Amitabh Bachchan has once again placed Dilip Kumar at the very apex of Hindi cinema's legacy, declaring on Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18 that Bollywood's history will forever be divided into two eras — before and after the legendary actor. The remarks, made during an episode aired on Sony Entertainment Television, underline the reverence that even the biggest names in the industry continue to hold for Dilip Kumar.

What Big B Said on KBC 18

During a conversation with contestant Manjeet Singh about the personalities who shaped Hindi cinema, Amitabh Bachchan was unequivocal about Dilip Kumar's singular place in film history. He said, 'Agar jab bhi Hindi cinema ka itihaas likha jaayega, toh hamesha yeh hoga 'Before Dilip Kumar ji' and 'After Dilip Kumar ji.' (Whenever the history of Hindi cinema will be written, it will always be 'Before Dilip Kumar ji' and 'After Dilip Kumar ji.')'

Bachchan further described Dilip Kumar as an irreplaceable pillar of the industry, saying, 'Vo ek stambh hai, aur vo stambh jo hai, usse koi nahi hara sakta. (He is a pillar, and that pillar, no one can defeat.)'

Contestant's Tribute and Audience Reaction

Contestant Manjeet Singh seized the moment to turn the tribute around, telling Bachchan: 'Sir, after Dilip Kumar ji it will be Amitabh Bachchan.' The remark drew loud applause from the studio audience. Bachchan, however, firmly redirected the conversation back to Dilip Kumar, reiterating: 'Aree nahi-nahi Sir, Before Dilip Kumar ji and After Dilip Kumar ji.' The exchange highlighted Bachchan's characteristic humility when placed alongside his idol.

Bachchan and Dilip Kumar: A Shared Screen Legacy

The admiration is not merely rhetorical. Amitabh Bachchan and Dilip Kumar shared the screen in the 1982 film Shakti, directed by Ramesh Sippy — a rare cinematic pairing that remains one of Hindi cinema's most celebrated collaborations. That on-screen meeting of two generations of superstars gave audiences a glimpse of the torch being passed, even as Dilip Kumar's stature remained undiminished.

Why the Tribute Resonates

Dilip Kumar, widely regarded as the 'Tragedy King' of Bollywood, is credited with introducing a naturalistic acting style to Hindi cinema at a time when theatrical, stage-influenced performances were the norm. His influence on generations of actors — including Bachchan himself — is well-documented. Notably, this is not the first time Bachchan has publicly placed Dilip Kumar above all others; he has consistently done so across interviews, social media, and public platforms over the decades.

Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18 airs Monday to Friday at 9:00 PM IST on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV. The latest season continues to use its format as a platform for conversations that go beyond the quiz, touching on culture, history, and national memory.