Dilip Kumar to have 'restricted' celebration for 95th birthday on doctor's advice

The celebration of Dilip Kumar's 95th birthday on Monday will include some relatives and close friends but will otherwise be restricted as the legendary actor has just undergone treatment for a mild attack of pneumonia, wife Saira Banu said.

Saira Banu, who has been by Dilip Kumar's side constantly, shared plans for the screen legend's birthday via Twitter.

"Every year on Saheb's birthday our house is open all day for friends and family to come and spend quality time with Dilip saheb. But tomorrow will be (a) bit restricted as doctors have advised Saheb to be protected from any infection," read a post on behalf of Saira Banu from Dilip Kumar's official Twitter handle.

Dilip Kumar, who has appeared in some iconic films of Hindi cinema like Naya Daur (1957), Kohinoor (1960), Mughal-e-Azam (1960), Ram Aur Shyam (1967) and Shakti (1982), has been ailing for a while.

Earlier this year, in August, the actor was admitted to the Lilavati Hospital in Bandra, Mumbai, after suffering dehydration and urinary tract infection but later his condition improved and he was taken back to his residence.

Last month, he was diagnosed with mild pneumonia, which he has been treated for, family friend Faisal Farooqui said.

"He smiled when I told him millions pray for him everyday," Farooqui tweeted.

Saira Banu thanked Dilip Kumar's friends, fans and well-wishers for their prayers for his well-being.

"On Dilip saheb's birthday, as we get together as a family with Saheb's brothers, sisters, relatives and some close friends, my thoughts reach out to all the wonderful fans and well-wishers for the dua and prayers for Dilip saheb. A million thanks."

She said she is being asked repeatedly about the plans for his special day.

"Well, for those who don't know what we have been doing every year, it's a day when our residence turns into a gorgeous fairyland with flowers and floral arrangements from loving visitors, which means a lot."

She ended her message on an emotional note: "If you have read Dilip saheb's autobiography, you would be familiar with his quote... that the warmth of the clasp of the hand of strangers who approach him to tell him how much they liked his work is bigger than any award for him. God bless all of you."