Zeenat Aman's Tribute: How Dharmendra Comforted an Introvert Amid Bollywood Glamour

She also penned a long note in the caption remembering the actor, as she wrote, “I am so sad to learn that the world lost a jewel from the Hindi film industry today. Dharam ji was always amongst my favourite co-stars, and I am blessed to have worked alongside him in a number of movies”.

She further mentioned, “For an introverted personality such as myself, his down to earth demeanour and natural kindness were a warm comfort on set. At times when the pressure, glitz and glam felt horribly garish, there he was with no pretences or guile. A sweet reminder that life is about the real things not the fluff. My heartfelt condolences to his family, may it be of some solace that his legacy is cherished by millions of Indians around the world”.

Dharmendra was one of Bollywood’s most enduring and beloved stars. He was born in 1935 in Punjab, and began his career in the early 1960s, after he was discovered through a talent hunt competition. In the late 1950s, Filmfare magazine, in collaboration with Bimal Roy Productions, organized a nationwide talent contest to find new faces for Hindi cinema.

He entered the competition and was selected as the winner in 1958, chosen for his striking looks and natural charm. This victory opened the door to the film industry for him. The same talent hunt would later go on to discover Rajesh Khanna, one of Hindi cinema’s biggest superstars.

Dharmendra quickly rose to fame with his charming looks, emotional depth, and effortless screen presence. His versatility allowed him to excel in romance, action, and comedy alike. Some of his most iconic films include ‘Phool Aur Patthar’, which established him as a leading man, and ‘Sholay’, where his portrayal of the lovable, witty Veeru became legendary.

Dharmendra was a recipient of Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award of India.

- IANS