The Indian film industry continues to mourn the profound loss of legendary actor Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24 at the age of 89. Among the many heartfelt tributes, director Anil Sharma, known for blockbusters like Gadar and Apne, has shared poignant memories that reveal the star's incredible magnanimity and humble nature.
A Guardian Angel on Set
Recalling his early days as an assistant director, Sharma narrated a specific incident from the set of BR Chopra's star-studded film, The Burning Train. The film featured a constellation of stars including Parveen Babi, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, and Vinod Khanna. During a shoot in Delhi, Sharma was tasked with ensuring all actors were present for a crucial sequence. Unbeknownst to him, Parveen Babi slipped away from the set.
This led to a severe reprimand from the director, BR Chopra. Dharmendra, witnessing the scene, immediately intervened. Sharma emotionally recounted how the established star defended him, telling Chopra that it was not the assistant director's fault. Dharmendra even praised Sharma's hard work, noting his grueling schedule of sleeping at 2 AM and waking up at 5 AM. This act of standing up for a junior colleague left a lasting impression on Sharma, who emphasized that such intervention from a top actor was rare and truly defined Dharmendra's character.
The Secret Night Shoots for a Noble Cause
Beyond his on-set kindness, Anil Sharma shed light on a lesser-known aspect of Dharmendra's career: his immense support for regional cinema and struggling producers. The director revealed that Dharmendra had a soft spot for small-time Punjabi filmmakers who were in dire straits.
Dharmendra would often shoot for their films for free, after his regular schedule ended at 9 PM. These producers would approach him with heartfelt pleas, saying, 'Paaji, mera ghar chal jayega, meri picture bik jayegi' (My household will run, my movie will sell). Moved by their situation, the actor would tell them to meet him wherever he was shooting. He would then dedicate a couple of hours at night to work on their projects, asking for no payment in return. This selfless act helped numerous filmmakers salvage their careers and support their families.
A Legacy of Kindness
Anil Sharma's recollections paint a picture of Dharmendra that goes far beyond the glamour of Bollywood. He was an artist who used his stardom as a tool for compassion. He collaborated with a wide range of people and did all types of films, but his quiet, unpaid work for the Punjabi film industry stands as a testament to his generous spirit.
These anecdotes, shared in the wake of his passing, solidify Dharmendra's legacy not just as a beloved actor, but as a profoundly kind and empathetic human being who noticed the struggles of those around him and extended a helping hand without seeking any credit.
