The Indian film industry mourned the loss of legendary actor Dharmendra on November 24, who passed away at his residence in Mumbai after a period of fluctuating health. While the screen icon, whose estate is reportedly valued at around Rs 450 crore, left behind a monumental legacy in cinema, a deeply personal decision regarding his roots has come to light, revealing a story of attachment and familial duty.
A Decision Rooted in Childhood Memories
Long before his health began to decline, Dharmendra made a significant choice about his ancestral property in his native Punjab. Reports confirm that approximately eight years ago, the actor drafted a will specifying that his ancestral home in Dango village, Ludhiana district, would not be inherited by any of his six children—Sunny, Bobby, Ajeita, Vijeta, Esha, or Ahana Deol. Instead, he chose to gift it during his lifetime to members of his extended family.
This wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision. Dharmendra spent his formative early childhood years in that simple mud-and-brick house, which now holds a market value of nearly Rs 5 crore. Despite achieving towering success in Bollywood and moving to metropolitan cities, the actor maintained an unshaken emotional connection to the land where his journey began. The property stood as a tangible reminder of his humble origins.
The Practical Reason Behind the Emotional Choice
The decision, as per emerging details, was driven by practicality and a deep-seated sense of responsibility rather than wealth distribution or inheritance politics. Dharmendra was acutely aware that the ancestral home required constant care and upkeep. His immediate children have built their lives and careers in different cities, making it challenging for them to maintain the Punjab property.
On the other hand, his nephews continued to live in the region. They were the ones actively caring for the land and preserving its sentimental and physical structure. By gifting the property to them, Dharmendra ensured it remained in the hands of those who could cherish and look after it daily. The beneficiaries are reported to be his uncle's grandsons, including Boota Singh, who works at a textile mill in Ludhiana.
A Legacy Beyond Wealth
This act underscores a facet of Dharmendra's personality often celebrated by his fans—his unwavering connection to his roots. The move to secure the future of his ancestral home a decade ago highlights his foresight and the priority he placed on preserving family heritage over mere asset allocation. It reflects a narrative where emotional value trumped monetary worth.
The actor's primary estate, estimated at Rs 450 crore, encompasses his life's work in the film industry. However, the deliberate and early planning for the Rs 5 crore ancestral property tells a separate, more intimate story. It was a gift not dictated by obligation to his direct heirs but by a genuine desire to see the home that shaped him remain alive and well-kept within the broader family fold in Punjab.
Dharmendra's passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. Yet, this revelation about his will adds a poignant chapter to his biography, illustrating a man who never forgot where he came from and took thoughtful steps to honor that memory, ensuring his first home continued to be a living testament to his origins.
