How Did Zeenat Aman Honor Dharmendra's Legacy?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Zeenat Aman shares touching memories of Dharmendra.
- Dharmendra was a beloved figure in Bollywood.
- He won the Padma Bhushan award.
- His legacy continues to inspire millions.
- Authenticity and kindness were hallmarks of his personality.
Mumbai, Nov 24 (NationPress) Esteemed actress Zeenat Aman is expressing her sorrow over the passing of Dharmendra. On Monday, she took to Instagram to share nostalgic images from films they starred in together.
In her heartfelt caption, she wrote, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of a true gem from the Hindi film industry today. Dharam ji has always been one of my cherished co-stars, and I feel fortunate to have collaborated with him on several projects.”
She added, “As someone who tends to be introverted, his genuine demeanor and innate kindness provided a warm sense of comfort during filming. In moments when the spotlight felt overwhelming, he remained sincere and unpretentious, reminding us that life is about authenticity rather than superficiality. My sincere condolences to his family; may they find comfort in knowing his legacy is revered by millions across India.”
Dharmendra was among Bollywood’s most iconic and cherished figures. Born in 1935 in Punjab, he launched his career in the early 1960s after winning a talent search competition. In the late 1950s, Filmfare magazine, alongside Bimal Roy Productions, organized a national talent contest to scout new faces for Hindi cinema.
Dharmendra entered this contest and emerged victorious in 1958, recognized for his captivating looks and natural charisma. This win paved the way for his entry into the film industry, which would later also discover Rajesh Khanna, another major star of Hindi cinema.
With his charming appearance, emotional range, and effortless screen presence, Dharmendra quickly gained fame. His versatility allowed him to shine in romance, action, and comedy. He starred in several legendary films, such as ‘Phool Aur Patthar’, which established him as a leading hero, and ‘Sholay’, where he portrayed the beloved and witty character Veeru.
He was also honored with the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award.