The 90th birthday celebration of legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra turned bittersweet for his ardent fans in Punjab's Malerkotla and Ludhiana regions. Despite high expectations and elaborate preparations, the veteran star's long-awaited visit to his ancestral town did not materialize, leaving thousands of admirers deeply disappointed.
The Unfulfilled Promise
For months, fans across Malerkotla had been eagerly anticipating Dharmendra's planned visit to celebrate his milestone 90th birthday on December 29. Local communities had organized elaborate welcome ceremonies and planned massive celebrations to honor their hometown hero. The actor himself had expressed his desire to visit Malerkotla, creating tremendous excitement among residents who consider him their proudest connection to Bollywood fame.
Local fan clubs had decorated the town with banners and posters celebrating the veteran actor's career. Shopkeepers had prepared special discounts and offers in honor of the anticipated visit. Schools had planned cultural programs, and the municipal corporation had approved special arrangements for the expected large gatherings. The entire town had transformed into a festival ground waiting for its most famous son.
Community Reaction and Disappointment
As the birthday passed without Dharmendra's arrival, widespread disappointment swept through Malerkotla and neighboring Ludhiana. Fans who had gathered at various locations in anticipation expressed their sadness while still sending birthday wishes to the beloved actor.
Local resident Harjinder Singh, president of the Dharmendra Fans Club, shared the collective sentiment: "We had been preparing for this day for months. While we understand that health considerations or other commitments might have prevented his visit, the disappointment among thousands of fans is palpable. Dharmendra ji represents our connection to the film industry, and we wanted to show him how much we cherish that connection."
Another longtime fan, Sunita Sharma from Ludhiana, mentioned how she had traveled to Malerkotla specifically for the event. "I grew up watching his films. My mother was his fan, and now my daughter admires him too. We wanted to be part of this historic moment when he returned to his roots at 90."
Dharmendra's Enduring Legacy
Despite the disappointment, fans across Punjab continue to celebrate Dharmendra's remarkable career and enduring popularity. Born on December 29, 1935, in Nasrali village of Malerkotla, the actor has maintained a special connection with his birthplace throughout his six-decade-long career in Indian cinema.
Dharmendra's journey from a small Punjab town to becoming one of Bollywood's most beloved stars remains an inspiring story for many. His breakthrough in Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere launched a career that would include iconic films like Sholay, Chupke Chupke, and Satyakam. Even at 90, he continues to work in films, recently appearing in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani alongside his son Karan Johar.
The emotional connection between Dharmendra and Malerkotla remains strong despite the missed visit. Local authorities and fan clubs have expressed hope that the actor will schedule a visit in the near future, allowing his hometown admirers to properly honor their living legend.
As one fan club organizer noted, "The decorations might come down, but our love for Dharmendra ji remains permanent. We will continue waiting for the day when he can finally visit and see how much his hometown loves him."
