Bollywood icon Madhuri Dixit Nene recently opened up about the profound and lasting impression left on her by the legendary actor Dharmendra, who passed away in November 2025. In a touching reflection, she highlighted his gracious nature and celebrated his versatile screen persona.
Madhuri Dixit's Fond Memories of a Co-Star
During a recent interaction with ANI, Madhuri Dixit reminisced about her time working with the veteran star. The two shared screen space in the film 'Paappi Devataa'. She described Dharmendra as an "amazing person" whom she had met on several occasions.
"He's always been so gracious, so down-to-earth, so handsome," she expressed warmly. Madhuri also revealed a personal connection through music, noting that 'Pal Pal Dil ke Paas Tum Rehti Ho' was his favorite song for her, a tune she felt perfectly encapsulated his own charm.
She went on to praise his incredible range as a performer, stating he excelled in every genre—"action hero, comedy, romantic, everything." Specifically, she recalled his brilliant comic timing in the classic film 'Chupke Chupke' and hilariously referenced the iconic "Basanti" scene from 'Sholay' where his character gets drunk and imitates a grinding mill ("Chakki peesing"). "He was amazing in that too," she added with admiration.
A Final Farewell and Enduring Legacy
The Hindi cinema's beloved 'He-Man', Dharmendra, passed away on November 24, 2025. His family, the Deols, organized a prayer meet titled 'Celebration of Life' on November 27 in Bandra, Mumbai.
The event saw a massive gathering of film industry luminaries who came to pay their respects. Madhuri Dixit attended the solemn gathering with her husband, Dr. Shriram Nene. The star-studded attendee list included:
- Salman Khan
- Karan Johar
- Rekha
- Akshay Kumar
- Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
- Abhishek Bachchan
In an emotional display, the Deol family—Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and Karan Deol—expressed their heartfelt gratitude to everyone present, folding their hands in a traditional gesture of thanks for the overwhelming support. The memorial was further dignified by a moving musical tribute that honored the late actor's monumental contributions to Indian cinema.
The Curtain Hasn't Fallen Yet
While the industry mourns a colossal loss, fans will have one more opportunity to see Dharmendra on the silver screen. His final film, titled 'Ikkis', is scheduled for release on December 25, 2025. This posthumous project is poised to be a poignant farewell to a star whose work spanned decades and touched millions of hearts.
Madhuri Dixit's heartfelt words serve as a powerful reminder that beyond the glamour and stardom, Dharmendra's true legacy lies in the kindness and humility he showed to his colleagues, leaving an indelible mark on those who knew him, both on and off the set.
