In the glittering world of Bollywood, where stars rise and fade, few legends maintain their inspirational power across generations. Veteran actor Dharmendra, affectionately known as the 'He-Man' of Indian cinema, continues to be a guiding light for some of the biggest names in the industry today.
The Enduring Friendship of Co-Stars
Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra share one of Bollywood's most cherished friendships, a bond that began during the iconic filming of 'Sholay' in 1975. The two megastars have maintained mutual respect and admiration that has spanned decades, representing the genuine camaraderie that characterized Hindi cinema's golden era.
Bachchan frequently expresses his admiration for Dharmendra's warm personality and grounded nature. According to the legendary actor, Dharmendra was never just a co-star but rather a remarkably kind and gracious person whose influence extended far beyond the film sets.
Modern Superstars Pay Tribute
Salman Khan, one of contemporary Bollywood's biggest stars, has openly declared Dharmendra as one of his favorite idols. During an appearance on the television show 'The Big Picture' with host Ranveer Singh, Khan expressed his deep admiration for the veteran actor's simplicity, humility, and graceful screen presence.
The fitness-conscious superstar even credited Dharmendra with inspiring his disciplined approach to maintaining physical fitness and emotional balance as an actor. Their off-screen friendship, built on shared values of dedication and professionalism, continues to thrive.
Akshay Kumar, renowned for his incredible work ethic, looks up to Dharmendra for mastering diverse roles across genres. From romantic leads to action heroes, Dharmendra's versatility has served as a blueprint for Kumar's own career choices.
The Khiladi of Bollywood has frequently expressed respect for Dharmendra's ability to balance commercial entertainers with meaningful cinema that carries important social messages. Beyond professional admiration, Kumar considers Dharmendra the epitome of humility and class.
Family Ties and Childhood Admiration
Abhay Deol's admiration for Dharmendra carries both professional significance and personal depth, given their familial relationship. In a heartfelt Instagram story from 2020, Abhay referred to his uncle as 'Dad' and credited him as his primary inspiration.
The younger Deol wrote emotionally about how Dharmendra, being an outsider who successfully entered the film industry, inspired him to carve his own unique path in Bollywood. Abhay has consciously emulated Dharmendra's authentic approach to acting and his commitment to taking on unconventional roles that challenge artistic boundaries.
Jaya Bachchan's admiration for Dharmendra dates back to her early days in cinema. Her performance in the 1971 film 'Guddi', where she played a schoolgirl infatuated with the superstar, mirrored her real-life admiration for the actor.
During an episode of 'Koffee With Karan,' Bachchan revealed the depth of her childhood crush, confessing, "I should've played Basanti because I just loved Dharmendra!" She vividly recalled her first encounter with him, describing how nervous she felt seeing his Greek god-like appearance in white pants and shoes.
These heartfelt tributes from across Bollywood generations demonstrate Dharmendra's enduring legacy as not just a phenomenal actor but as a human being whose character and professionalism continue to inspire the very stars who light up our screens today.
