A pall of gloom has descended on India following the demise of legendary actor Dharmendra. One of the most celebrated and successful actors in the history of Bollywood, Dharmendra breathed his last at the age of 89 in Mumbai on Monday, November 24. In an illustrious career spanning six decades, he delivered more hits than superstars like Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, thus leaving behind an unparalleled legacy.
Now, veteran actor Zeenat Aman, who previously called him her “favourite co-star,” has stepped forward to fondly recall her experience working with Dharmendra. Taking to Instagram to share a couple of photos of the two of them together on the sets of the movies they collaborated on, Zeenat shared that the world has lost a jewel 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 wrote.
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Sharing how he inspired her and made her feel at ease while working together, Zeenat noted, “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.”
Check out Zeenat Aman’s post on Dharmendra here:
Having worked together in films such as Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), Dharam Veer (1977), Shalimar (1988), Alibaba Aur 40 Chor (1980), Ram Balram (1980), Katilon Ke Kaatil (1981), Krodhi (1981), Professor Pyarelal (1981), Samraat (1982), and Teen Murti/Jagir (1984), among others, Zeenat Aman has often shared fond memories of Dharmendra. In an old Instagram, she wrote, “Of the many actors I had the privilege of being a costar to, Dharm ji was a favourite. Yes, he was strikingly handsome, but more importantly, he was a down-to-earth gentleman. There were no pretences or airs about him, and that made me feel most comfortable on set.”
She added, “Dharm ji and I starred in a number of films together, including the international heist Shalimar. If you recall, I previously shared that this film was simultaneously shot in English and Hindi to cater to both audiences. Well, Dharm ji required assistance with his English dialogues, and I required help with my Hindi. And so, post the daily shoot, you would find each of us with our respective tutors, studiously running our lines for hours!”
