The Indian film industry mourns the loss of legendary actor Dharmendra, who passed away at the age of 89, marking the end of an era in Bollywood cinema. The beloved star, often referred to as the 'He-Man' of Indian films, leaves behind an incredible legacy spanning over six decades and more than 300 movies.
Rajinikanth's Heartfelt Tribute
Following the tragic news, Superstar Rajinikanth took to social media platform X to express his profound grief. The South Indian icon wrote an emotional message that touched millions of fans worldwide. "Farewell, my friend. I will always remember your golden heart and the moments we shared. Rest in peace, Dharam ji. My deepest condolences to his family," Rajinikanth posted, highlighting the deep bond between the two cinematic giants.
Iconic Collaboration and Viral Moment
The two superstars shared screen space in memorable films like Insaaf Kaun Karega (1984) and Farishtay (1991). Their chemistry both on and off screen became the stuff of Bollywood legend. Back in 2021, Dharmendra himself had shared a hilarious scene from Insaaf Kaun Karega that has now gone viral following his demise.
The 1.21-minute clip showcases their brilliant comic timing. The scene begins with Dharmendra seated inside a lorry while Rajinikanth stands below near the driver's door. As their verbal exchange intensifies, Rajinikanth delivers his famous line: "Mujhe Kung Fu, Karate aataa hai. Tumko kya aataa hai?" (I know Kung Fu, Karate, etc. What do you know?)
In a surprising twist that defines their unique camaraderie, Dharmendra responds with perfect comic timing: "Mujhe aloo parathe aate hain." Instead of the anticipated fight scene, the two legends share a warm embrace, revealing the entire confrontation was in good humor.
Enduring Friendship Beyond Films
While sharing the clip in 2021, Dharmendra had written affectionately about his co-star: "Rajini, a darling friend, a great actor… A funny scene with him… Hope you will enjoy it." He further elaborated in the comments section, revealing his personal touch to the comedy scenes: "Lovely clip, full of fun… Those were beautiful days…. and some of my comedy scenes, I used to write myself. I hope they will understand my mixture of Hindi Punjabi."
The bond between the two stars extended far beyond their professional collaborations. During the promotion of his film Yamla Pagla Deewana in Chennai back in 2010, Dharmendra had openly expressed his affection for Rajinikanth. "Rajini is like a younger brother. I had first met him and his wife Latha in Ooty, and from then, my love for him and his family has only grown," the veteran actor had shared.
Dharmendra's journey in the film industry remains an inspiration for aspiring actors across India. An outsider with no film industry connections, he began his remarkable career after winning a talent hunt organized by a film magazine. At just 25 years old, he made his debut in 1960 with director Arjun Hingorani's Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, launching what would become one of the most celebrated careers in Indian cinema history.
As the industry and fans worldwide remember the legendary actor, the viral scene and Rajinikanth's touching tribute serve as beautiful reminders of Dharmendra's incredible talent, warm personality, and the lasting impact he made on everyone who knew him or watched him on the silver screen.
