The Nation Mourns a Cinematic Legend
The Indian film industry and the entire nation are in a state of profound grief following the passing of veteran actor Dharmendra on November 24, 2025. Affectionately known as the "Greek God of Indian Cinema," his demise has left an irreplaceable void in Bollywood. For over six decades, Dharmendra captivated audiences with his immense charisma and powerful screen presence, inspiring countless generations of actors and movie lovers.
A Career Defined by Bold Choices and Timeless Charm
Even in his later years, Dharmendra continued to make headlines with his bold and unconventional role selections. A prime example was his participation in the film "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani". His delicate on-screen kiss with co-star Shabana Azmi created a massive stir among audiences and sparked extensive discussions across social media platforms.
When questioned about the much-talked-about scene during a press conference, the ever-charming actor responded with his signature humour. In an interview with Bollywood Now, he quipped, "Bohot maza aaya" (I enjoyed it a lot). After eliciting laughter from the media, he clarified that his enjoyment was for the entire filmmaking process. He elaborated, "Captain accha ho to team khub khelti hai", praising the director and his team. He expressed his delight in working on something new and noted that the 'charcha' (discussion) about the sequence was now global.
"This is My Left Hand's Work" and "No Age for Romance"
Encouraged by his co-star Ranveer Singh to see the audience's reaction, Dharmendra revealed the flood of messages he had received. With characteristic confidence, he stated, "Arey yaar yeh toh mere bayein haath ka khel hai" (This is such an easy task for me). He further added, "Jab jab mauka milta hai, chakka maar deta hoon" (Whenever I get a chance, I hit a six), expressing his gratitude for the enduring love from his fans.
In a separate interview with India Today, the veteran star reflected thoughtfully on the kissing scene. He explained that after director Karan Johar narrated the scene, he understood it was a natural requirement of the script and not a forced addition. Dharmendra firmly believed that there is no age for romance. He stated, "Age is just a number and two people irrespective of age will show their love for each other by kissing." He also shared that both he and Shabana Azmi felt no awkwardness, as the scene was shot very aesthetically.
An Unforgettable Journey of Over 300 Films
Dharmendra's career was nothing short of extraordinary. Spanning more than 60 years and featuring in over 300 films, his filmography is a testament to his versatility and lasting appeal. He made his debut in 1960 with 'Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere' and rose to meteoric fame in the mid-1960s with movies like 'Ayee Milan Ki Bela', 'Phool Aur Patthar', and 'Aaye Din Bahar Ke'.
From the 1960s through the 1980s, he reigned as a top box office draw. His legendary filmography includes iconic titles such as:
- 'Ankhen'
- 'Shikar'
- 'Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke'
- 'Jeevan Mrityu'
- 'Mera Gaon Mera Desh'
- 'Seeta Aur Geeta'
- 'Raja Jani'
The final farewell to the legend saw an outpouring of grief from the film fraternity, with icons like the Bachchans, Aamir Khan, and Salman Khan paying their last respects. His family, including Esha Deol and Hema Malini, were seen in a state of profound sorrow. The legacy of the 'He-Man' of Indian cinema, with his extraordinary charm and amazing talent, will continue to live on in the hearts of millions.
