Urmila Matondkar slams BJP leader for his remarks on Dilip Kumar
Mumbai, Jul 7: Actor-politician Urmila Matondkar has criticised BJP politician Arun Yadav after he claimed that screen icon Dilip Kumar, who passed away on Wednesday, used a Hindu name to earn money as an actor.
One of India's finest actors who ruled the hearts of generations, Kumar was born Mohammed Yousuf Khan on December 11, 1922 in Peshawar, Pakistan.
Devika Rani, who was the head of the Bombay Talkies where he joined as an actor, rechristened him as Dilip Kumar.
Kumar, who died at a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday morning after prolonged illness at the age of 98, was remembered by many on social media who called his demise an irreparable loss to Indian cinema.
Haryana BJP IT cell and social media head Arun Yadav courted controversy with his condolence message.
"The death of Mohammad Yusuf Khan (Dilip Kumar), who earned money by keeping a Hindu name in the film world, is an irreparable loss to the Indian film industry! Deepest condolences to the bereaved family. Hope God gives peace to the departed soul," Yadav wrote in Hindi.
Reacting strongly to his tweet, Matondkar expressed her anguish as she wrote "Shame on you", with a thumbs down emoji.
The 47-year-old actor-politician said it is saddening to see someone "trivialising" Kumar's critically-acclaimed body of work.
"It is sad to see that a legend of our country is being trivialised by saying that he kept a Hindu name to earn money. One needs to show dignity and class. He has done so many socially relevant films," Matondkar told PTI.
The Shiv Sena leader further said that Kumar was a "socially responsible person".
"He helped the widows of soldiers who lost their lives in Kargil war and did innumerable amount of social work," Matondkar said.
The actor slammed Yadav for his "double standards" as she said that he made the remark in the garb of offering his condolences.
"It is because of this particular thinking of these people that there are many people who think it is fine to create a constant communal division and whitewash it.
"Shame on a thinking like this. He (Yadav) needs to grow up. He needs to get the information correct," Matondkar added.
She said Kumar was someone who was "beyond any religion".
"There are so many Muslims who have taken Hindu names and vice versa but does it make us less? The fact should be how much of an Indian you are. He (Dilip Kumar) was indeed one," Matondkar added.
Yadav's tweet also drew criticism from other Twitter users who called out the politician for his remarks.
"Shame... How can you post something like this on someone's death. What is the problem if a Muslim has a Hindu name? And if a Hindu has a Muslim name, then also there is a problem. Please grow up and be a good human being, you will feel good," a social media user wrote.
Another user said Kumar's contribution to Indian films trumps all such comments made in poor taste.
"... Yusuf Khan aka Dilip Kumar made India known and famous through the whole world (sic)," a tweet noted.
Kumar, known to generations of film-goers as 'tragedy king' for his portrayal of the brooding, intense romantic, starred in classics such as "Mughal-e-Azam" and "Devdas". Also called the Nehruvian hero, he made his acting debut with "Jwar Bhata" in 1944.
In his five-decade career he worked in 65 films which included titles like "Naya Daur", "Madhumati" and "Ram Aur Shyam" in which he starred as the leading man.
In his twilight years, he graduated to character roles in films like "Shakti" and "Karma". His last on-screen appearance was his last "Qila" in 1998.
Shame on you ?
— Urmila Matondkar (@UrmilaMatondkar) July 7, 2021
Shame..
— Ritika Sanwal (Pahadan) ? #Uttarakhandi (@infiniteflames2) July 7, 2021
How can you post something like this on someone's death.
Agar koi muslim hindu name rkh de toh dikkat , agar koi hindu muslim name rkh de toh dikkat.
Janab in sab se upar uth ke insan ban ke dekhiye acha lagega ?
Really earn money in the name of hindu and what about because of his performance india was know to be a country where a brillant actor Existed like Dilip Kumar….. Yusuf Khan Aka Dilip Kumar made India known and famous through the whole world…
— BeingMuslim (@DarknessEvil10) July 7, 2021
There were many Muslim actors at that time who had Hindu screen names like Ajit and Jeevan.
— Lav Bhargava (@lavbhargava) July 7, 2021
Did that take away from their talent or the legendary and successfull status of Dilip kumar?
It was not the Hindu name that made him so successful bit his talent
Kindly note M.Bhagwat ji
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Mangaluru airport issues advisory to passengers, heightens security measures
Mangaluru: In response to recent cross-border attacks by Pakistan and rising tensions along the international boundary, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has directed airports across India to enhance security protocols. As part of this nationwide alert, Mangaluru International Airport has intensified surveillance, and introduced secondary ladder point checks (LPSC).
Explaining about the new protocol, Jaideep Shenoy, Public Relations Officer at Mangaluru International Airport, said that the secondary ladder point security check involves a second round of frisking. Passengers will first undergo standard checks by the CISF at the security checkpoint. Before boarding the aircraft, either via a boarding bridge or a bus, they will be subjected to an additional frisking by airline staff at the gate. Shenoy emphasized that the LPSC is a standard security measure implemented at all airports.
He also urged travelers to stay updated by checking the airport’s official social media channels for accurate and timely information.
In light of circulating reports regarding restrictions on visitor entry, Shenoy clarified that the entry of visitors into the terminal has always been restricted. Visitors may accompany passengers up to the departure gates or receive them at the arrival gates, as per existing rules.
In an advisory issued on Friday, Mangaluru International Airport urged passengers to arrive well in advance of their scheduled departures to accommodate extended security checks, and to cooperate with airport and security personnel.
The airport authorities also urged people not to share any unverified information.
#MangaluruAirport is fully operational, with your safety and comfort as our top priority. Stay informed and plan ahead to ensure a smooth journey.
— Mangaluru Airport (@mlrairport) May 9, 2025
Here’s everything you need to know before you fly, from security guidelines to handy dos and don’ts.
Plan ahead, stay informed, and… pic.twitter.com/clJTKPrlRT
