Naseeruddin Shah's Tribute: Why Dharmendra Leaves an Impossible Void in Cinema

Naseeruddin Shah has shared a heartfelt tribute to his late colleague Dharmendra on Instagram. He posted a poster from their 1985 film Ghulami, their first collaboration together. Shah described Dharmendra as impossible to replace and cherished the affection he received from the veteran star. The two actors worked on three films together over their long careers in Indian cinema.

Key Points: Naseeruddin Shah Mourns Dharmendra's Passing as Irreplaceable

  • Naseeruddin Shah shared emotional Instagram tribute with Ghulami poster
  • Actors worked together in three films spanning over a decade
  • Dharmendra maintained 60-year stardom with over 300 films
  • Late actor to appear posthumously in war drama Ikkis directed by Sriram Raghavan
2 min read

Naseeruddin Shah: A Dharmendra sized hole is impossible to fill

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah pays emotional tribute to Dharmendra, calling him impossible to replace and recalling their 40-year friendship through films like Ghulami.

"A Dharmendra sized hole is impossible to fill. I treasure the affection I received from him. - Naseeruddin Shah"

Mumbai, Nov 25

Acclaimed actor Naseeruddin Shah expressed his grief on the passing of Dharmendra, calling him irreplaceable and reflecting fondly on their long friendship and professional association.

Naseeruddin took to Instagram, where he shared a poster of the 1985 film Ghulami, where he worked with Dharmendra for the first time. The socio-political drama was directed by J. P. Dutta. It featured the late star Dharmendra played Ranjit Singh Choudhary and Shah portrayed Thakur Sultan Singh.

He wrote in the caption: “This was the first time I met the great man himself, I was privileged to work with him on two other projects besides this one. A Dharmendra sized hole is impossible to fill. I treasure the affection I received from him.”

Naseeruddin added: “Not everyone can claim a 60 year long thoroughly deserved stardom. May he rest in eternal peace. Aameen.”

The two actors also starred together in the 1981 film Naina and the action-adventure Tahalka, which released in 1992.

Dharmendra breathed his last on November 24. He was recently hospitalised at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital after reportedly complaining of breathlessness. After getting the necessary treatment, he was discharged on November 12 and continued his recovery at home.

On the professional front, Dharmendra was last seen in the movie Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya in 2024. The movie starred actors Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon.

The late star will be seen posthumously in the movie 'Ikkis', directed by ace director Sriram Raghavan. It also stars Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia. The movie is a war drama based on the life of Arun Khetarpal, the youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient.

Dharmendra, who was widely considered one of the greatest, most handsome, and most commercially successful film stars in the history of Indian cinema, had a cinematic career spanning over six decades; he has worked in more than 300 films.

Dharmendra held the record for starring in the highest number of hit films in Hindi cinema. He was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2012.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Dharmendra ji was the original He-Man of Bollywood! 300 films and still relevant in 2024 - that's the mark of a true superstar. My grandfather, father, and I all grew up watching his movies. End of an era indeed.
A
Ananya R
The fact that Naseeruddin Shah, known for his intense method acting, respected Dharmendra so much speaks volumes. Two different schools of acting, but mutual respect - that's what true artistry is about.
M
Michael C
As someone who discovered Indian cinema through films like Sholay, Dharmendra's charisma was universal. His comic timing in Chupke Chupke was brilliant! Rest in peace to a true icon.
S
Sarah B
While I respect the sentiment, I wish we could celebrate our living legends more while they're with us. The industry should create more platforms to honor such veterans during their lifetime.
V
Vikram M
Dharmendra was the definition of a complete actor - action, romance, comedy, drama - he excelled in everything. And what humility! Despite being such a huge star, he was always grounded. That's the real legacy.
K
Kavya N
Watching Ghulami with my family is one of my favorite childhood

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