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Farewell to my absolute Bollywood fave. I haven’t been here in well over a decade, but I had to come and pay my respects to this great man, a colossus of Indian cinema, a well-rounded actor who has left behind a beautiful legacy.
I can’t recall exactly when my fondness for Dharmendra began, but I know The Burning Train had a lot to do with it. It wasn’t my first Dharmendra film, but it was the one that made me fall in love with him. I loved the way he portrayed strength and nobility, courage and kindness.
And I devoured many more of his films over the years, most of which I loved just as much (and even more)… especially the ones from the 1960s and 70s. To name just a few: Anpadh, Bandini, Dil Ne Phil Yaad Kiya, Anupama, Mere Hammam Mere Dost, Satyakam, Izzat, Khamoshi, Jeevan Mrityu, Guddi, Seeta Aur Geeta, Rakhwala, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Chupke Chupke, BlackMail, Sholay, Dillagi… I love them all. The romance, the comedy, the tragedy, the drama, and of course, the thrills and the action… somehow Dharam rocked them with his own unique touch.
Discovering Dharam paa ji opened me up to a wonderful world… not just of fabulous films but beautiful souls.
I started this blog to document my love for him, and along the way I met other “Bolly-bloggers” whose witty comments and unique pages delighted and intrigued me.
One of them became such a dear friend…
Together we visited India for the very first time…
Exploring Jaipur, Agra, Delhi and Mumbai and just enjoying Incredible India together.
I was on the bridal train in her Bollywood themed themed wedding, and we’ve remained close ever since.
I met other Bolly-bloggers too - in London, Atlanta and Toronto, and they were always so warm and kind. Just beautiful people!!
Thank you, Dharmendra.
Shukriya, Gharam Dharam.
For the movies, the moments, the memories. For adding so much colour, depth, warmth and cheer to my Bollywood experience and my life. I hope your loved ones are comforted by the knowledge that you lived long and fully. You will be so dearly missed.
