In a heartfelt tribute at the 56th International Film Festival of India in Goa, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan shared poignant memories of his final meetings with the late legendary actor Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24, 2025.
A Final Viewing and a Missed Goodbye
Aamir Khan disclosed a significant detail, revealing that Dharmendra had the opportunity to watch his son Sunny Deol's upcoming, unreleased film 'Lahore 1947' before his demise. Khan described the script as one of Dharamji's personal favourites.
"Today, in fact, I'm not there in Bombay, but today is his prayer meeting, unfortunately. I'm missing it," Khan expressed with regret at the festival. He emphasized the closeness they developed in the last year, stating, "I was very close to him because in the last, I would say last one year, I must have met him about 7-8 times." The 60-year-old actor fondly recalled enjoying the veteran's company and simply sitting with him.
Remembering the Man Behind the Star
Khan's admiration for Dharmendra extended beyond his professional achievements. He shared a touching anecdote about taking his son, Azad, to meet the screen icon. Although Azad was unfamiliar with the actor's vast body of work, he spent a couple of hours in his presence.
Reflecting on Dharmendra's character, Aamir Khan added, "You know, Dharamji was not only such a fine actor, but he was a great human being." This personal recollection painted a picture of a beloved figure whose impact was felt on and off the camera.
The Legacy of a Legend
Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89 after being hospitalized for respiratory issues. Initially, the family had announced his recovery and discharge, but his health condition suddenly worsened.
Fellow actor and longtime colleague Hema Malini also expressed her profound grief on social media. She wrote about her "indescribable" personal loss and the permanent vacuum left in her life, concluding, "After years of togetherness, I am left with myriad memories to relive the many special moments..."
The film at the center of this emotional memory, 'Lahore 1947', is directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. It is based on Asghar Wajahat's celebrated play 'Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya, O Jamyai Ni' and narrates the story of a family's migration from Lucknow to Lahore. The film boasts a stellar cast including Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta, Ali Fazal, Shabana Azmi, and Karan Deol.
