“When I go, I want to be remembered with a smile,” Dharmendra once said

By Subhash K. Jha -

November 24, 2025 - 3:40 PM IST

Dharmendra was the kindest, warmest, most genuine and uncorrupted superstar mankind has ever known. Every time I spoke to him, I would feel good about life. As he once told me, he was born to spread sunshine.

“When I go, I want to be remembered with a smile,” Dharmendra once said

Born Dharmendra Singh Deol in the village of Nasrali in Ludhiana district, Punjab, he made his debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. The movie didn’t do well. But Dharam ji and the film’s director Arjun Hingorani remained friends until the latter’s death. Dharam ji worked in most of Hingorani’s films known for their ‘KKK’ titles: Kahani Kismat Ki, Kab Kyon Aur Kahan, Khel Khiladi Ka, and Kaatilon Ke Kaatil.

A true loyal devoted friend, there were directors Dharam ji never said no to like Arjun Hingorani, O P Ralhan, Manmohan Desai, Ramanand Sagar and Hrishikesh Mukherjee. Hands-down the best Dharmendra performance was in Hrishida’s Satyakam. Hrishi da once told me his favourite actor was Dharmendra.

“I knew nothing about acting, nothing at all. But producers said I had a handsome face. That worked in my favour. The work, good, bad or indifferent kept coming. Bass karwan yunhi chalta raha (and so my journey continued) ,” Dharam ji once said to me.

Dharmendra was one of Bollywood’s most versatile adventurous and underrated actors. He was always open to challenges. In 1983, he signed on the avant garde director Sai Paranjpye to direct him and Shabana Azmi in a film titled Bichchoo. But the film couldn’t go beyond the first schedule and was shelved. Many years later, Dharam ji’s son Bobby did a film titled Bichchoo. No relation to the other film.

Sholay remains Dharam ji’s most popular film. Strangely, no one thought of bringing together Dharam ji and Mr Bachchan again, except Vijay Anand who signed them together for the flop Ram Balram and Hrishikesh Mukherjee who signed them together in comedic roles for Chupke Chupke.

During his 60-year career, Dharmendra worked with every possible heroine, from Tarla Mehta (Shola Aur Shabnam) to Tamil Nadu’s Iron Lady Jayalalitha (Izzat) to Suchitra Sen (Mamta). But the weirdest pairing of Dharmendra’s career was in a film called Dushman Devta in 1991, where his love interest was Dimple Kapadia, rumoured to be Dharam ji’s son Sunny’s special friend. Dharam Paaji even had a kissing scene with Dimple in this awful film (directed by Rupali ‘Anupama’ Guha’s father Anil Ganguly). The kiss was completely uncalled-for. Dharmendra has never kissed any other heroine in his career until Shabana Azmi in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani.

It is almost impossible to imagine the legendary muscled and macho Dharmendra as old frail and ill. But ill, he was, when I caught up with him for his last interview.

“Beta, when you are my age, anything can happen,” the mighty Dharmendra said softly. “Age and mortality are a truth we must all face. King or pauper everyone has to go. I’ve lived a full life. By the grace of God, all my children are doing well for themselves. Sunny is one of the top stars today. Bobby made a grand comeback with Animal. Esha is doing well for herself. My youngest Ahana is happy in her own world.”

I asked Dharamji if he has any unfulfilled dreams?

“None. None at all. I have got everything I deserved, and a lot more. I was boy from a village in Punjab. Didn’t know the ‘A’ of acting. I was told by producers that I was handsome. A nice face and the blessings of my parents has brought me where I am. The love of my fans is my most precious gift. When I go, I want to be remembered with a smile,” Dharam ji concluded.

It was the last time we spoke. And now he is gone. I recall all my conversations with him, his warmth, humility and gentleness.

When he turned a year older last year, Dharam ji said to me, “The time has just flown by. It seems just the other day when I was this starry-eyed boy from a village in Ludhiana in Mumbai. I have to confess I didn’t have to struggle much to get my first role. Within no time I was facing the camera for my dear friend Arjun Hingorani’s Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, with no experience in acting. I didn’t know where to look when the camera was on. After more than 60 years, I still get so much love from the people of this country! I must have done something right in my last life. The truth is, I feel I have been sent to this earth to spread love. I feel, in one’s life, you get as good as you give. I hope to continue to get my country’s love. I also hope to do some good work in the coming year.”

Just weeks away from his 90^th birthday, Dharmendra has left us. The show will go on. But that disarming smile is gone forever.

Also Read: “Heartbroken” Ajay Devgn joins industry in mourning Dharmendra: “Legend we can never replace”