Premium

Dharmendra (1935-2025) | ‘When he punched someone, you could feel it land’: Sudhir Mishra

Dharam ji’s work with Hrishikesh Mukherjee (Chupke Chupke) is amazing. This director-actor partnership worked because Dharmendra was transparent as an actor. He does not obstruct filmmaking by stating his presence: Sudhir Mishra

2 min readNew DelhiNov 25, 2025 07:34 AM IST

Dharmendra dies at 89: ‘When he punched someone, you could feel it land’

Dharmendra with Rekha in Keemat.

When we were growing up, Dharmendra represented the idea of a hero. His persona was that of a gentle but strong person with a beautiful smile that lit up the screen. He acted in a wide range of films — some of which are underrated. He had a flair for comedy and a screen presence that one can’t compete with. The history of Indian cinema can’t be written without someone like him. My favourite movies are Anupama (1966), Satyakam (1969), Chupke Chupke (1975) and Sholay (1975).

Dharam ji’s work with Hrishikesh Mukherjee (Chupke Chupke) is amazing. This director-actor partnership worked because Dharmendra was transparent as an actor. He does not obstruct filmmaking by stating his presence.

As an action hero when he faced a crowd, you believed him. He is a strongman who refused to put up with wrongdoing. When he punched someone, you could feel it land. But he seemed to hit people with a certain amount of regret. There was nothing vicious about it. There was something amiable about him. Now, without him, Hindi cinema is bereft of one of its greats.

Read | The ‘macho’ hero who broke boundaries, gave India both Sholay and Satyakam

He has had a long productive career. Sriram Raghavan’s Ikkis is scheduled to release in December. He was working till his last day. That’s how it should be for a great artiste.

Sudhir Mishra is a filmmaker as told to Alaka Sahani

Alaka Sahani

Alaka Sahani is a prominent film critic and journalist based in Mumbai. With a career spanning over two decades, she has established herself as one of India’s most authoritative voices in cinematic journalism, known for an analytical approach and insights that transcend the standard cycle of celebrity journalism. Expertise & Accolades In 2014, Alaka was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Film Critic. Her Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) citation specifically lauded her for "highlighting facets of cinema beyond glamour and gossip" and for her ability to delve into the contemporary relevance of iconic filmmakers. Her commitment to journalistic integrity was further recognised in 2019 with a Special Mention at the Red Ink Awards for her investigative feature, 'In Search of a Star'. Her article titled 'People Like Us', published in The Indian Express on March 27, 2022, was shortlisted for Red Ink Award, 2023. Global Industry Leadership Alaka’s expertise is sought after by major international and domestic film bodies: Golden Globes: In 2025, she joined the international voting body for the 83rd Annual Golden Globes. National Film Awards: She served on the prestigious jury for the 68th National Film Awards, helping select the finest contributions to Indian cinema. Global Perspective: Her work consistently bridges the gap between commercial Bollywood A-listers and emerging independent talents, offering nuanced insights into both Indian regional cinema and international film trends. Focus & Vision Beyond the screen, Alaka is a dedicated observer of Mumbai’s vibrant theatre scene and the historical evolution of the moving image. Through her long-form articles and deep-dive interviews, she continues to challenge "tried-and-tested" templates, providing readers with a deep understanding of the artistic and systemic workings of the Indian and global film industry. ... Read More

Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.