The passing of legendary actor Dharmendra has created a profound emptiness in Indian cinema, prompting an outpouring of grief from colleagues and admirers. Among the many stars who paid their final respects, Amitabh Bachchan's emotional homage stood out, revealing the depth of a friendship that transcended their iconic on-screen partnership in films like Sholay.
Big B's Heartfelt Blog Tribute
In a moving entry on his blog, Amitabh Bachchan expressed the industry's collective sorrow, describing Dharmendra as "another valiant Giant has left us, left the arena, leaving behind a silence with an unbearable sound." He celebrated not just Dharmendra's celebrated physical presence but, more importantly, his character.
Bachchan highlighted Dharmendra's grounded nature, writing that he "brought with him the earthiness of the village in Punjab he came from, and remained true to its temperament, unsoiled throughout his glorious career." He praised Dharmendra's enduring smile, charm, and warmth, calling these qualities "a rarity in the profession." The tribute concluded with the poignant observation that "The air about us swings vacant, a vacuum that shall ever remain vacuus."
A Cinematic Legacy Together
The two legends first shared screen space in the 1974 film Dost. Their chemistry quickly captivated audiences, making them one of Bollywood's most beloved screen pairs. They delivered back-to-back hits in 1975 with the classic comedies and dramas Chupke Chupke and the immortal Sholay.
Their successful collaboration continued with numerous other films, including Naseeb, Ram Balram, and Hum Kaun Hain, cementing their status as a formidable box-office duo whose work remains cherished by fans across generations.
Jaya Bachchan's Admiration for the 'Greek God'
The bond extended into the Bachchan family. Jaya Bachchan has often spoken publicly about her deep admiration for Dharmendra. Recalling their first meeting on Koffee With Karan in 2007, she revealed a charmingly shy reaction to his presence.
"I loved Dharmendra… You know when I saw him for the first time and I was introduced to him, there was a sofa like this. I went and hid behind it. I was so nervous!" she confessed. She vividly remembered his "white trousers and a white shirt" and said he looked like a "Greek God." She even joked that "I should have played Basanti! Because I loved Dharmendra."
Their professional partnership began with Jaya's debut film, Guddi, where she played a starstruck fan of Dharmendra, who appeared as himself. They later acted together in Sholay and recently shared the screen in Karan Johar's Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.
Amitabh's Gracious Response to Jaya's Crush
The story of Jaya's fondness for Dharmendra took a delightful turn when Amitabh Bachchan was questioned about it on Kaun Banega Crorepati. When guest Aamir Khan asked if he ever felt jealous of his wife's admiration for her co-star, Big B responded with characteristic grace and humor.
He laughed and stated, "Ahh.. never felt bothered. On the very first day, she said that Dharmendra is my favourite." He then shared Jaya's unequivocal declaration: "She said that 'there is no man more handsome than him in our industry.'" This candid revelation highlights not only Jaya's enduring admiration but also the secure and respectful relationship between the three stalwarts of Hindi cinema.
The demise of Dharmendra marks the end of an era, but the memories of his powerful performances, his humble nature, and the heartfelt bonds he forged with colleagues like the Bachchans ensure his legacy will live on forever.
