Aamir Khan on meeting Dharmendra: 'His hand felt like a shovel'
Synopsis
On KBC 18, Aamir Khan recalled the moment a young assistant director shook hands with Dharmendra — and was genuinely frightened. The story is a rare, unscripted window into Bollywood's golden-era culture, and a warm tribute to a legend who passed away in November 2025 at 89.
Key Takeaways
Aamir Khan appeared on Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18 alongside Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta .
He recalled his first meeting with Dharmendra at filmmaker Nasir Hussain's office, opposite Mehboob Studio in Mumbai .
Aamir, then a young assistant director, described Dharmendra's handshake as feeling 'like a shovel' — leaving him startled.
Dharmendra passed away on 24 November 2025 in Mumbai at the age of 89 , after a career of over six decades and 300+ films .
The late actor's connection to Nasir Hussain included their collaboration on the 1973 film Yaadon Ki Baaraat .
Bollywood star Aamir Khan recently shared a vivid memory of his first encounter with the late Dharmendra, describing the legendary actor's handshake as both overwhelming and unforgettable. The anecdote emerged during Aamir's appearance on the quiz reality show Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18, where he joined Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta on the hot seat.
The Story Behind the First Handshake
Aamir recalled that the chance meeting took place at filmmaker Nasir Hussain's office in Mumbai, located directly opposite the iconic Mehboob Studio. At the time, Aamir was working as an assistant director — a far cry from the superstardom that would follow.
Dharmendra was a frequent visitor to Nasir Hussain's office, given their close bond and shared history on the 1973 blockbuster Yaadon Ki Baaraat. On one such visit, Aamir found himself face to face with the He-Man of Bollywood for the very first time.
What Aamir Said on KBC 18
Recounting the moment on the show, Aamir said: 'Sir, can I tell you a story? The first time I met Dharam ji, I was sitting in Nasir sahab's office, right opposite Mehboob Studio. Dharam ji was very close to Nasir sahab and had also worked with him in Yaadon Ki Baaraat, so actors would often come to meet him.'
He continued: 'One day, Dharam ji suddenly walked in. I was an assistant, so I stood up, and Chachajaan introduced me — Dharam ji, this is my nephew, Aamir. I shook hands with Dharam ji. His hand was like a shovel, and when I shook it, I actually got scared. Whose hand is this big, and so rough? I swear, my first thought was about Sunny and Bobby.'
The remark drew laughter from the audience, with Aamir's reference to Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol — both seated nearby — adding to the warmth of the moment.
Remembering Dharmendra
Dharmendra, widely celebrated as the He-Man of Bollywood for his imposing physicality and magnetic screen presence, passed away in Mumbai on 24 November 2025 at the age of 89. His career spanned more than six decades and included over 300 films.
After his debut in 1960, he went on to deliver iconic performances in films such as Phool Aur Patthar, Sholay, Satyakam, Chupke Chupke, and Mera Gaon Mera Desh. In his final years, he appeared in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, and Ikkis.
A Tribute Wrapped in Affection
Aamir's anecdote was less a celebrity story and more a tribute — the kind that captures a legend not through awards or box-office numbers, but through the memory of a handshake that left a young assistant director genuinely startled. As Bollywood continues to process Dharmendra's absence, moments like these keep his larger-than-life persona alive in the industry's collective memory.
Point of View
Where a young assistant director could find himself shaking hands with the He-Man of Hindi cinema in a cramped office opposite Mehboob Studio. That world is gone, and Aamir's memory is one of its last living dispatches.
NationPress
13 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Aamir Khan say about his first meeting with Dharmendra?
Aamir Khan said that when he first met Dharmendra as a young assistant director at filmmaker Nasir Hussain's office, the veteran actor's hand felt 'like a shovel' — so large and rough that it left Aamir genuinely startled. He shared the anecdote on Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18.
Where did Aamir Khan and Dharmendra first meet?
The two first met at filmmaker Nasir Hussain's office in Mumbai, located directly opposite the iconic Mehboob Studio. Dharmendra was a frequent visitor there given his close friendship with Hussain and their collaboration on Yaadon Ki Baaraat.
When did Dharmendra pass away?
Dharmendra passed away on 24 November 2025 in Mumbai at the age of 89. He had a career spanning more than six decades and appeared in over 300 films.
Who was Aamir Khan on KBC 18 with?
Aamir Khan appeared on Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18 alongside actors Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta, all three sharing the hot seat together.
What was Dharmendra's connection to filmmaker Nasir Hussain?
Dharmendra and Nasir Hussain shared a close personal and professional bond. The two collaborated on the 1973 film Yaadon Ki Baaraat, and Dharmendra was a regular visitor to Hussain's Mumbai office.
