Veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha recently shared a fascinating behind-the-scenes story about his early days in Bollywood, revealing how co-star Dharmendra helped him overcome intense nervousness before shooting his first-ever dance number.
The Emotional Visit That Sparked Memories
The revelation came during a recent visit Shatrughan Sinha and his wife Poonam made to check on ailing veteran actor Dharmendra. The legendary actor was discharged from Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital last week and is currently recovering at home under the care of his family, including wife Hema Malini.
Following his visit, Shatrughan took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to express his affection for Dharmendra, calling him "one of the finest human beings" in the film industry. This public display of camaraderie isn't new - the two actors have maintained a close bond visible to fans for decades.
Dharmendra's Unexpected Solution to Stage Fright
The heartwarming anecdote dates back to when both actors appeared together on The Kapil Sharma Show. Shatrughan recalled being extremely anxious before shooting his debut dance number "Shor Mach Gaya Shor." Having never performed dance sequences publicly before, the actor found himself overwhelmed when thousands gathered to watch the shooting.
In his moment of panic, Shatrughan sought guidance from his senior colleague Dharmendra, whom he affectionately calls 'bade bhai' (elder brother). He specifically asked Dharmendra about his experience shooting the iconic song "Rafta Rafta" and how he managed to perform so effortlessly.
The advice he received was both unexpected and memorable. "He told me, 'Just do what I did.' I asked him, 'What did you do?' and he said, 'Just drink a little,'" Shatrughan revealed, sending both actors and the audience into fits of laughter during the show recording.
A Bond That Transcends Professional Relationships
The friendship between Dharmendra and Shatrughan Sinha spans numerous film collaborations, beginning with Shatrughan's debut movie Pyar Hi Pyar and extending through several successful projects including Vijay Anand's thriller Blackmail, the 1988 action film Zalzala, and more recently, Shatrughan's cameo appearance in the third installment of Yamla Pagla Deewana.
Shatrughan has consistently expressed his admiration for Dharmendra over the years, stating that "the respect he has earned through all his actions is something even the best haven't achieved." This mutual respect and affection between the two veterans continues to be evident in their public interactions.
Regarding Dharmendra's current health condition, Hema Malini provided an update to journalist Subhash K. Jha, stating "So far, he is okay. We are taking one day at a time." The beloved actor is approaching a significant milestone, as he will be turning 90 on December 8, 2025.
