New Delhi: Dharmendra was a beloved actor known not only for his talent but also for his kindness and generosity. His co-star Sharmila Tagore fondly remembers their first meeting on the film Devar (1966) and recalls special moments working together on movies like Mere Humdum Mere Dost, Anupama, Satyakam, and the classic comedy Chupke Chupke.
Despite his huge popularity, Dharmendra stayed humble and supportive on sets. This birthday, shared by both, will be difficult due to his illness and passing.
Sharmila Tagore remembers Dharmendra Deol
Sharmila Tagore remembered her first meeting with Dharmendra, which happened on the set of Devar in 1966, directed by Mohan Sehgal. “It was really wonderful. We were shooting really late into the night. He was very supportive, very nice, and of course, very handsome,” said the actress. She fondly recalls a night during the shooting of the song Chhalkain Jaam for Mere Humdum Mere Dost (1968). She had to fly early to Kolkata for a test match. “I requested Dharam, ‘Can we please extend and finish the song?’ We worked till 4–5 a.m. or even later. I finished shooting and went straight to the airport. Which other actor would have agreed to do that? He was very generous with his time. He never behaved like a star,” she shared.
They worked together in seven films, including Anupama, Satyakam, and the iconic Chupke Chupke, a film that was a go-to remedy for anyone feeling low. “They showed the film on the good old Doordarshan on every occasion,” she said. The two share a birthday on December 8th, exactly ten years apart. “I will always remember him on my birthday. But this birthday will be very difficult,” she expressed.
Despite his brilliant performances in these films, she feels Dharmendra did not get the awards he deserved. “His performance in Chupke Chupke was brilliant. He should have got the National Award for it, but maybe comedy wasn’t considered award-worthy then. He was very good in Devar, Anupama, and Satyakam, too,” she noted.
She knew of his illness and stayed in contact. “He was coming back from the hospital with a ventilator. He was critical and artificially kept alive. For a man like him, it’s a relief. Dharam was so much in control of his life. He was a people person. He didn’t want to isolate himself,” she reflected.
Dharmendra’s global popularity was evident as there is a large Sardar community in Arizona, USA, who remember him with great affection. She also shared that filmmaker Karan Johar had asked her to play a role Shabana Azmi did in Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani, but she couldn’t do it due to health concerns during COVID. “I’m a cancer survivor with lung issues. I was very worried about travelling with this co-morbidity; otherwise, I would have done it,” she said with regret.
Dharmendra’s legacy as an actor and a humble, kind human being will be remembered forever by those who worked with him and loved him.