The Indian film industry is shrouded in sorrow following the passing of its beloved 'He-Man', Dharmendra. The legendary actor, whose career spanned decades, left an indelible mark on Bollywood and in the hearts of millions. He passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025, plunging fans, colleagues, and the entire cinematic fraternity into a state of profound grief.
Sharmila Tagore Remembers a Man Unchanged by Fame
Veteran actress Sharmila Tagore, who shared the screen with Dharmendra in numerous iconic films, offered a heartfelt tribute to her late co-star. She described him as an exceptionally affable, cooperative, and humble individual who remained grounded despite achieving monumental stardom. In an interview with PTI, Tagore emphasized that his core personality never wavered. "I did not find any change in him till the end," she stated, highlighting his consistent warmth towards everyone, from fellow actors to crew members and even strangers on the street.
Tagore recalled a particularly touching instance of his genuine nature. "I have seen him hugging a man on the streets without any hesitation," she shared, painting a picture of a superstar who was truly a man of the people. She firmly believed that Dharmendra never forgot his roots and openly discussed his journey, remaining "very close to his real self" throughout his life.
A Legacy of Cinematic Brilliance
The professional partnership between Dharmendra and Sharmila Tagore flourished under the direction of the acclaimed filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee. Their collaborations resulted in some of Hindi cinema's most cherished classics, including the intense drama 'Satyakam' and the delightful comedy 'Chupke Chupke'.
Reflecting on their work in 'Chupke Chupke', where Dharmendra played a botany professor masquerading as a driver, Tagore was effusive in her praise. She firmly stated, "For 'Chupke Chupke', he should have got the National Award. He was brilliant." She suggested that the actor's comedic genius was perhaps overlooked at the time due to a bias towards more serious roles. Beyond these films, Dharmendra's versatility shone in other Mukherjee gems like 'Majhli Didi', 'Guddi', and 'Chaitali'.
Behind the Scenes with Hrishida and Dharam
Tagore fondly remembered the light-hearted atmosphere on Hrishikesh Mukherjee's sets. She revealed that the director would often playfully tease Dharmendra, asking him to shed his 'muscle man' image for the more nuanced characters in his films. "Hrishida would tease him. He would tell Dharamji, 'Forget that you are Dharmendra, the muscle man. Here you are playing a very good role'," Tagore recounted. This relaxed environment, where no one was treated as a special star, was something she believed Dharmendra genuinely appreciated.
Perhaps the most telling anecdote of Dharmendra's generosity came from the shooting of the film 'Mere Hamdam Mere Dost'. Tagore was on a tight schedule, juggling two films and a flight to catch. When they were unable to finish the song 'Chhalka ye jaam' by the 10 PM deadline, she made a desperate request to Dharmendra. Despite the late hour, he agreed to stay back and complete the shoot.
"He agreed and we finished the song. Those were the mad days. We shot the song till six in the morning... Whenever they were lighting up for the shot, he would go and sleep or rest in the makeup room," Tagore shared. She expressed her eternal gratitude for this selfless act, noting that "I can't think of anybody else who would have done that." This incident, for her, perfectly encapsulated the essence of the man Dharmendra was—kind, selfless, and fundamentally different from anyone else in the industry.
Their collaboration extended beyond Mukherjee's universe to include films like 'Yakeen', 'Ek Mahal Ho Sapano Ka', 'Devar', and 'Sunny'. Through Sharmila Tagore's reflections, a clear portrait emerges of Dharmendra not just as a cinematic icon, but as a profoundly good human being. His legacy is cemented not only in the timeless films he left behind but also in the countless acts of kindness that defined his life off-screen.
