The first birth anniversary of legendary Hindi cinema actor Dharmendra since his recent passing is being marked with heartfelt tributes across three villages in Punjab's Ludhiana district. Fans and former neighbours are remembering the star with special prayers and concrete plans, including a memorial library, ensuring his legacy continues to live on in the heartland he called home.
Three Villages, One Beloved Son
The actor, who passed away recently, shared a deep, lifelong bond with three specific villages in the region. He was born in Nasrali village near Khanna. His family's ancestral village was Dangon, and they spent significant years residing in Sahnewal. In these parts, where the aroma of 'makki di roti' and 'sarson da saag' fills the air, the warmth of remembrance for their local hero is palpable.
Dangon: Ancestral Roots and a Library Legacy
In Dangon, the native village of the Deol family, residents are organizing a special Ardas (prayer) at the local gurdwara for their celebrated 'son of the soil'. Former Sarpanch Amritpal Singh, while expressing sadness over the actor's demise, highlighted the immense pride Dharmendra's success brought to the village.
The community has decided on a lasting tribute: a library in Dharmendra's name. It will be established in two rooms of the village dharamshala. Singh revealed that a person from Chandigarh has already offered assistance for this project. "We wish he had shot [a film] in the village when he was alive, but unfortunately that didn't happen," he remarked. Villagers are also appealing to Dharmendra's sons, Sunny and Bobby Deol, to contribute to their father's ancestral village. One resident fondly recalled the star's love for traditional Punjabi food, saying he is deeply missed for his "great work."
Sahnewal: Preserving the Star's Memory at Home
At Sahnewal, where Dharmendra lived with his father, Master Kewal Krishan Deol, locals are determined to keep his memory alive. Sandeep Kumar, who now owns the house where the actor once resided, confirmed that the annual birthday celebrations will continue. "Every year the market committee would celebrate the birthday of the film star and cut a cake, and this year too we will celebrate it," Kumar stated.
He emphasized that the house has been officially renamed "Dharminder House" and will retain this name "till eternity," as people travel from far and wide to see it. Kumar had even photographed the old structure before renovating it a year and a half ago. Another area resident, Sanjay Kumar, remembered Dharmendra's last visit to Sahnewal in 2013, when the star visited Purana Bazar, enjoyed gajrela at a local shop, and went to the school where his father taught. "The star did maintain connection with Sahnewal during his lifetime," the house owner affirmed.
Nasrali: Celebrating Their Own "Dharam Ji"
In Nasrali, the actor's birthplace, villagers fondly recall their own "Dharam Ji" on his birth anniversary. Village sarpanch Gurwinder Singh said they pay homage to Dharmendra, who brought immense pride to the village through his contributions to "art and culture". He also shared that he has heard numerous accounts of the goodness of the Dharmendra family from the two to three years they lived in the village.
Fans and Family Share Grief and Fond Memories
Across the region, fans are holding special prayers. Arvind Sharma, a devoted fan from SBS Nagar, said Dharmendra was his favourite actor. He has watched the iconic film Sholay at least 30 times, along with other classics like Dharam Veer. Sharma noted that the actor "would respect Punjabis and meet those who went to meet him warmly," always maintaining his connection to Ludhiana district.
From the family side, the actor's 90-year-old aunt, Preetam Kaur, who lives in the village with her son Manjit Singh, shared her profound grief. "I was already in so much pain after my son Shingara Singh died during Covid-19 in 2021. Now Dharam is gone too," she said. She remembered visiting him in Mumbai and how he generously provided for her son Manjit's marriage. She also recalled that Dharmendra was particularly fond of her late son, Shingara, and the two would often chat via video calls.
As the first birth anniversary without the physical presence of the beloved star passes, the communities of Ludhiana district are weaving his memory into their social fabric through prayers, planned institutions, and timeless tales, ensuring that the legacy of Dharmendra remains an enduring part of Punjab's cultural landscape.
