New Delhi: Bollywood’s legendary “He-Man,” Dharmendra, was not just a star but a remarkable human being behind the scenes. In an exclusive conversation with News 9, filmmaker Moti Sagar shared cherished memories of working with Dharmendra on iconic films like Ankhe, Lalkar, Charas, and Bhagavat.
As the industry mourns his recent passing at 89, these heartfelt reminiscences cast light on the man whose honesty, dedication, and kindness carved a special place for him in Indian cinema.
Filmmaker Moti Sagar remembers Dharmendra
Moti Sagar fondly recalled Dharmendra’s journey, beginning with their film Ankhe, released in 1968, which remains one of the biggest hits in Hindi cinema. He said, “Ankhe was totally new that time. I remember we landed in Tokyo, and Dharmendra ji didn’t hesitate to be part of the production. He picked up the camera petti himself and walked with it. He was the most honest actor and very cooperative with producers.”
Revealing more from their collaboration on Lalkar, Sagar described the tough scenes they shot in Manali, including dangerous stunts and cliff climbing. “He would do all the stunts himself. He was a bad devil and the unbeatable he-man of our industry,” he said.
Sagar also shared an incident from the film Charas where Dharmendra got injured during a lift accident but helped everyone, “he took them to the hospital himself, full of human values.” He praised Dharmendra as “a thorough gentleman who never offended anyone,” highlighting his discipline, “he practised boxing and was meant for that.”
When asked about a recent meeting, Sagar added, “I sat with him for three hours discussing old films and memories. He was full of stories and respect for the craft.”
The nation recently bid farewell to the Bollywood icon who passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89. His last rites were held at Mumbai’s Pawan Hans crematorium in a solemn ceremony attended by family members, including wife Hema Malini, daughter Esha Deol, and son Sunny Deol, who performed the rituals. Bollywood legends such as Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, and many others paid their respects, highlighting Dharmendra’s irreplaceable place in the hearts of fans and peers alike. The actor’s final film, Ikkis, is set for release on December 25, 2025.