The Indian film industry is mourning the loss of legendary actor Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24 at his Juhu residence, just before his 90th birthday. In the wake of his demise, fans are revisiting his iconic moments, including a heartwarming and hilarious throwback he himself shared in 2021 with Tamil superstar Rajinikanth.
A Nostalgic Clip from a Classic Film
On June 3, 2021, the veteran Bollywood star took to his social media handle to post a memorable clip from their 1984 collaborative film, 'Insaaf Kaun Karega'. The movie featured a stellar cast including Jaya Prada, Madhavi, and Pran. The video captured a perfectly timed comical scene between the two icons, highlighting Dharmendra's self-proclaimed talent for writing comedy.
The 'Aloo Paratha' Punchline That Broke the Tension
In the shared snippet, Dharmendra is seen as a rugged truck driver who gets stopped by Rajinikanth's character, a strict police officer. A heated exchange ensues with fiery dialogues. The scene reaches its peak when Rajinikanth delivers a powerful line, "Mujhe Kung Fu, Karate aataa hai, tumko kya aataa hai?" (I know Kung Fu, Karate. What do you know?).
Dharmendra, with impeccable comic timing, disarms the situation with a witty and utterly domestic reply: "Mujhe aloo parathe aate hai" (I know how to make potato parathas). This hilarious punchline causes both actors to break character, bursting into laughter and ending the scene with a warm, genuine hug.
Dharmendra's Fond Memories of Rajinikanth
While posting the video, Dharmendra expressed his deep affection and respect for his co-star. He captioned it, calling Rajinikanth "a darling friend, a great thumbs-up actor." He reminisced about the fun they had filming the scene and the beautiful days of that era.
The 'Yamla Pagla Deewana' actor also added a personal note, stating, "Lovely clip, full of fun... those were beautiful days... and some of my comedy scenes... I used to write myself. I hope they will understand my mixture of Hindi and Punjabi." This insight offered fans a glimpse into his creative process and the unique charm he brought to his roles.
Final Days and Industry's Loss
Earlier in November, Dharmendra had been admitted to Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital due to breathlessness. His family, including wife Hema Malini and daughter Esha Deol, had reassured the public of his stable condition and recovery. However, on November 24, the beloved actor breathed his last at the age of 89.
His passing has left a colossal void in Bollywood and Indian cinema. The industry and millions of fans worldwide are still processing the loss of the charismatic star, whose career spanned decades and whose warmth, both on and off-screen, remains unforgettable. This resurfaced video serves as a poignant and joyful reminder of his enduring legacy and the simple, heartfelt humour he championed.
