The Indian film industry is mourning the loss of legendary actor Dharmendra, who passed away in Mumbai at the age of 89. Among those paying heartfelt tributes is his longtime co-star and veteran actor Sharmila Tagore, who shared poignant memories of their work together in classic films like 'Chupke Chupke' and 'Anupama'.
A Bond of Safety and Trust
In an emotional conversation with India Today, Sharmila Tagore revealed that Dharmendra provided a crucial sense of security for her during a time when women had limited protection on film sets. She fondly remembered, "We knew if we were with Dharam, we were safe." Despite not being very talkative, his presence was immensely reassuring.
She recalled a specific incident where Dharmendra protected her from an overwhelming crowd, physically helping her escape the situation. "He managed to take me out of there. I am so sad that he's gone," she expressed, highlighting the depth of her gratitude even decades later.
Remembering the 'Ordinary Man' Superstar
Sharmila traced their bond back to their first meeting on the sets of 'Anupama'. She described Dharmendra as a fundamentally caring and down-to-earth person who never behaved like a typical superstar. "He was a caring person; an ordinary man like that. He never acted like a star," she said, emphasizing his genuine smile and frank nature.
She praised his cooperative spirit as an actor, which contributed to their successful collaborations in multiple hit films, including:
- Satyakam
- Anupama
- Chupke Chupke
- Ek Mahal Ho Sapnon Ka
A Legacy of Generosity and Family
Beyond his on-screen persona, Sharmila Tagore highlighted Dharmendra's immense generosity and dedication to his family and friends. She noted that in an era where self-interest often prevails, he stood out as someone who consistently helped others. His admirable qualities were recognized not just in India but also internationally during their travels to the US.
Despite his deteriorating health in recent years, the two veterans stayed in touch over the phone. Sharmila shared that there was a collective hope for his recovery, especially with his 90th birthday approaching next month. "He was critical, but we were expecting him to get better. We wanted him to celebrate his birthday," she said wistfully.
The cremation of the beloved 'He-Man of Bollywood' is scheduled to take place in Mumbai, closing a chapter on an iconic life that touched millions.
