35th Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for David.

Also Read: Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu: From age difference, to failed pregnancy, a second marriage: a love story that withstood the test of time