The Indian film industry is engulfed in profound sorrow as it bids farewell to one of its most beloved icons, Dharmendra. The legendary actor's passing has created an irreplaceable void in Indian cinema, leaving millions of fans and colleagues heartbroken across the nation.
Rakhee Gulzar's Emotional Tribute
Among the many voices mourning the loss, veteran actress Rakhee Gulzar shared poignant memories of working with the screen legend. In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, Rakhee recalled Dharmendra as her first hero in Satyen Bose's 1970 film 'Jeevan Mrityu'.
"He was my first hero in Satyen Bose's 'Jeevan Mrityu'. I played a young widow while the entire story revolved around his character," Rakhee remembered with evident emotion. She described how for a significant portion of the film, Dharmendra appeared disguised as a Sardarji to exact revenge on those who had wronged him.
The actress revealed her own insecurities during those early days: "I was just starting out and very unsure of how to face the camera and the crowds. I didn't even know how to speak my lines in Hindi properly." She confessed that if things had gone wrong, she was prepared to quit the industry altogether.
Rakhee credited Dharmendra for his protective nature during this vulnerable period: "But he looked after me, made sure I wasn't hurt in any way." Despite their professional relationship, she noted that they didn't have much to talk about during that initial collaboration.
The Magic of Blackmail and Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas
Three years after their first film together, the duo reunited for Vijay Anand's 1973 thriller 'Blackmail'. Though the film wasn't a major commercial success, it holds a special place in Rakhee's heart.
"It remains my favourite film and role out of everything I've done," she expressed warmly. "I loved the way Vijay Anand presented both of us—very classy and sensitive."
The conversation naturally turned to the film's iconic song 'Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas', which Rakhee described as her "most favourite Hindi song." She revealed, "I still hum it to this day. Everyone does." With a touch of playful nostalgia, she added, "I was very jealous that Dharmendraji got to lip-sync that song."
Final Farewell to a Legend
Dharmendra's mortal journey concluded in Mumbai, where he breathed his last. The news of his demise sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and beyond. His mortal remains were transported to the Pawan Hans Crematorium around 12:30 pm, where an atmosphere of profound grief and respectful silence descended upon the premises.
The film industry's biggest names gathered to pay their final respects to the beloved star. Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Amitabh Bachchan were among the first prominent figures to reach the crematorium, standing in solidarity with the grieving Deol family.
Family members including Hema Malini, Esha Deol, Sunny Deol, and Bobby Deol were seen supporting each other emotionally during the final rites, their grief palpable as they bid farewell to their beloved patriarch.
Dharmendra's legacy extends far beyond his filmography. He wasn't just an actor but represented an era of Indian cinema that touched millions of hearts. His passing marks the end of a golden chapter in Bollywood history, though his performances will continue to inspire generations of actors and cinema lovers.
As the industry mourns, stories like Rakhee Gulzar's serve as beautiful reminders of the human connections that formed the foundation of his legendary career—connections that transcended the silver screen and created bonds that lasted lifetimes.
