The Indian film industry is in mourning following the passing of Bollywood legend Dharmendra. The iconic actor, affectionately known as the industry's 'He-Man', died on Monday, November 24 at the age of 89. His departure marks the loss of one of Indian cinema's most charismatic action stars and tender romantic heroes, leaving behind a legacy of countless memorable characters.
A Director's Heartfelt Tribute
Among the many voices paying tribute is Malayalam director M Padmakumar, who shared a deeply emotional recollection of his meeting with the superstar. In 2022, Padmakumar, along with producer Kamal Mukut and actor Sunny Deol, visited Dharmendra's sprawling farmhouse in Manali to discuss the Hindi remake of Padmakumar's superhit thriller, 'Joseph'.
Padmakumar described being welcomed with unexpected warmth. He found Dharmendra seated on a chair on the lawn, where the veteran actor spoke fondly about Malayalam cinema and actors like Mammootty and Mohanlal. This initial meeting set the tone for a profoundly personal encounter.
"Well Done, Beta": An Unforgettable Moment
The most poignant part of Padmakumar's memory revolves around the family's screening of 'Joseph', which had been specially dubbed into Hindi for them. After discussions, as the group returned to the reception area, Padmakumar was the last to enter.
"He gestured for the others to sit. When I reached him, he stood up. The great superstar of Indian cinema stood looking at me for a moment. I saw his eyes shine with a warm affection that was clearly visible," Padmakumar recounted on social media.
The director then described the moment that became one of the greatest recognitions of his career: Dharmendra hugged him and said, "Well done, beta… well done." The emotional overwhelm was so great that Padmakumar admits the rest of what was said was lost to him, though he remembers telling Dharmendra about Joju George, the original star of 'Joseph'.
A Light-Hearted Memory and a Bittersweet Farewell
Padmakumar also shared a lighter moment from their meeting. When he asked Dharmendra for suggestions on the female cast for the Hindi remake, the veteran star replied with characteristic charm, "Don’t ask me about heroines… I love all heroines! Equally!" The laughter that followed, Padmakumar wrote, still rings in his ears.
The director revealed that the Hindi remake of 'Joseph', starring Sunny Deol who reprises Joju George's role, has now been completed. The team had planned to announce the title on Dharmendra's birthday in early December. "But before that, he left us," Padmakumar wrote.
He concluded with a touching note, expressing sadness that they could not show Dharmendra how brilliantly Sunny Deol had portrayed the character. "But I know — we all know — that from heights beyond our sight, he will bless us… he will watch over us," he said, bidding a final farewell to the He-Man of Indian cinema.
