The late veteran actor Dharmendra had a deeply affectionate nickname for his long-time co-star Jaya Bachchan — he called her 'Guddi' on the sets of the 2023 romantic entertainer Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, a term of endearment rooted in their shared cinematic history stretching back over five decades. The heartwarming revelation came during a throwback media interaction, offering a rare glimpse into the warmth between two of Bollywood's most celebrated veterans.

What Dharmendra Said

Director Karan Johar, during the interaction, had asked Dharmendra about reuniting with Jaya Bachchan after many years, noting that she had begun her cinematic journey alongside him and that he still addressed her by the pet name on set. Dharmendra confirmed it simply: 'Yes, I call her Guddi.'

He went on to share a personal memory, recalling that Jaya Bachchan's early photo sessions had taken place at his home. 'Her photo session was at our house, and she was my fan, she used to say. She would tell me the dialogues, this and that. Guddi is a fine actress and when I meet her at home, I enjoy it,' the veteran recalled. He signed off with characteristic warmth: 'She is my Guddi.'

Their Bond on Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, produced by Dharma Productions and Viacom18 Studios, was headlined by Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt. Dharmendra and Jaya Bachchan played the roles of husband and wife in the film, adding a layer of real-life nostalgia to their on-screen dynamic. The supporting cast included Shabana Azmi, Tota Roy Chowdhury, Churni Ganguly, Aamir Bashir, and Kshitee Jog.

The Origin of the Nickname: The 1971 Classic

The nickname 'Guddi' traces directly to the 1971 Hrishikesh Mukherjee directorial of the same name — the film in which Jaya Bachchan made her adult Bollywood debut. In it, she played a schoolgirl infatuated with a film star played by Dharmendra, who appeared as himself. The film became a landmark in Hindi cinema and cemented the two actors' association in public memory.

The two also shared screen space in Samadhi (1972) and Phagun (1973), building a filmography that spanned generations. Guddi was later remade in Tamil as Cinema Paithiyam in 1975, featuring Jayachitra and Jayasankar.

Remembering Dharmendra

Dharmendra, widely regarded as the 'He-Man' of Bollywood, passed away at the age of 89 on 24 November 2025 at his residence in Juhu, Mumbai, following a prolonged illness. His passing marked the end of an era for Hindi cinema. The anecdote about 'Guddi' stands as a small but telling testament to the enduring personal bonds he forged across decades in the industry.