Dharmendra’s demise has created an irreplaceable void. The entire nation is mourning the loss of its beloved star — a hero who was not just an actor but a heartbeat that will continue to echo forever. Friends, colleagues, and admirers from the industry are paying their final respects to the legend. Among them is
Rakhee Gulzar, who worked with
Dharmendra in films such as
‘Blackmail’ and
‘Jeevan Mrityu’.
Rakhee Gulzar recalls his first film with Dharmendra
As Bollywood’s He-Man bid farewell,
ETimes spoke to Rakhee Gulzar, who shared a deep bond with the actor. In a voice filled with grief, Rakhee said, “He was my first hero in Satyen Bose’s
‘Jeevan Mrityu’. I played a young widow. The entire story revolved around his character. For a large part of the film, he was disguised as a Sardarji to take revenge on those who had wronged him. I was just starting out and very unsure of how to face the camera and the crowds. I didn’t even know how to speak my lines in Hindi. If things had gone wrong, I was ready to quit. But he (Dharmendra) looked after me, made sure I wasn’t hurt in any way. We didn’t have much to talk about then.”
Dharmendra and 'Pal Pal Dil Ke Pass' charm
Three years later, Rakhee worked with Dharmendra again. “It was Vijay Anand’s
‘Blackmail’. It was not a big success, but it remains my favourite film and role out of everything I’ve done. I loved the way Vijay Anand presented both of us — very classy and sensitive. And the song
‘Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas’ is my most favourite Hindi song. I still hum it to this day. Everyone does. I was very jealous that Dharmendraji got to lip-sync that song.”
Dharmendra's death and final good byes
Dharmendra’s passing has plunged the film industry and millions of fans into deep sorrow. The legendary actor breathed his last in Mumbai, leaving behind an irreplaceable void in Indian cinema. As the heartbreaking news spread, his mortal remains were taken to the Pawan Hans Crematorium around 12:30 pm, where an atmosphere of grief and silence enveloped the premises. Some of the biggest names in Bollywood arrived to bid their final farewell to the beloved star. Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Amitabh Bachchan were among the first to reach the crematorium, standing in solidarity with the grieving Deol family. Hema Malini, Esha Deol, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and other close family members were seen holding onto each other for strength during the final rites
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