Veteran actress Asha Parekh has shared poignant memories of her late co-star and lifelong friend, Dharmendra, painting a picture of a bond that transcended their iconic on-screen partnership. In an emotional interview following Dharmendra's passing on November 24, 2025, Parekh reminisced about the star's warmth, humility, and their enduring connection that lasted decades after their last film together.
Sunny Deol Embodies His Father's Spirit, Says Parekh
When asked which of Dharmendra's children reminds her most of him, Asha Parekh's answer was immediate and heartfelt. "Sunny!" she declared without hesitation. She elaborated that Sunny Deol not only bears a strong physical resemblance to his father but also shares his deeply emotional nature. This observation from Parekh highlights the personal qualities she cherished in Dharmendra, qualities she sees living on in his son.
A Family Bond That Spanned Generations
Asha Parekh's relationship with the Deol family extended far beyond the film sets. She fondly recalled spending time with Dharmendra's children when they were young, particularly his eldest daughter, Vijeta, affectionately called Laali. "She has those photographs," Parekh said with a smile, remembering how Laali would often sit in her lap during family gatherings.
She also spoke highly of Dharmendra's wife, Hema Malini, describing her as a "wonderful person, and a very strong woman." These recollections underscore a shared history and a familial closeness that defined their off-screen lives. Parekh noted that while she and Dharmendra did not meet frequently in later years, their bond never faded. She cherished his gesture of attending the launch of her autobiography, 'The Hit Girl', and their occasional meetings at events like Aamir Khan's daughter's wedding, which were always filled with the ease of an old, cherished friendship.
The Hilarious On-Set Chaos During a Death Scene
One of the most unforgettable anecdotes Parekh shared came from the sets of their 1972 film, 'Samadhi'. The scene required Dharmendra to cry over her character's dead body. However, hours before the shoot, reality intervened dramatically—the Income Tax Department raided both of their homes.
"I was supposed to be dead, and he was crying near my body. But on that particular day, both our houses were raided… My eyes would flutter — they just wouldn't stop fluttering," she recalled with a laugh. Both distressed actors had to secure special permission just to report to the set that day. "It was a very funny situation, but at that time, we were both very tense," she added, highlighting the surreal blend of reel and real life.
Through her grief, Asha Parekh emphasized the defining characteristic of the man she knew: his profound humility. "Stardom never touched him," she stated quietly, offering a final, powerful tribute to Dharmendra's legacy as a beloved figure both on and off the silver screen. Their legendary on-screen chemistry produced timeless classics like Aaye Din Bahar Ke, Shikar, Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Chirag, and Kanyadaan, cementing their status as one of Hindi cinema's most iconic duos.
