Veteran actor Dharmendra died on November 24 at the age of 89. In a career spanning six decades, he won the hearts of audiences with evergreen songs like “Yeh Dosti” and “Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas”. His legacy will live on forever in his films and music.
Mumbai: Today the film industry lost one of its most favorite stars. Veteran actor Dharmendra, who made his fans laugh, cry and love for more than six decades, passed away on November 24 at the age of 89. Even though the actor has left a deep silence in Indian cinema, his films and songs will always remind us of him. For years, Dharmendra was more than just a hero on screen. He was the boy next door, a trusted friend, and a lover who made everything special. His songs were remembered long after the film was over.
They became part of people’s stories, played on the radio, at family functions or during long drives. Let us take a look at some of his songs which still hold a special place in the hearts of generations.
Song- Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas (Film- Blackmail)
This song sung by Kishore Kumar takes you to the memories of old days. There is such genuineness in Dharmendra’s expression, as if he is lost in his own thoughts. Even today, “Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas” plays at weddings or when people just want to sit quietly with their feelings. This is one of those songs that never loses its place.
Song – Yeh Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge (Film- Sholay)
When you think of friendship, what’s the first song that comes to mind? For most people, it’s ‘this friendship we will not break’. This song from ‘Sholay’ sung by Kishore Kumar and Manna Dey is more than just music; It’s also a reminder of what real friendship is like. Watching Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan as “Veeru” and “Jai”, you can tell it wasn’t just acting. Their relationship seemed easy, natural and true.
Song – “Kisi Shayar Ki Ghazal…Dream Girl (Film- Dream Girl)
“A poet’s ghazal…Dream girl!” This one line says everything. Seeing Dharmendra and Hema Malini together in this song, you understand why they were everyone’s favorite pair. Kishore Kumar’s voice and his natural connect made this song true, lively and straight from the heart.
Song – Aaj Mausam Bada Beiimaan Hai (Film- Loafer)
There’s a kind of pain in this song that stays with you. Mumtaz was with Dharmendra in this song sung by Mohammed Rafi, and together they made it true. The pain in the music, the emotion in their eyes, everything adds up. This is one of those songs that says a lot without too many words.
Song – Koi Haseena Jab Ruth Jaati Hai (Film- Sholay)
Have you ever tried to console someone after a fight? So you already understand this song. Seeing Veeru trying to make Basanti laugh again still makes people laugh. The fun and love that Dharmendra filled in the song seemed close to real life. It is light-hearted but full of emotions, and perhaps that is why it is loved even today.
Song – Hum Bewafa (Film- Shalimar)
The song showed a different side of Dharmendra: calm, quiet and thoughtful. Kishore Kumar’s voice adds emotion to it, but the way Dharmendra plays it makes it powerful. You can feel what he’s feeling even without dialogue. It is a simple song, but hits the heart deeply.
Even though Dharmendra is no longer with us, his songs will keep coming back in our lives. They will play on the radio, at weddings and in quiet moments because they contain parts of Dharmendra’s personality. For fans, his music is more than just nostalgia. And perhaps this is what makes them truly immortal.
The actor’s last rites were performed at the Pawan Hans cremation ground, which was attended by Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and other Bollywood celebrities.