The Indian film industry and millions of fans worldwide are mourning the loss of veteran superstar Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24 at the age of 89. The actor, who would have celebrated his 90th birthday on December 8, had been experiencing fluctuating health in recent weeks before his eventual demise.
Dharmendra was placed on a ventilator due to breathing difficulties before being discharged home, where he continued treatment until his final moments. His passing has triggered an unprecedented outpouring of grief from fans, colleagues, and the entire Hindi film fraternity.
A Personal and Professional Legacy
The legendary actor is survived by his first wife Prakash Kaur and their four children - Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Ajeta, and Vijayta. He also leaves behind his second wife Hema Malini and their daughters Esha and Ahana. Beyond his immediate family, Dharmendra leaves a cinematic legacy that few actors in Indian history can match.
In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, renowned producer Anand Pandit reflected on the superstar's extraordinary career and the unique qualities that made him beloved across generations. "There was never a distance between the man and the star," Pandit observed, describing Dharmendra as the "true people's hero."
The Man Behind the Stardom
According to Pandit, Dharmendra's remarkable relatability stemmed from an authenticity that remained consistent throughout his life. "Dharmendra ji was born in Nasrali, a small village in Punjab's Ludhiana district, and his early life in rural Punjab shaped him," Pandit explained. The producer noted that the actor frequently reminded people of his farming background, which kept him grounded despite massive stardom.
Pandit emphasized that what audiences saw on screen wasn't acting but genuine personality. "When audiences saw strength, warmth, dignity and emotional honesty on screen, it was not a performance. It was who he genuinely was." This authenticity earned him admiration across generations and iconic titles like 'He-Man' and 'Son of the Soil.'
Six Decades of Cinematic Excellence
Dharmendra's career spanned over sixty years and defied categorization into a single genre. From sensitive romantic roles to high-energy action films, each phase contributed to his legendary status. While he made his debut with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere in 1960, Pandit believes films like Bandini and Anupama showcased "a depth and gentleness rarely seen in mainstream cinema at the time."
The producer highlighted the actor's incredible commercial success, noting that in 1973, Dharmendra delivered eight consecutive hits, and in 1987, he achieved seven back-to-back successes. This level of consistency remains unmatched by most actors in Hindi cinema history.
Iconic roles in films like Mera Gaon Mera Desh, his memorable portrayal of Veeru in Sholay, and powerful performances in Ram Balram and Dharam Veer established him as a formidable heroic presence in Indian cinema.
The Iconic Partnership with Hema Malini
No discussion of Dharmendra's romantic legacy is complete without acknowledging his legendary on-screen chemistry with Hema Malini. Pandit described their pairing as "one of the most memorable partnerships in Indian cinema," characterized by grace, restraint, and quiet poetry.
Their collaboration elevated not just their individual films but transformed the very language of Bollywood romance. "They created an idea of love that felt sincere, dignified and deeply emotional," Pandit noted, adding that their names consistently top lists of iconic screen couples even today.
A Star Who Redefined Success
Despite receiving prestigious honors including the Padma Bhushan in 2012 and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award, Dharmendra operated on a different definition of success. "Dharmendra ji never worked for critical validation," Pandit revealed. The actor belonged to an era when an artist's worth was measured by audience affection rather than awards.
Pandit emphasized that "the love of the masses and the longevity of his stardom speak louder than any award ever could." This perspective kept him connected to his fans throughout his remarkable career.
Versatility Across Generations
From the rugged hero of Phool Aur Patthar to the timeless entertainer in Sholay, and even his charming grandfather role in recent hit Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Dharmendra maintained relevance across cinematic eras.
Pandit believes the superstar's greatest contribution lies in his unparalleled versatility. "He expanded the idea of what a leading actor could be," the producer stated. Despite becoming a symbol of strength and action, Dharmendra remained equally convincing as a gentle poet or sincere romantic lead.
His appeal extended beyond cinema into public life, evidenced by his election as Member of Parliament from Bikaner. "Wherever he went, he carried the same authenticity," Pandit remarked.
Bridging India's Divides
Dharmendra possessed the rare ability to connect with audiences across geographical and social boundaries. "Dharmendra ji had a rare ability to connect with every part of India," Pandit observed. Rural audiences found him familiar and emotionally rooted, while urban viewers were drawn to his charm and effortless screen presence.
This universal appeal made him the preferred face for products targeting everyday Indians, as he genuinely felt like one of their own. Pandit attributes Dharmendra's six-decade longevity to this unique quality: "People not only admired him but loved him, and he will remain in a class of his own even in the times to come."
As tributes continue to pour in from across the nation and film industry, Anand Pandit's reflections capture the essence of what millions feel - that Dharmendra was more than a superstar; he embodied warmth, sincerity, and timeless heroism. His legacy endures not just through his extensive filmography but in the hearts of those who saw in him a reflection of honesty, humanity, and hope.
