Veteran Bollywood star Jeetendra recently graced the sets of the popular singing reality show, Indian Idol 16, for its special 'Yaadon Ki Baraat' series. In a heartfelt and nostalgic episode, the actor opened up about his memories and shared a deeply personal story about the legendary superstar Dharmendra's most cherished friendship in the film industry.
The Closest Bond in Bollywood
Jeetendra, known for his candid nature, disclosed a lesser-known chapter from Dharmendra's early life, offering fans an emotional glimpse into the personal world of the 'He-Man'. He revealed that Dharmendra's strongest and closest friend within the film fraternity was none other than the acclaimed actor-filmmaker Manoj Kumar.
"His closest friend was Manoj Kumar," Jeetendra stated plainly, setting the stage for a tale of camaraderie from a bygone era. He elaborated on their humble beginnings, noting, "Dharmendra came from Punjab and Manoj Kumar from Delhi, and I have heard they even lived together in the same room at one point." This shared accommodation during their struggling years laid the foundation for a lifelong bond.
A Friendship of Shared Shirts and Dreams
The veteran actor painted a vivid picture of their mutual support system. In one of the most touching anecdotes, Jeetendra recalled how the two friends would often swap clothes, especially when resources were scarce. Their solidarity was so profound that they had no hesitation in sharing their most basic possessions.
"Sometimes, when one of them had to go for a screen test, he would simply wear the other's shirt and leave," Jeetendra reminisced. He added with a sense of warmth, "There were times when Manoj Kumar would take Dharmendra's shirt, and sometimes Dharmendra would take his. They shared so much that during rehearsals, their shirts would often look exactly the same!" This simple act of sharing shirts became a powerful symbol of their unwavering friendship and shared struggle on the path to stardom.
Badshah's Poetic Tribute to the Legend
The emotional tone of the episode was further amplified by judge and rapper Badshah, who had paid a moving tribute to Dharmendra in a previous installment of the show. Badshah became visibly emotional as he described the veteran actor as the 'true soul of Punjab', a man whose warmth and spirit resonated with millions.
"Dharam paaji was the real essence of Punjab, and now it feels as if that beautiful fragrance and essence has been lost from the soil of our own Punjab," Badshah expressed. He celebrated Dharmendra's universal appeal, saying, "He was Dharam Paaji, everybody's, every fan's ideal idol… Dharam ji, wherever you are, be happy and hopeful and at peace."
The rapper concluded his homage with a poignant shayari that captured a sense of profound loss: "Sab kuch paakar bhi, haasil-e-zindagi kuch bhi nahi, Kambakkht jaan kyun jaati hai jaate hue."
This special episode of Indian Idol 16's Yaadon Ki Baraat series served as a beautiful reminder of the human connections that exist behind the glittering facade of Bollywood. Through Jeetendra's memories and Badshah's words, the show celebrated not just the stardom of Dharmendra, but the genuine friendships and humble beginnings that shaped the legends of Indian cinema.
