Did Dharmendra's passing bring Bollywood stars together?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Dharmendra's legacy is deeply rooted in Bollywood history.
- He was recognized with the Padma Bhushan award.
- His career began in the 1960s after a national talent search.
- His passing prompted tributes from numerous industry stalwarts.
- Dharmendra will always be remembered for his versatility in various film genres.
Mumbai, Nov 24 (NationPress) Renowned Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan, alongside stars Aamir Khan and Salman Khan, arrived at the Pawan Hans crematorium to pay their final tributes to actor Dharmendra, who sadly passed away on Monday.
They were seen driving to the crematorium under a strong police presence. Other notable personalities, including actors Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, and Zayed Khan, along with producer Siddharth Roy Kapur, also gathered at the site alongside the bereaved family of the veteran actor.
Dharmendra died at the age of 89 on Monday. He had previously been hospitalized at Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai but was released after showing signs of recovery.
Reports indicate he was on a ventilator due to severe breathing issues. The beloved actor resided at his farmhouse in Khandala with his first wife, Prakash Kaur, having moved there to avoid the escalating pollution in Mumbai. This loss marks another sorrowful moment for Hindi cinema, following the recent passings of actors Pankaj Dheer, Asrani, Satish Shah, and advertising mogul Piyush Pandey last month.
Dharmendra was one of the most cherished and enduring figures in Bollywood. Born in 1935 in Punjab, he began his illustrious career in the early 1960s after being discovered through a national talent hunt competition.
He participated in this competition organized by Filmfare magazine in collaboration with Bimal Roy Productions, winning in 1958 due to his captivating looks and natural charisma. This achievement paved the way for his entrance into the film industry, a similar talent search that later brought forth the superstar Rajesh Khanna.
Quickly ascending to fame, Dharmendra became known for his charming appearance, emotional depth, and effortless on-screen presence. His versatility enabled him to shine in romance, action, and comedy alike. Notable films include ‘Phool Aur Patthar’, which solidified his status as a leading man, and ‘Sholay’, where his portrayal of the witty and lovable Veeru became legendary.
In recognition of his contributions to Indian cinema, Dharmendra was honored with the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India.