Dharmendra: The Emotional Giant Who Lived His Stardom With Humility - Article by Parag Biswas

In the “Reminiscences” section of The Substance and the Shadow—the autobiography of the legendary Indian film actor Dilip Kumar—the He-Man of Indian cinema, Dharmendra, revealed a delightful anecdote. Long before joining films, he had once visited Bombay and boldly walked into his idol Dilip Kumar’s home, wandering all the way to his bedroom, only to run away in panic when the thespian woke up to find a stranger inside his house.

That little incident from 1952, which Dharmendra recounts in detail, beautifully captures the man behind the star: earnest, passionate, fearless, and deeply emotional.

In the vast landscape of Indian cinema, there are stars, and then there are superstars who become part of daily conversation, household memories, and national emotion. Dharmendra was one such towering figure—an exceptional human being and a quintessential hero whose quiet dignity, warmth, and humility made him iconic both on and off the screen.

Across interviews spanning decades, he often allowed glimpses of the emotional core that shaped him. His anecdotes made people laugh when he laughed, and weep when he wept.

He once recalled meeting his teacher, Ruknuddin Master, in the market soon after the partition was announced. Overwhelmed with emotion, young Dharmendra rushed towards him, hugged him, and pleaded with him not to leave India.

Speaking to actor Vinay Pathak, the veteran broke down while remembering his childhood friendships. “Tab mere dost thay Abdul Jabbar, Akram… hum log itnay pyaar se rehte thay. Koi bhed-bhaav ratti bhar nahi tha.” There was, he said, not even a trace of discrimination.

On Salman Khan’s show Dus Ka Dum, Dharmendra reminisced about Hamida, an eighth-standard classmate he fell in love with when he was in sixth standard. After the partition, he never saw her again. “Pakistan ban gaya, Hamida chali gayi,” he said, eyes moist.

On Superstar Singer, he was moved to tears by a video capturing his early struggles. He spoke fondly of a bridge he used to visit after school. “This is where I used to dream of coming into showbiz. Whenever I go to that bridge, I tell myself, ‘Dharmendra, you’ve become an actor!’”

These heartfelt reflections explain why his expressions, dialogues, and screen presence connected so deeply with millions across the world. His emotional honesty flowed effortlessly into his craft.

Pratap Agarwal's photo with Dharmendra

One such admirer is Pratap Chandra Agarwal, the former Chairman of Kurseong Municipality in Darjeeling. Dharmendra, along with Asha Parekh and the team of filmmaker J. Om Prakash, shot Aye Din Bahar Ke there in 1964. Agarwal, now 92, still remembers the actor’s grace and warmth.

“Dharam ji was extremely amiable. His down-to-earth demeanour and natural kindness were a comfort on set. He formed emotional bonds at the drop of a hat.”

In a poignant coincidence, the first poster of his final film, Ikkis, slated for release on December 25, 2025, was unveiled on the very day the veteran passed into history—becoming, once again,

immortal.

Perhaps it was this tender emotionality that shaped his early career. In films like Boy Friend (1961) and a string of romantic dramas thereafter—Aye Din Bahar Ke (1966), Mere Humdum Mere Dost (1968), Pyar Hi Pyar (1969), Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke (1969)—he slipped effortlessly into roles built on strong emotional arcs.

There wasn’t a single year in the 1960s when a Dharmendra film did not grace the big screen. His transition to action roles in the early 1970s was seamless, and soon he emerged as one of India’s most formidable action heroes. Between 1970 and 1979, at the peak of his popularity, he also showcased impeccable comic timing and magnetic screen presence.

His legendary pairing with Hema Malini added another layer to his journey—both personal and cinematic. Together they delivered a string of hits including Tum Haseen Main Jawan (1970), Sharafat (1970), Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), Raja Jani (1972), Jugnu (1973), Pratiggya (1975), Sholay (1975), Charas (1976), Dream Girl (1977), Azaad (1978), and Dillagi (1978).

An actor par excellence, Dharmendra could inhabit any character with striking ease. Whether

romantic, intense, comedic, or action-packed—his authenticity remained the hallmark.

More than a reel hero, he was a real-life hero to generations. Honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2012, Dharmendra leaves behind not just unforgettable dialogues and iconic films, but also a life marked by humility, courage, and grace.

He was a man who rose from rural Punjab, carved an extraordinary path through sheer grit and heart, and built a cinematic legacy matched by very few.

E.O.M.