Dharmendra, fondly often known as the He-Man of Indian cinema, handed away on Monday (November 24) on the age of 89, leaving the movie fraternity and followers throughout generations in deep mourning. As tributes poured in from all corners of the nation, veteran actor Mukesh Khanna shared a heartfelt remembrance of the veteran star, together with a touching anecdote narrated to him by Bobby Deol.
‘I met Sunny and Bobby simply days earlier than… that they had arrange an ICU at dwelling’
In a video message on his YouTube channel, Mukesh Khanna revealed that he had visited the Deol residence barely just a few days earlier than Dharmendra’s demise.“I had gone to their dwelling simply 5 or 6 days in the past, proper after he was introduced again from the hospital. That they had arrange an ICU-like association inside the home itself. I knew I wouldn’t have the ability to meet him correctly, however I nonetheless felt it was essential to go,” he mentioned.Khanna shared that he met Sunny and Bobby Deol throughout this go to. “I advised them, ‘He’s very sturdy. He’ll come out of this… he’ll get by this downside.’ However ultimately, no matter God wills is what occurs.”Calling Dharmendra’s passing an act of future, he added, “Folks had been shocked as a result of everybody believed he was sturdy sufficient to get better. His physique gave up, however the soul strikes on. And he really had an exquisite soul.”
‘His simplicity and humility set him aside’
Mukesh Khanna remembered Dharmendra as a person whose heat and humility remained unchanged all through his life.“I’ve many recollections with him—additionally from Tahalka. His simplicity and humility had been his largest strengths. Even in his ultimate months, when he wasn’t feeling effectively, his face nonetheless shone with positivity. You take a look at him and really feel, ‘Such human being has left us,’” he mentioned.Khanna emphasised that whereas nice actors come and go, Dharmendra’s humanity made him irreplaceable. “I received’t say he was the best actor, however he was one of many best human beings. The extent to which he made individuals really feel snug… only a few actors can try this.”
Bobby Deol’s story: ‘Our home was all the time open—individuals from Punjab would stroll straight in’
Khanna then recounted an incident shared with him by Bobby Deol—a narrative he believes defines Dharmendra’s unmatched heat and openness.“Bobby advised me that when, at their bungalow, he stepped out of his room on the second ground and located a stranger roaming round. When he requested who he was, the person mentioned, ‘We’ve come from Punjab, sir. We wish to meet Dharam paaji.’”Bobby merely advised the person to return downstairs.Highlighting how uncommon such openness is at this time, Khanna mentioned, “Who at this time permits somebody to enter the compound with out safety? This man had reached the second ground! Bobby advised me, ‘My father all the time saved the home open. So many individuals from Punjab would come. He let everybody enter, meet him, have tea, and depart.’ Inform me—what actor does that at this time?”He added that whereas at this time’s stars rely closely on bouncers and safety, Dharmendra wanted none. “He had a lot humanity in him that nobody would dare misbehave round him.”
‘Dharam ji danced like a person, fought like a person’
Khanna additionally mirrored on Dharmendra’s early days and his distinct presence on display screen.“He had a rugged, athletic look—totally different from the actors of that period. His simplicity, his vibrant eyes, his goodness carried him ahead.”Praising his pure fashion, he mentioned, “Dharam ji danced like a person—with a uncooked, masculine allure. And when he carried out motion, it appeared actual. Immediately’s superstars combat on wires. Dharam ji’s punch felt like an actual punch.”He additional added that Sunny Deol’s iconic “dhai kilo ka haath” inherited its energy from his father. “That uncooked, easy energy got here from Dharam ji.”
Bollywood attends Dharmendra’s prayer meet
The movie business got here collectively on Thursday to honour Dharmendra at his “Celebration of Life” prayer meet at Taj Lands Finish, Bandra. Salman Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Karan Johar, Rekha, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, Vidya Balan, Jackie Shroff, Suniel Shetty and plenty of others attended to pay their respects. Sunny and Bobby Deol, together with Dharmendra’s first household—together with daughters Ajeeta and Vijeta, grandsons Karan and Rajveer, and nephew Abhay Deol—stood visibly emotional all through. Hema Malini and daughters Esha and Ahaana Deol weren’t current.Additionally in attendance had been Mukesh Khanna, Subhash Ghai, Sidharth Malhotra, Ameesha Patel, Fardeen Khan, Abbas-Mastan and several other others, who gathered to recollect the legendary star who outlined an period of Indian cinema.