Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89 today, after a prolonged spell of illness and being treated by doctors. The news caught many of his fans and peers off-guard who were all praying for his speedy recovery for the past few days. Filmfare reached out to Dharmendra’s co-star and celebrated actress Waheeda Rehman. They starred together in multiple films through the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. Such was Waheeda Reman and Dharmendra’s camaraderie that she even featured in Sunny Deol’s early career movie Sunny (1984).
Talking to Filmfare, Waheeda ji revealed lesser-known aspects of Dharmendra’s persona and how he would conduct himself on the sets. His gentlemanly behaviour and a reticent persona were a direct contrast to his on-screen image of being an action hero and a garrulous entertainer. In Waheeda Rehman’s own words…
“Dharam ji was so soft-spoken”
Years ago, I had met him backstage at a Filmfare Awards evening. Though he has a lovely He-Man personality, he was so shy and soft spoken. He came to me shyly and said ‘I’m a from a village, I would like to work with you someday.’ I said, “Inshallah we will.”
“We didn’t speak much on sets”
It’s a funny moment, but the first film I co-starred with Dharamji was Khamoshi (1969). It was a guest appearance as no other hero was willing to do it, so Hemant da asked Dharam to do it. The song Pukar lo tumhara intezaar hai. So you can see Dharam’s back in the song. We also did Phagun (1973) and Man ki Aankhen (1970). He didn’t talk much and I also was very reserved so hum kum hi bola karte the.
Interesting chemistry in Phagun (1973)
I remember in Phagun, my character’s parents insult his character and he leaves in a huff. Years later Jaya (Bhaduri) brings him back. But this isn’t the time to talk about our film careers. I pray for his soul and extend my heartfelt love and condolences to his family.
Also Read: Jaya Bachchan, Waheeda Rehman and Others Attend Kamini Kaushal’s Prayer Meet
