The passing of legendary actor Dharmendra has left a profound void in the Indian film industry, prompting an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and admirers. Among them, actress Ameesha Patel shared heartfelt and personal memories of the veteran star, painting a picture of a man whose warmth and humility matched his colossal on-screen presence.
A Fatherly Bond and a Lasting Nickname
Recalling one of their final conversations, Ameesha Patel revealed the unique bond she shared with Dharmendra. She mentioned that he always affectionately called her his 'Sakina,' a reference to her iconic character from the blockbuster film 'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha,' in which she starred opposite his son, Sunny Deol.
"Every time he would meet me, he would hug me and say, 'Arrey meri Sakina!'" Ameesha recounted. This endearing nickname was a constant reminder of their connection. She emphasized that he consistently made her feel like she was a part of the Deol family, a sentiment she cherished deeply.
Fond Encounters and a Sharp Memory
The actress highlighted Dharmendra's incredible memory during a specific encounter last year at Aamir Khan's daughter's wedding reception. Despite the passage of time, the veteran actor reminded her of a film they were once supposed to do together, where he was slated to play her father.
Ameesha described the Deol family as one of the finest in the industry, crediting Dharmendra for instilling strong family values. "He had the cutest smile. He would give me the sweetest words of encouragement. I would light up seeing him," she shared, underscoring the genuine affection she felt from him.
A Connection That Pre-Dated 'Gadar'
The association between Ameesha Patel and the Deols stretches back to the very beginning of her career. She disclosed that she was originally supposed to make her debut with Vijeta Films in a movie titled 'Samah,' which was planned before 'Gadar' happened.
During that period, she interacted frequently with Dharam ji. "I used to be in and out of Sunny Super Sound. I would have lunch with him," she shared. He often expressed his fondness for her, stating, "Ameesha mere ghar ki beti hai" (Ameesha is my daughter). This long-standing relationship solidified her place as an honorary member of their clan.
In her final tribute, Ameesha Patel stated that the industry has lost not just an iconic actor and one of the most handsome men, but a legendary human being. She poignantly remarked that while many achieve fame, leaving a legacy where people miss the person you were is a far greater achievement, which is precisely why Dharmendra's passing has created such an irreplaceable void in every heart.
