The passing of legendary actor Dharmendra has left an irreplaceable void in Indian cinema, prompting fans and the film fraternity to reflect on his extraordinary life and career. Beyond his iconic 'He-Man' image and king-size persona, Dharmendra battled a personal demon for years: a heavy dependence on alcohol.
The Candid Confession: A Life Transformed by Sobriety
In a remarkably honest 2007 interview with Lehren Retro, Dharmendra laid bare his long struggle with drinking. He revealed that he had been sober for eight years, a decision he credited with fundamentally changing his life for the better. The veteran actor did not mince words about his past, stating, "I used to drink heavily, but I have realised that it doesn't go with me."
He expressed profound regret over his years of drinking, believing it prevented him from reaching his full potential. "Today, I wish I had not touched alcohol. If I hadn't touched it, I would have been a different Dharmendra. I would have concentrated much more and in a much better way, which I couldn't," he reflected with poignant honesty.
Clarity and Joy After the Struggle
Dharmendra admitted that while he never intended to harm others during his drinking days, quitting unlocked a new level of personal clarity and happiness. He shared a powerful insight into his renewed state of mind, saying, "Now, when I have left drinking, I feel like I enjoy more than what I used to do." He further emphasized this in Hindi, noting that by leaving alcohol behind, true enjoyment had come closer to him.
The actor described alcohol as a crutch that had masked his inner strength. "It is the biggest strength which I was covering with artificial things and all that," he confessed. His journey to sobriety was not a straight path; he had previously attempted to quit, managing to stay away from alcohol for six to eight months at a time before relapsing. "This kept going on," he said, highlighting the cyclical nature of his addiction.
The Turning Point: A Test on a Flight to LA
The definitive moment that cemented his sobriety came during a flight to Los Angeles. Dharmendra decided to use the long-haul journey as a personal test. "I told myself that I would not touch it on the plane," he recalled. This challenge ignited a familiar determination within him—the same fierce resolve that had driven him to become a movie star.
He recounted his internal monologue: "'I want to become an actor, why can't you be without drinks?'" This self-imposed challenge proved successful, and he emerged from the flight with a renewed commitment. He concluded, "And God helps those who help themselves," signifying that his ultimate victory over alcohol was a result of his own willpower.
Dharmendra passed away on November 24 at his Mumbai residence at the age of 89. His legacy is not only that of a beloved Bollywood superstar but also of a man who had the courage to confront his weaknesses and transform his life, inspiring countless others in the process.
