What Did Salim Khan Say About His 65-Year Friendship with Dharmendra?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Salim Khan and Dharmendra shared a deep friendship spanning over 65 years.
- Both faced numerous challenges during their careers.
- Dharmendra was recognized for his kindness and strong family values.
- His passing coincided with Salim Khan's 90th birthday.
- Numerous Bollywood celebrities mourned his loss.
Mumbai, Nov 24 (NationPress) The passing of Bollywood icon Dharmendra has plunged both the nation and the film industry into mourning. This cherished actor, remembered fondly by fans and peers alike, was celebrated not only for his talent but also for his kindness and camaraderie.
Among those who shared a special connection with him was acclaimed screenwriter Salim Khan. In a retrospective interview with Lehren TV, Salim Khan reflected on their enduring friendship while visiting the set of the Salman Khan and Kajol film 'Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya'.
Salim Khan reminisced, “We have been acquainted since 1958-1959. Our journeys have been filled with challenges, and we share many experiences.” He praised Dharmendra’s character, stating, “He is an incredible human being. Whenever I needed to cast someone for a role in Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya, my first thought was always of Dharamji. He feels like family, almost like an older brother.”
It is poignant to note that Dharmendra passed away on November 24, which also happened to be Salim Khan's 90th birthday. Together, Salim Khan and Dharmendra, along with writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar and actor Amitabh Bachchan, created the legendary film Sholay. Dharmendra would have celebrated his 90th birthday on December 8 this year.
The beloved star was cremated today, November 24, at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Vile Parle, Mumbai. Numerous Bollywood luminaries, including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Ranveer Singh, and Deepika Padukone, gathered to pay their tributes. Recently, Dharmendra had been hospitalized at Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai but had shown signs of recovery before his untimely death.
He is survived by his first wife, Prakash Kaur, and their four children: Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Ajeta Deol, and Vijayta Deol. Additionally, Dharmendra's second wife, Hema Malini, and their two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol, also grieve his loss.
–IANS