Emotional Tribute from Co-Star
Veteran actress Padmini Kolhapure expressed profound grief over the passing of Bollywood legend Dharmendra, sharing that she will forever treasure the moments they shared together. The actress took to her official Instagram handle to post an emotional tribute accompanied by a throwback photograph from their filming days.
In her heartfelt message, Kolhapure wrote: "I will forever cherish the moments we shared, the lessons you gave, and the humanity you embodied every single day." She specifically mentioned their journey together from the 1977 film "Dreamgirl" to their 1987 collaboration "Dadagiri," indicating the span of their professional relationship.
Remembering the Cinematic Journey
The two actors first shared screen space in the 1977 film "Dream Girl", directed by Pramod Chakravorty. In this project, Dharmendra portrayed the character of Anupam Mehra, while Padmini Kolhapure played an orphan named Padmini. The film also featured prominent actors including Hema Malini, Ashok Kumar, and Prem Chopra in significant roles.
Their second collaboration came a decade later with the 1987 release "Dadagiri". This film presented Dharmendra as Dharma, a widowed father who transforms into a goon after his daughter Deepa marries a wealthy man to finance his medical treatment abroad. Padmini Kolhapure's character, also named Deepa, portrayed a young heiress confronting challenges from greedy relatives following her parents' death.
End of an Era
In her social media tribute, Kolhapure described Dharmendra's passing as the end of an era, emphasizing that "Today we lost a pillar of that era - someone who was not just a hero on screen, but also in our hearts." She concluded her message with respectful sentiments, writing: "Dharmendra ji, your departure is the end of an era; your memory will always live on in our lives. With respect and endless love to you. Om Shanti."
Dharmendra's remarkable career began in the 1960s with his debut film "Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere" after he won a talent hunt competition organized by Filmfare magazine in partnership with Bimal Roy Productions. His natural charm and good looks propelled him to victory in this competition, launching what would become a glorious cinematic journey spanning decades.
Throughout his extensive career, Dharmendra became part of numerous noteworthy dramas that have become classics in Indian cinema. His filmography includes memorable titles such as "Ayee Milan Ki Bela," "Phool Aur Patthar," "Aaye Din Bahar Ke," "Dharam Veer," "Seeta Aur Geeta," and the iconic "Sholay" that cemented his status as a Bollywood legend.
The entertainment industry continues to mourn the loss of this iconic figure, with numerous Bollywood personalities including the Bachchans, Aamir Khan, and Salman Khan paying their final respects to the beloved actor whose legacy will continue to inspire generations of actors and film enthusiasts.
