25112025-LSTL-01.qxd 11/24/2025 8:32 PM Page 1 c m y b ABHI NA JAO CHODKE… “It is an end of an era… a mega star, the embodiment of a hero in cinema… incredibly handsome and the most enigmatic screen presence … he is and will always be a bonafide Legend of Indian Cinema… And my heart says with respect, reverence and love…. Abhi Na jao chodke, ke dil abhi bhara nahi,” wrote Karan Johar. TRIBUNE Mourning Life From Amitabh Bachchan to veteran writer Salim Khan and his son Salman Khan, many renowned dignitaries gathered together in Vile Parle to pay their last respects to Dharmendra. LUDHIANA | TUESDAY | 25 NOVEMBER 2025 FAREWELL VEERU Dharmendra: Machismo with marshmallow softness, the star who will sparkle forever W HEN he was not breaking hearts with his gentle smile, he was breaking bones of baddies with his “dishoom” biceps. And then there was his comic timing that left the audience bathed in mirth. Dharmendra was the rare star packing it all in a 65-year career with no full stops. Machismo, sensitivity, charisma. And classic handsomeness. Sprinkled with stardust and wrapped in tinsel, his was a career that spanned every kind of movie – from intense Satyakam to romantic Baharein Phir Bhi Aayengi, from boisterous Sholay to wholesome Chupke Chupke. Dharmendra, the man who more than anyone else perhaps embodied a certain goodness and wholesomeness, died on Monday at his Mumbai home. He would have been 90 on December 8. In 2023, when he was all of 88, he romanced Shabana Azmi to great effect in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani — still breaking hearts and evoking sighs to the strains of that evergreen love song Abhi Na Jaao Chhod Kar as he serenaded his lost love. This was an actor who saw the Hindi film industry evolve through the decades, moving from black and white to colour and now the digital age, and ensured that he stayed relevant in each era. His foot firmly planted in commercial cinema, Dharmendra survived the superstardom of Rajesh Khanna and the rise of Amitabh Bachchan, making sure his space was all his own. He was Garam Dharam and the original He-Man of Hindi cinema with the marshmallow softness of the fairytale hero. Dharmendra, who acted in more than 300 films, was often called a ‘Greek God’, a tag that hid a sensitive artiste just a little eclipsed by his macho man roles. “I have always broken my image every time I went on screen. I don’t know what it means to be a Greek god but people used to call me one,” he said with characteristic modesty in an interview. Dharmendra was born Dharam Singh Deol in Nasrali village, Ludhiana district of Punjab on December 8, 1935, to an idealistic school teacher. The family moved to Sahenwal village after his father’s transfer when Dharmendra was just two. In 1958, Filmfare announced a nationwide talent hunt. The young Dharam decided to try his luck, won the contest and packed his bags for Mumbai. The first film he signed was Bimal Roy’s Bandini opposite Ashok Kumar and Nutan. While waiting for the movie to begin, he found it hard to make ends meet and worked in a drilling firm for Rs 200 a month to survive. The first break came in 1960 with Arjun Hingorani’s Dil Bhi Tera, Hum Bhi Tere in 1960. The debut was not a success. But he did get noticed. After a series of films, including Ayee Milan Ki Bela, Haqeeqat and Kaajal, came stardom with the 1966 film Phool Aur Patthar opposite Meena Kumari. That same year saw him in Anupama, his first film with Hrishikesh Mukherjee. The director, who imagined Dharmendra differently from the rough screen persona of several of his other movies, went on to cast him in Majhli Didi, Satyakam, Guddi, Chaitaliand, of course, Chupke Chupke where his his role as botany professor Parimal Tripathi won immense love. Dharmendra the superstar bloomed to his full potential in the 70s and 80s when another big name was on the horizon: Amitabh Bachchan. He teamed up with Bachchan in Chupke Chupke. And also memorably in Sholay where their roles as Jai and Veeru came to define male bonding. In later decades, Dharmendra slipped into character roles. There was no escaping the unrelenting spotlight on his personal life. He was married to Prakash Kaur. They have four children – sons, actors Bobby and Sunny Deol, and two daughters Vijeta and Ajeeta. In 1980, the actor tied the knot with Hema Malini after allegedly converting to Islam, a claim Dharmendra denied. The couple share daughters Esha and Ahana. Also a Padma Bhushan recipient, Dharmendra dabbled in politics briefly, winning the Lok Sabha seat from Bikaner on a BJP ticket in 2004. — PTI Dharmendra’s most iconic films Hindi cinema has lost one of its brightest stars, but the warmth, strength, and humanity of Dharmendra will forever remain etched in our collective memory. Fondly known as the HeMan of Bollywood, he was more than just a matinee idol; he was a symbol of dignity, grace, and an old-world charm that cannot be replicated. Over decades, Dharmendra built a filmography that blended power with vulnerability, humour with intensity, and heroism with the gentlest of hearts. Through countless roles, he gifted Indian cinema characters that still live in the hearts of millions. His journey was not just about stardom, it was about sincerity and an unwavering love for his craft. Today, as we remember him, we revisit 10 of his most iconic films that defined his legacy and shaped generations of film lovers. Sholay (1975) As Veeru, Dharmendra embodied mischief, courage and charisma in equal measure. His infectious energy and effortless chemistry created one of the most unforgettable characters in Indian film history. ‘An inspiration for generations’ A ‘bonafide legend’ of Indian cinema, “an inspiration for generations” and the “original He-Man” is how celebrities, including Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn and Kareena Kapoor Khan, remembered Dharmendra who breathed his last on Monday. Akshay shared a photo of the late cinema star, saying Dharmendra will continue to live on through his movies. “Growing up, Dharmendra ji was the hero every boy wanted to be... our industry’s original He-Man, thank you for inspiring generations. You’ll live through your movies and the love you spread. Om shanti,” he wrote on X. Ajay remembered Dharmendra for his “warmth, generosity and presence”. “The industry has lost a legend... and we’ve lost someone who has shaped the very soul of our cine- ma. Rest in peace Dharam ji, Om Shanti,” he added. Kareena Kapoor Khan shared series of pictures on her Instagram handle and captioned them, “Forever in power.” Farhan sent his condolences to the Deol family and said Dharmendra will “forever remain irreplaceable”. “A big, big loss to the entire film world... Thank you for six decades of entertainment. We are fortunate to have experienced your warmth, your kindness, your generosity, your charm, your intensity and your wit, on and off the screen,” he said. Suniel Shetty posted, “Strength wrapped in grace. Stardom wrapped in warmth. Heroism wrapped in a pure heart. Thats the legacy of Dharam Paaji. To those who knew him, he was pure warmth.” — PTI When He-Man sneaked into Dilip Kumar’s home Much before he joined the industry, Dharmendra visited Bombay, went to his idol Dilip Kumar’s house, walked in and reached right up to his bedroom only to run away after the thespian woke up to find a stranger in his home. The anecdote from sometime in 1952 is talked about in detail by Dharmendra himself in the Reminiscences section of Dilip Kumar’s autobiography The Substance and the Shadow. When I dead, police coming ... Revisiting some iconic dialogues Dharmendra delivered some of Hindi cinema’s most unforgettable dialogues that still resonate with his fans and keep his legacy alive. Basanti, in kutton ke samne mat naachna This dialogue from Dharmendra for Hema Malini in Sholay is one of the most popular dialogues in Indian cinema. Chupke Chupke (1975) In Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s timeless comedy, Dharmendra showcased his impeccable comic timing, proving that humour, when handled with intelligence and simplicity, can be everlasting. Phool Aur Patthar (1966) This film marked a turning point in his career. As a hardened criminal who finds redemption through love, Dharmendra delivered one of his most emotionally rich performances. Satyakam (1969) Often cited as his finest work, Dharmendra played a man bound by truth and principles. His layered portrayal remains one of the strongest performances in Hindi cinema’s history. Anupama (1966) As the sensitive and understanding Ashok, he brought quiet strength to a role that required tenderness more than dialogue. His nuanced acting elevated this poignant story. Seeta Aur Geeta (1972) Paired with Hema Malini, Dharmendra added charm and humour as the street- smart Raka—making the film a delightful blend of comedy, music, and emotion. Yadon Ki Baaraat (1973) A cult classic of its era, the film showcased Dharmendra in a vibrant mix of action and drama, contributing to one of Bollywood’s most memorable masala entertainers. Dharam Veer (1977) As the valiant prince Dharam, he embraced fantasy and adventure with effortless flair, ensuring the film became a beloved fam- c m y b ily entertainer for decades. “Kabhi zameen se baat ki hai Thakur, ye zameen humari maa hai” Pratiggya (1975) This hard-hitting dialogue is from movie Ghulami direct- Dharmendra mastered the action-hero mould with this revenge drama, playing a truck driver who rises from personal tragedy with grit and determination. Bandini (1963) One of his earliest and most graceful performances, Dharmendra portrayed a compassionate prison doctor embroiled in a woman’s haunting past, a role that hinted at the depth he would bring to future cinema. — TNS ed by JP Dutta in 1985. “Kutte Kamino, mai tera khoon pee jaunga” This dialogue perfectly captures the action hero image of Dharmendra in Bollywood. It was delivered in the film Yaandon Ki Baraat. “When I dead, police coming ... police coming, budiya going jail ... in jail budiya chakki peesing, and peesing, and peesing, and peesing” This iconic dialogue of Dharmendra in Sholay is packed with laughter. Evergreen songs • Aaj Mausam Bada Beimaan Hai • Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas • Aap Ke Haseen Rukh Pe • Gar Tum Bhula Na Doge • Main Jat Yamla Pagla • Yeh Dosti Hum Nahin • Koi Haseena Jab Rooth Jaati • Hum Bewafa Hargiz Nahi They • Ab Ke Sajan Saawan Mein • Kisi Shayar Ki Ghazal Dream Girl ONE MORE TIME Honouring Dharmendra’s last appearance on the big screen, Maddock Films unveiled a new poster of Ikkis. “Fathers raise sons. Legends raise nations. Dharmendra ji, an emotional powerhouse as the father of a 21-year-old immortal soldier. One timeless legend brings us the story of another,” the caption of the post read. With a homage to the late actor’s character in the film, they added, “A father’s worst nightmare became a nation’s chance to dream again. “Woh joh na sirf Hindustani, balki Pakistani fauj ke liye bhi misaal ban gaya.” Ikkis will hit theatres in December.